QUOTE(patrick @ Oct 23 2005, 11:50 AM) [snapback]63[/snapback]
Anyone out there looking at the 2500? Since it is just a sped up 2100+, I'm curious if its worth it?
The clear toner and RGB toners would be nice to add, but the subtrate issues and color quality are concerns.
Also, does anyone have any input on how much maintenence is truely required to keep the 2100+/2500 running?
Also, what are your impressions of the RIP that Kodak provides? Does it process the files fast and with consistent results?
Hello all,
I've been running a Nexpress 2100 for a year now, and our operation has put out 6,000,000 A4 images on our Nexpress in the first 11 months since installation was completed. We have the 5th module (clear and Red stations), but now just use the clear station for coating, although we dont have the Nexglosser. The CMYK build reproduced our house color accurately, so there was no need to use the 5th color to enhance the spot color.
Substrates? While I cant be sure, I'd say the Nexpress has the largest catalog of "qualified" substrates in the business, qualified meaning the stock has been submitted to Kodak to be tested for compatibility, and then a script produced with the optimum settings for best results on the machine. However, you can run other stocks, and have the ability in the DFE to produce your own substrate scripts for those stocks. however digital stocks do produce the best results, and climate and humidity control in the environment where the stock is stored is critical. This is the case with any stock that is run through any type of digital color equipment.
Color quality? Reproduction of 4 color photos are terrific in my opinion, but printing with large areas of screens can be problematic. A lot depends on the design of the piece, and I think there is a design guide for designing for the Nexpress. The "busier" the piece, the better, IMHO. This could be discussed at much greater length, I guess.
Maintenance? At first, the maintenance requirements seem like a lot, but you will quickly learn to do them, and depending on your schedule and workflow, will know what really needs to be done, and when. All of the routine maintenance tasks are easily completed by the operator, and even some of the more complicated Field Engineer repairs can be done by an experienced operator.
The RIP? Depends on how much variable data printing you want to do, and how complicated the files or the number of VDP records. You can add two secondary nodes to boost the RIP on this machine, if needed, I'm not sure about the next generation. We've never had a problem with ours, but we have found out it helps to split large output VDP files into smaller ones. Ordinary jobs, depending on how well the PDF was produced and the size , will rip in just a few seconds on our machine.
I like the fact the new Nexpress generation will handle a larger paper size. If it was my machine, I would run the max sheet size on everything, it is easier on the ORC's. (Operator Replaceable Components, such as Imaging cylinders, Blanket cylinders, Fuser rollers, etc.), resulting in longer life, more productivity, and reduced cost.
Hope this is some help,
Tom