You can find a list about previous articles here: https://www.fantasio.info/p/blog.html
Today I wanted to write a review about the new 44" Printer that I purchased last week.
If you are in the process of researching Wide or Large Format Printers, check out this previous article:
http://www.fantasio.info/2015/06/101-guide-to-digital-painting-hardware.html
One obstacle I face as a digital artist is that I can't compare my reproductions to an original. I can go the perceptual calibration route because no one except me knows what a piece has to look like. If you are a photographer or traditional artist with existing physical works, you should look up hardware calibration methods and workflows.
When researching the topic for a new printer, I made a list of what is important for me / the Art-Printer:
- The printer has to have fade resistant inks at least 100 years
- It has to support canvas or material up to 500gsm
- The prints have to be in reproducible quality
- The gamut has to be as close to Adobe RGB 1998 as possible
- The printer does not have to be super fast / up to 200 prints A1 per month is fine
- The inks have to be pigmented not dye based
- The printheads have to be replaceable
- 8 colors including light colors and at least two blacks is fine
- It should be easy to use and setup and not too heavy for two people to carry
- Densitometer is nice to have
- Spectrophotometer is nice to have
This list above helped me to identify an "Art Printer" as per the definition of the requirements of a good lasting art print of archival quality. The Z6 Designjet fulfilled 10 out of 11 points from above.
For me canvas printing was a biggie because that is my main business.
For me canvas printing was a biggie because that is my main business.
I work with HP printers for 16 years now and never had trouble, but I also looked left and right this time. One important thing for me was to be able to transport the printer upstairs with 2 people. With Canon or Epson printers that would be impossible because a comparable Epson printer weighs nearly 300 pounds.
Another valid criteria for me was the number of inks, the warranty and the price.
With the new line of Printers, the Z6 and Z9, HP reduces the number of ink cartridges to about 6 respectively 9 for the 12 inks systems.
As much as fade-resistant-inks go, there is no big difference between Canon, HP and Epson. They all last around 100 years in daylight and around 200 years in a dark archive.
So far the theory, here is my experience so far. The blog will be updated with occurring issues or experiences.
Unboxing and Setting up
My new printer is now a Designjet Z6 which is brand new so to speak, the model was introduced just 2 months earlier and is the direct successor to the Z2100 / Z3100 / Z3200 Designjets. |
| Unboxing and setting up the Designjet Z6 |
All in all it took around 2 hours from unboxing to setting up and installing the Firmware update. The digital setup process is very intuitive.
One thing that stands out is the roll-cover on the back.
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| Image from HP of a 6Zdr with two rolls as example |
When opening the cover, the current roll will automatically be ejected and the printer waits for new material to be installed. That is a huge update from the Z2100 where you have to manually eject and roll up the spindle!
Another thing that I found is the flat design on top. Together with the Roll cover it makes totally sense because you can also use the printer as table for printouts. Older models were shorter and when printing further you would have to remove the prints from the cover, now you can collect them on top and still print which is a neat extra for sure!
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| Designjet Z6 Cover table for printouts |
Quality review
I have done a few prints now with the Z6 and I can really say there is no visible difference between the Z6 that uses 6 Colors and the Z2100 with 8 colors in terms of quality. Heck I even switched from Best quality / Max. Detail / More passes - to just "Normal" and the prints are still as good as with the Z2100!
There is a small difference that I found and I assume that to be the HP Pixel Control pipeline of the Z6 that enhances the contrasts and detail in each print because compared to the Z2100 whose prints look a bit blurry especially on parts that should be crisp.
How much of a good thing this is has to be seen, so far I find it is enhancing the images and it is nothing to bother about.
There is a small difference that I found and I assume that to be the HP Pixel Control pipeline of the Z6 that enhances the contrasts and detail in each print because compared to the Z2100 whose prints look a bit blurry especially on parts that should be crisp.
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| Left DJ Z6 / Right DJ Z2100 Canvas Print unaltered file, just sharpened and resized for web. You can right-click and "open link in new tab" to view a bigger image of this. |
How much of a good thing this is has to be seen, so far I find it is enhancing the images and it is nothing to bother about.
So far, the startup speed, setup and especially the prints satisfy. With little perceptual calibration the prints came out all as good as with the Z2100 reference and that makes the switch easier than expected.
One other nice feature is that the Designjet Z6 also cuts canvas because that is what the Z2100 did not do. Ever.
It is said that this only works with HP Canvas, and according to HP the blade may last 4000 meters with canvas (8000 with paper). So if it is non HP Canvas it lasts a while even if the blade just works for 3000m.
One other nice feature is that the Designjet Z6 also cuts canvas because that is what the Z2100 did not do. Ever.
It is said that this only works with HP Canvas, and according to HP the blade may last 4000 meters with canvas (8000 with paper). So if it is non HP Canvas it lasts a while even if the blade just works for 3000m.
Another nice feature is that the printheads are not color encoded, which means you can buy one printhead and replace any printhead with that because they will be color encoded when installed.
One thing I yet have to test is the Print-from-USB option. A nice thing for batch printing is the software HP-Click. On another note the Postscript option is embedded with all printers of this series. In the past it was a costly additional extra. I don't need it because my work is Raster-based. If you work with typography, graphics or vectors, this might be very good news to you.
In terms of quality I can say that the promise that the new system replaces 8 color printers without loss of quality is not overhyped but true. Most of the technologic advantages are under the hood and not always to be seen on the screen or surface, nearly as with a new "iPhone" for example, it looks similar as the old one but the extra power and features is something you will recognize.
Having only 300ml ink cartridge is a bit heavy at first if you are used to the 130ml cartridges, but usually HP cartridges can last up to 3 years without loss of warranty so that is a manageable size and timeframe to work with. Actually that means with twice the price of the 130ml cartridges you will get twice the material plus 40ml extra.
Additionally, if you can save ink cartridges with no real setback and the printheads can handle 4096 shades per color to replace light colors, now that is a step forward in my opinion.
My experience with HP was good throughout the years and that is my reason to stick with them. I'm confident this positivity will continue. I can recommend the Designjet Z6 to digital artists as also traditional artists (because it can print from a usb stick) and graphic artists alike. If you are a photographer, you might want to check out the Z9 instead.
One thing I yet have to test is the Print-from-USB option. A nice thing for batch printing is the software HP-Click. On another note the Postscript option is embedded with all printers of this series. In the past it was a costly additional extra. I don't need it because my work is Raster-based. If you work with typography, graphics or vectors, this might be very good news to you.
Conclusion
For the price and its class, the Printer is a heavy duty machine geared towards the workload of 150 -300 A1 prints a month. It comes with lots of design features that you might embrace before you know you will.In terms of quality I can say that the promise that the new system replaces 8 color printers without loss of quality is not overhyped but true. Most of the technologic advantages are under the hood and not always to be seen on the screen or surface, nearly as with a new "iPhone" for example, it looks similar as the old one but the extra power and features is something you will recognize.
Having only 300ml ink cartridge is a bit heavy at first if you are used to the 130ml cartridges, but usually HP cartridges can last up to 3 years without loss of warranty so that is a manageable size and timeframe to work with. Actually that means with twice the price of the 130ml cartridges you will get twice the material plus 40ml extra.
Additionally, if you can save ink cartridges with no real setback and the printheads can handle 4096 shades per color to replace light colors, now that is a step forward in my opinion.
My experience with HP was good throughout the years and that is my reason to stick with them. I'm confident this positivity will continue. I can recommend the Designjet Z6 to digital artists as also traditional artists (because it can print from a usb stick) and graphic artists alike. If you are a photographer, you might want to check out the Z9 instead.
If you are looking for a Wide Format Printer
Take your time
I consider my self technologic affine but still it took me some days to wade through piles of technical specs to find the relevant information. For someone not into this matter, it might take weeks if not months to understand the differences between 10 printers or types and what that means for their daily routine.
There is a website called hpplotter-co.uk and they have a list with obsolete models and successors. Through that site I found that the Z2100 (which troubled me) is obsolete since about 2 years. If HP is your brand of choice, this site could help you a bit.
There is a website called hpplotter-co.uk and they have a list with obsolete models and successors. Through that site I found that the Z2100 (which troubled me) is obsolete since about 2 years. If HP is your brand of choice, this site could help you a bit.
4 /6 / 8 / 9 / 12 colors what to choose and why?
I think there is no need to argue that 8 colors are better than 4 in digital printing.
However, for the best quality the number of inks is just one parameter of many. I'd go as far as saying you don't need more than 8 colors (or 6 with the HP DJ Z6) because 12 colors just increase the cost and slows down the printing process for maybe 10% better quality that only 1% of people can really appreciate. More information about that matter here.
Research known issues
There are always series-specific issues. For new printers some issues could be resolved, some new might appear. This always happen and is kind of Russian-roulette with technology. Ask in forums if you consider to get a used LFP-printer. Some printers require weekly cleaning of the printheads in order to prevent drying out. Others have issues with certain paper types etc.
Buy a used one?Of course I could go and buy a used one. I did that too with my first 44" printer a Designjet Z2100 and it also turned out to be the best choice ever. But to be honest, I was also super lucky to have 3 years without any errors or trouble. And now one minor trouble that I was able to handle myself in order to have a working printer again.
My main reason for not going the "used"-route was because the Z2100 as also the others Z3100 /Z3200 Z2600 and Z5600 are obsolete and not or soon not supported anymore. Which means technically a service and spare parts will be still available, but secondary market for inks might raise prices in the near future.
On the contrary, the Z6 is so new, there is no used printer out yet, when I needed it.
So in my case I could have bought 2-3 used Z2100's for the same price, but I believe it did not get me anywhere in a better spot. Especially if I want to invest in better quality of my output in the long run, which was and is a promise to my customers.
You see, there is a lot to take into consideration and that also means affinity towards a brand or past experiences.
I hope this article has helped you. Let me know if you have some questions regarding the mentioned printers or the topic in a comment.
Thank you for taking your time to write this informative post.
ReplyDeleteFor the entry level Z6 where cutting isn't vertically possible - how do you do your cuts and do you laminate if so how have you gotten on with the 2-3 step process with this machine.
Also have you had any issues leaving the machine for weeks without the inks drying?
Thanks again.
Hi,
ReplyDeletethanks for reading and the questions.
As for the cutting, I have a wide-format cutter, that works well for any medium so far.
I do Spray-Finish the prints with a UV coat. The workflow is more than a 3 step process with mounting on canvas and packaging, depending on requirements, but the machine is so fast, the printing is the least time-intensive task.
As for the last question, I have rarely more than a week without printing, but so far I had 0 issues. I never had any issues with drying inks with any large format HP printer, the z2100 that also works till today has had 4-6 weeks without printing and it takes up a job as if nothing had happened with inks that are out of warranty.
I hope this helps,
Best regards
Hello. I'm torn between the Z9 and the Z6 at the minute. I'd be saving a good chunk on the Z6 model but would the difference in print quality be that noticeable to 90% of people?
ReplyDelete@Unknown, The thing is that the Z9 has Colormatching hardware calibration built in like the z2100 / Z3200 Series had. It is useful when creating your own material-ICC Profiles. I can use that feature from my Z2100.
ReplyDeleteBut you can use any other calibration suite or solution that can do the trick as well. From a quality standpoint, there is virtually no difference between the Z6 and the Z2100 which uses 8 colors. If the Vertical Cutting and the calibration option is a needed Feature, I'd go with the Z9. I'd also go with the Z9 when I will need a new Printer for Paper prints, maybe. A reason against that are the 3 additional inks that have to be purchased even if not necessary like (gloss-enhancer on matte paper)...
Awesome art. Love your work
ReplyDeleteHi Oliver! I am trying to expand my shop and I have been looking into the Epson SureColor p7000 but my printer guy really wants me to get the Z6. It seems like a lot of artists go with the Epson but there's a great deal of risk if the machine breaks. Could you give me any advice?
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot to consider and it is hard to give advice or favor one over the other. If color-profiling is important I'd rather get the Z9 instead of the Z6. The Epson p7000 is a great printer too but uses 700ml cartridges that will set you back 2k for one backfilling. If you are printing a lot that makes sense. However the "one-printhead-for-life" approach of Epson can backfire if you have no 5-years-next-day-service and that makes it a bit more expensive as it would need to be.
There are lots of good points on both printers and it needs a clear consideration as to what is more important, that leads to the right decision and the right printer.
Dear Oliver,
ReplyDeleteFist of all I thank you for sharing us your knowledge and experience through the web, for people like me who are very begginers on plotters and big format printing, this type of articles are really useful.
I am considering to buy a Z6 as my first printer for my first ever printing center. I barely have the money to buy the 44", and I am very excited but I have a few questions that have me worried, and these are:
1) I want to buy it to print mainly B1 format size in full color on adhesive paper, but I have no clue regarding ink efficiency, how much B0 sizes can I print before needed to change all the ink cartridges?
2) The reason why I am worried, is because to change all the cartridges cost about $ 1,000 US dollars, and I need to understand the cost per printing on B0 adhesive paper in full color in order to know if I will have a competitive
3) I know that is not that easy to make costs estimations, but maybe you can give me a reference with your usual format size you print and with you frequency of inks changeover.
I really thank you for all your articles, are great for me!!
Regards
Eldin Leonardo
leonardoeldin@gmail.com
Dear Eldin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment and questions.
IT is of course a costly investment, especially right now, where everything is more expensive than ever.
For B1 or B0 you definitely need the 44", the 24" version allows only up to B3 or A1+.
The ink usage differs a lot, on my work it varies between 4,00 ml up to 15 ml per print on best quality / Canvas in a median size of A1. Now you can do the math.
It is also possible and better to buy cartridges single than in a pack because the usual price for a single cartridge is around 110-120 € and can drop to under 90€ on a single day. So it makes sense to have a price-search-engine looking for the cartridges and notify you when it is a good time to buy one. Having 300ml per cartridge usually gives me enough time to find a good offer.
So far I'd say the z6 still brings a great return-on-investment to the table, especially if you don't have more than 300 meter per month usage.
Hi Oliver and all, first, thanks a lot for this fantastic article! I know I'm a bit behind.. but still your post can be very helpful for me. On the bottom line, after your experience, would you recommend this printer for what is called: "fine art photography"? Does it print well also on Cotton rag cut papers? Are the details fine enough? Thanks again, Yoram
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for the comment! As far as fine art photography goes, it depends on your expectations. Since I do a lot on canvas, the Z6 is more than enough for this. The more it goes into plain paper the dots become visible upon close inspection. It is not much and could be invisible on a more structured paper like cotton rag (which I don't use / know). Unfortunately I don't have a comparison to the Z9 to see if that is better since it has a few printheads and colors more. There are many factors and print quality is just one of them. I use the designjet z2100 for a long time because the print quality was beyond anything you will find under the sun, however these printers had many issues. The z6 / z9 are easy to maintain and easy to handle. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot! Yes, it can help me🙏
ReplyDelete