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Author Topic: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?  (Read 1225 times)

danski0224

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HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« on: August 18, 2014, 08:10:40 am »

I may have an opportunity to purchase one of these for significantly less than $2k, and local.

This is a significant break from current production wide format printers. Used and local is another bonus.

After scouring the web on this model, it seems to have had some issues with reds and the star wheel thing. Most threads I have seen have died off. Lots of love/hate.

I would like to dabble in wide format printing, especially on canvas. Purchasing a new machine of this caliber is not realistic at this time- certainly not as a hobbyist. I currently have an Epson 3800.

Any current users of this particular model care to offer current feedback on color printing?

Anything in particular to look for that sidelines this printer?

Thanks.
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picman

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2014, 09:32:45 am »

Belts go bad and require nearly taking the whole machine apart to replace.

Gears on the left side that drive the star wheels up and down get gooped up with ink overspray. Either they freeze up, break or burn up the motor.
This part: http://1stcall4service.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/hp-z3200-designjet-printer-error-code-4701-1st-call-4-service-replaced-star-wheel-motor-q6718-67017/

And remember there are 12 colors - replacement ink runs about $65 each.
Head occasionally need replaced - 6 of those at about $65 each.
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danski0224

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2014, 09:52:41 am »

Is the belt issue common to most of these series printers?

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John Nollendorfs

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2014, 12:32:21 pm »

Actually, the 24" models seemed to have more of a problem with this issue. I have a nearly 7 year old one with moderate usage that I still haven't replaced the belt on. And yes, it does require a nearly complete disassembly of the machine that takes nearly a day to complete if you've never done it before. But the parts are under $100.
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danski0224

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2014, 12:37:29 pm »

Has the "red problem" been straightened out with firmware?

Plenty of comments about red issues,  but I haven't found any "it's fixed" comments yet.
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John Nollendorfs

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2014, 12:47:46 pm »

What Red problems? The Z3200 did come out with a "Vivid" red, but I have never had a problem with a "low gamut" in red. I do a lot of art reproduction printing, where this might show up. In printing normal photographs, I doubt you would ever have occasion to see the problem.
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danski0224

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2014, 12:55:06 pm »

Just the reported gamut problems that show up in a search of that printer.

No personal experience.

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dandeliondigital

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2014, 01:36:29 pm »

HI,
I love my HPZ's. Had a 3100PS 44 for 6 years. A workhorse. Frugal on ink and reliable. What doesn't have some issues from time to time? All fixable.

Just got the 3200PS 44. Yes the reds and performance have improved, it's almost perfection, now. I profile all media, and love it all.

BTW, HP tech support has improved tremendously, and they are "trying harder" all the time.

BTW, I did the belt job. You need space and patience, but it is do-able.

I hope these comments help. I say go for it.

So long for now, TOM
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danski0224

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2014, 01:47:51 pm »

I found out that it has an alert for "maintenance kit 2", needs 2 inks right away and has not had a belt replacement. I'll be into it for over $2k excluding labor and the belt, if it breaks.

Close enough to new costs for me at that point.

Maybe the price will come down...
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dandeliondigital

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2014, 02:56:23 pm »

If you do go in for the new Z3200, be sure you are buying the latest version, REV B. At least, that is the case with the Z3200PS version of the printer. If you buy REV A, you should probably look for a price reduction because that would mean that it's not drop shipping directly from HP fresh and new, but is originating from the supplier and has been around a while.

So long for now, TOM
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Mike Sellers

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Re: HP Z3100 44"- Viable option in 2014?
« Reply #10 on: August 18, 2014, 08:51:08 pm »

That is way too much for a printer that isn`t working properly. Where are you located? There is a working 3100 on ebay that is near Chicago for $1,700 and another working 3100 in Miami for $1,600. I know of another working 3200 in the Boston area for $1,500.
Mike
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