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(October 2006) posted on Sun Oct 22, 2006

A grand-format printer for all-size shops

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By Chris Morrison, Kathi Morrison

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Clearly an odd convergence permeates the digital-printing world. Only a few years ago, for example, the widest-format printer you'd see in a small-to-medium-size signshop would range between 60 and 72 in. — not quite wide enough to qualify as true grand format. For larger work, the grand-format guys had everything to themselves.

Approximately two years ago, manufacturers of traditional, wide-format printers penetrated the grand-format field by offering printers that could handle 100-in. or larger media, at prices that wouldn't break the bank. To some extent, the field was being leveled; however, these new "baby grands" weren't built for a production shop's demands, but for the occasional ultra-wide print. Basically, they were scaled-up versions of existing printers.

Roland DGA Corporation helped pioneer compact, grand-format printers. Obviously, the company recognized the market for a durable, production-type, grand-format printer. It also saw the benefits of printing with environmentally friendly solvent inks rather than standard solvent types. Its research said many shops would like to produce wide output as a primary product, but couldn't afford a $250,000 purchase price.

Its engineers went to work, and, at the ISA's Sign Expo 2006, Roland offered its industrial-strength AdvancedJet AJ-1000, a 100-in.-wide printer built to produce grand-format prints with reduced operator intervention.

Oh yes, it offers such performance for $69,995. So, if this interesting, stick with us and we'll tell you more.

Specifications

When we first saw the AJ-1000, we weren't sure it was Roland's printer. It's a big beast, and the cowling's color was now a dark, charcoal color, instead of Roland's normal gray. Looking more closely at the specification sheet, we learned the AJ-1000 is a very different animal.

So, just how big is it? If you think the 169 3⁄8-in.-wide x 43 7⁄8-in.-deep x 55 11⁄16-in.-high printer is one that you and a couple of buddies can install, think again. The printer and stand weigh a hefty 1,319 lbs. This isn't just another stretched inkjet; it's the real deal.

Solvent-based printers require a media heating/drying unit. On the AJ-1000, heating occurs in three stages — prior to, during and after printing. You'll need two, 200- to 240VAC, 50/60Hz power sources, one for the printer and one for the heater/dryer. Each unit draws 10 amps. The operating-temperature range is 68 to 90° F; humidity should range between 35 and 85%, non-condensing.