Evaluation Methodology The purpose of the program is to serve the specialty graphics industry with an objective, central source of information on the subject of direct to garment inkjet imaging devices. This is achieved by providing consistent digital imaging equipment information, tested and verified by representatives of SGIA. Manufacturer Participation Participation by equipment manufacturers is voluntary. Evaluations can take place at either a manufacturer showroom, where the equipment can be set up under favorable conditions, or at the facility of a user of the equipment, where a manufacturer representative or experienced operator can use the machine. An SGIA representative, serving as test observer, conducts timing and measurement. Operation of the machine is left to a qualified equipment operator provided/recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Equipment that is not operating as expected will not be tested at that time, and reporting on that unit/model will not take place, until the unit is again fully operable. Testing Criteria/Procedures Each equipment model evaluated is tested on the following points: Description of Machine A short, narrative description of the machine is included. This information is provided by the equipment manufacturer. Specifications Details machine height, width, depth, weight, footprint size and country of manufacture. Photos of the machine are also included in the report document. Print Width/Print Dimensions Details are provided for a number of criteria, including maximum print size, maximum platen height adjustment, and adjustment method (manual/auto). Number of Colors/Print Heads The number of colors is listed in this section. For instance, CMYK would designate a device running standard process colors. Colors in addition to CMYK will be specifically noted here. Ink The type of ink used by the device tested and the delivery mechinism (bulk or cartridge). The number of colors and the onboard ink volume per color is listed as is the cost for OEM ink, or that which is recommended for the unit by the manufacturer. Cost of ink is listed as cost per ink package (if sold in liters, 500 ml cartridges, etc.). Cure temperature and cure duration for the ink are also included. Printing Resolutions This section of the report describes the common resolution modes of the output device, and describes them either by the manufacturerís name for the mode (e.g. ìfine artî or ìproductionî). If possible, the actual resolution of the mode is also presented (e.g. 720 x 720 dpi). Activities for Standard Routine Maintenance A listing is presented, showing standard routine maintenance activities that should be performed on the machine on a regular, scheduled basis. Time to complete each activity and recommended frequency are also included. Examples include cleaning and capping station maintenance, oiling, and other routine maintenance items. RIP Availability/Compatibility Each report includes a listing of RIP software packages that support use of the machine, as well as the cost, where possible, for the software packages. Print Speeds for Bi-Directional Printing Print times are recorded for a standardized print size in each basic mode offered by the device (e.g. draft, production, high quality). Both resolution and speed are reported. Time measurement begins when printing begins and ends when printing is complete. Timing does not include head or printer initialization which typically occurs at the beginning of each print. This measurement does not include RIP time. Results are outlined in a table showing the resolution used, the print mode (uni/bi directional),time to print, and image size. Color Gamut Using a popular garment and operating outside of color management tools, the machine printed either a Gretag TC-9.18 RGB color target, or an ECI2002CMYK test chart. The swatches are then scanned and evaluated using an Eye One Pro Portable Spectrophotometer to build a model of the machine's color gamut. A visual model of the machine's inherent color gamut is presented, along with comparisons to both Adobe RGB and US Web SWOP v2 color spaces. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price The suggested retail price of the machine is listed here. Please note that purchase prices are often subject to negotiation. Optional Machine Features Many devices come with options that serve to differentiate that specific piece of equipment from comparable machines within the same class. Common options may include white ink upgrage, platent size options (child, sleeve, etc.), alternative substrate options (golf balls, key chains, etc). In this section, optional features are listed, and a list price for each feature is included. Reporting of Service/Warranty Package A description of the machine's associated service warranty package is included in this section, along with any additional fees for extending such a service. Description of Training & Service Structure The training and service structure used to help support and maintain the digital device is described here, along with any fees associated with the service. Print Head This section includes the manufacturer, model, and number of print heads used. It also describes the type of print head, and the number of nozzles. Though difficult to quantify, based on the use of the machine, an estimated print head life is presented. Also — and importantly — the cost of replacement heads is also included here, as print heads should be considered as equipment consumables. Power, Venting & EHS Requirements In order to portray electrical, ventilation and environmental, safety and health considerations that may be made by users of the machine, issues such as requirements for electrical power, compressed air, venting, safe workplace considerations and safety/environmental compliance are addressed. Company Contact Contact information, including mail address, phone number and Web site of manufacturer allows easy company contact for additional questions. Print Samples The final section of the report includes elements of high-resolution scans of test prints produced during the equipment evaluation process. The images, created in the machine's highest resolution print mode, include color gradation bars for process and "built" colors, a test for highlight and shadow detail, images featuring common "memory color" and flesh tones, and plain and reversed text ranging from one to fourteen points in height.