The purpose of the program is to serve the specialty graphics industry with an objective, central source of information on the subject of large format inkjet imaging devices. This is achieved by providing consistent digital imaging equipment information, tested and verified by representatives of SGIA.
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.
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 roll width, maximum media width, maximum rigid media size and maximum rigid media print size, as well as maximum media thickness. These last three criteria are specifically for flatbed or hybrid inkjet devices.
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. Also, this section will include when possible, the number of print heads per color, and the brand of print head utilized in the machine.
Ink Cost
Cost is reported 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.).
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 time to complete head purge, ink change, head alignment, cleaning station maintenance.
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.
UV Lamp Intensity Settings
For output devices using ultraviolet curing systems, this section provides a description of the machineís curing system, and provides information on user adjustment and control of the system.
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 machine receives complete file and ends when print is complete. This measurement does not include RIP time. Results are outlined in a table showing name of the print mode, resolution at that mode, time to print, and square feet per hour.
4x8 foot Boards per Hour (BPH)
Used specifically for flatbed and hybrid equipment evaluations, this calculation reports print speed using 4x8 foot sheets or foam board (or a similar product) as a unit of measure.
Print Availability/Throughput Calculation
This section determines and reports the machineís printing availability, over a one week period (168 hours), minus time needed for daily or weekly routine maintenance (e.g. the printer is available for production printing 86% of the time).
Theoretical Throughput
Using the throughput calculation described above, throughput calculations are created to reflect hourly, daily and weekly throughput resulting from each print mode. This calculation assumes continuous, bi-directional printing. Results are reflected in square feet per hour.
Color Gamut
Using a standardized, profiled media product 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 either an Eye One Pro or an ICColor, to build a model of the machine's color gamut. A visual model of the machineís inherent color gamut is presented, along with comparisons to both Adobe RGB and US Web SWOP v2 color spaces.
Manufacturerís Suggested Retail Price
The suggested retail price of the machine is listed here. Please note that purchase prices are often subject to negotiation, and may be adjusted based on ink consumption or other factors.
Optional Machine Features
Many digital output devices come with options that serve to differentiate that specific piece of equipment from comparable machines within the same class. Common features may include flatbeds with optional roll-to-roll capabilities, opaque white ink or varnish, or materials handling (take on/take off) capabilities. 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 machineís associated service warranty package is included in this section, along with the list price for 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 the price of the service. Also, the organization of the service structure is briefly described, in order to present a view of the complexity and capability of the manufacturerís support network.
Print Head Expected Life/Cost to Replace
Though difficult to quantify, based on the use of the machine, an estimated print head life is presented, using time (hours, days, years, etc.) as a quantifying factor. 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 Comments
SGIA allows the equipment manufacturer to make a statement about the printing device in this section. Mentions any important equipment features or details not covered in the report.
Company Contact
Contact information, including mail address, phone number and Web site of manufacturer allows easy company contact for additional questions.
