The Evolution of Industrial Printing: Navigating Through Equipment and Cost
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When discussing the latest features in the industrial printing sector, the question often arises: Does Arco incorporate this particular feature? It's undeniably valuable, but it introduces complexity and invariably pushes up the cost. But let's delve deeper into the world of industrial printing to understand the giants in this industry and the innovations they bring to the table.
Cornea: The Dominant Force
Having owned the market for almost two decades, Cornea has established itself as a stalwart in the realm of industrial-grade equipment. Their machinery, which starts at a quarter million dollars for refurbished units and peaks at 1.5 million, is often seen as the gold standard. An average Cornea machine costs between $500,000 and $700,000.
The USP of Cornea lies in its pretreatment process, distinctively different from its competitors. Instead of the commonplace system utilized by most, Cornea employs a unique liquid pretreatment, integrated within the machine itself. This means a shirt can be loaded, processed, and removed, all in one go, eliminating any external pretreatment steps.
Competitors on the Horizon
On the other side, we have machines like the MNR Maverick. Manufactured by C and Top in China, they have a unique approach, involving transfer machines to flatten the print. However, concerns arise about the intensity of heat affecting the print heads, casting doubts over its practicality.
Companies like Cheetah from California and Aun from Austria have also thrown their hats in the ring. While Aun produces impeccable prints, its external pretreatment process requires additional workflow setups. If one is considering Aun, be prepared for continuous pretreating due to the DuPont type systems they employ.
The New Wave: High Output Machines
In recent years, we've seen a rise in high output machines. The MNR Polaris is a notable example, boasting two digital squeegees and a rapid spray system for pretreatment. However, potential buyers should be wary of the calcium chloride used for pretreatment, known for its corrosive properties, especially in colder regions.
For its price range, the Polaris is relatively affordable at $850,000, but that's still a considerable investment. There's also the Oval Jet, a machine constructed in Texas, which was the pioneer in oval technology.
The Contemporary Market
In this landscape, the Rock and Polaris systems are gaining traction, with companies like Delta Apparel incorporating the latter into their operations. Another mention-worthy name in the industry is Steaks, a Cleveland-based company. They specialize in high-end, high-volume contract DTG, relying on machines like Cornea Vulcans, priced at around a million dollars each.
The Future: Print Customization
When comparing traditional printing methods with these advanced machines, the clear advantage lies in the ability to produce variable data. The potential to create custom one-offs or limited prints signifies the future direction of the industry. With machines now capable of churning out hundreds of customized prints, the realm of industrial printing is poised for a dynamic shift.
In conclusion, the industrial printing sector is undergoing rapid changes with advancements in technology and evolving market needs. While high costs remain a barrier, the unparalleled quality and efficiency these machines offer make them a worthy investment for businesses eyeing growth and differentiation in a competitive market. For those seeking cutting-edge innovations in printing, troubleshooting assistance, or simply needing to restock on printing supplies, make your next stop www.bchtechnologies.com. From regular printer refills to specialized supplies for sublimation and DTF printing, we have it all. Dive deeper into the world of printing by visiting our YouTube channel, Kevin at BCH. With an array of informative videos, Kevin's expertise is just a click away, ready to guide you through any challenge you might face in the printing realm. If you're in the area or planning a visit, drop by and see us in Greensboro, North Carolina!