Found a good deal on a hardly used HP Designjet 3500 CP, and just wanted to get opinions on this machine.
Does anyone use it? How durable are the UV inks? Would I be able to do vehicle wraps (I know I need a laminator)
Any input would be appreciated.
This would be my first, and only large format printer, and I would most likely be getting it for less than $500
Thanks!!
Posted by Brian Ooms (Member # 487) on :
Nobody?
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
it seems like a similar printer to my ENCAD 736. I WOULD NOT DO WRAPS WITH IT!!!!! but for INDOOR or short term(6 months to 12 months)OUTDOOR, with lam.........is about all you can expect from it. you can make money with it, and it can save you some time.
[ July 11, 2009, 02:54 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
Posted by Brian Ooms (Member # 487) on :
I figured outdoor durability to ba about a year with lamination, would be good for banners and such right?
HP has UV inks they say are good for about a year outside, but I am a bit skeptical since they are still dye pigmented inks.. Thought maybe I could upgrade it to a Mutoh, or a Prismjet later on...
Posted by Darcy Baker (Member # 8262) on :
I have a designjet 5500. It's a good printer but I only use it for art giclee prints. If you want a printer for exterior signage save up for a more appropriate printer which works on uncoated vinyl.HP inks are expensive.Don't expect to get much for it if you plan to upgrade to a different printer.Hope this helps.The inks are fine but the media coating will separate even with lamination on exterior applications.
[ July 12, 2009, 09:26 AM: Message edited by: Darcy Baker ]
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Brian,
The HP 3500 is a good, aqueous inkjet printer.
The UV inks are great for archiving prints and indoor displays, but they do not last long outdoors. I've had prints start to fade in less than a month in Las Vegas sun - with UV, pressure sensitive, laminate applied.
I wouldn't say no to the printer if it's a really good deal, but I would not plan to use it for anything outdoors.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Bob Boyd (Member # 2500) on :
I think the print speed is also painfully slow. We had a 2500 CP years ago and the 3500 was the next model.
Posted by Mike O'Neill (Member # 470) on :
I had one, first wide format printer I had. The inks were very expensive and it would print only on coated vinyls which were also very expensive. The print life was ~reasonable with UV inks and lamination, print quality was good. But it's not something I would even consider for vehicle wraps. And price-wise you wont be able to compete with the solvent based printers that dominate the market now
Resale value on these machines is zilch, I took mine to the dump 4 months ago... including about $1200 worth of media and inks
