Thanks for the review, I am in the market for a large format printer for my work, and I have been holding off on a purchase of either this (44 inch model) or the Epson 9800. In reading a number of online reviews, this one seems to be slightly more durable, and less wasteful of ink, important factors. However, one question that no one, including HP can seem to answer, is the overall lenght of print, HP website and tech support says longest max image is 66 inches. This will not do one of the major jobs I need to do, which is images 36 wide by 87 to 110 inches long. I can't imagine that this would be the case, anyone have any ideas on this subject.
The review convinces me that the Z2100 is the machine of choice, if I can get that question answered.
Thanks
Ken
Submitted by KMiller611 on Wed, 04/18/2007 - 02:13.
This does seem like a major advance. As a very pro-Epson user, this looks like one of the first genuine competitive improvements in the field. The one area where Epson has always held the lead has been in ink longevity. Has Wilhelm gotten around to test these new HP inks?
Submitted by jmilleradam on Tue, 10/23/2007 - 03:37.
One thing that Ben did not catch. Both the Z2100 and Z3100 use a part that holds that paper down called a star wheel. HP is aware that this star wheel bar pokes little holes in any paper you put through the machine. The issues is that with glossy paper you can see it if you light hits that paper from an angle. Basically it looks like the paper has been perfered every 1/2" across the distance of the print. you do need good eyes and the right light to see it. It most visable on solid black. HP has no fix for this and for that reason went back to a air system like Epson uses for the new Z6100. HP bought my Z3100 back from me after admitting that they were aware of the problem. You will also have problems if you print on scrim vinly or some fabrics because the star wheel grabs the materials after about 3' and pushes it into the printhead which will destroy the printhead. Just a warning to anyone looking at buying.
Submitted by jbislander on Wed, 10/24/2007 - 07:15.
I own a B9180 and a 24" Z3100, planning to buy a 40" Z2100.
Does somebody knows if the ICC profiles made with the Z2100 can be used with the B9180 ? Both printers have the same cartridges set and printheads set, so...
I purchased Z2100 44" with the hope of using it for printing on varities of medai such as photo paper and outdor banner, e.g self adhesive vinyl flex materials i.e pvc, polyethylene and polyproplene. but apart from photo paper, the ink would not dry on these materials even after two days. can you please profer a solution?
Thanks
Toyin Owolabi
Two years ago I purchased a Z2100 printer and had problems with it printing my drafting files right from the start. I spent hours on the phone with HP tech support from all over the world. They suggested I buy third party software to resolve the issues but none of that worked. I finally gave up. I ran my photos on it but the printer carrage broke and now I would like to give the printer to anyone who will pay for the remaining cartridges I have in boxes on the shelf.
Thank you for taking the time to write this up. We're a small company that does all of our design in-house, but outsources the printing. I've been looking for a printer that could simplify things for us, and this review was exactly what I was looking for before spending almost $4000 on it D-:.
Z2100 Review Question
Thanks for the review, I am in the market for a large format printer for my work, and I have been holding off on a purchase of either this (44 inch model) or the Epson 9800. In reading a number of online reviews, this one seems to be slightly more durable, and less wasteful of ink, important factors. However, one question that no one, including HP can seem to answer, is the overall lenght of print, HP website and tech support says longest max image is 66 inches. This will not do one of the major jobs I need to do, which is images 36 wide by 87 to 110 inches long. I can't imagine that this would be the case, anyone have any ideas on this subject.
The review convinces me that the Z2100 is the machine of choice, if I can get that question answered.
Thanks
Ken
Looks like a great step forward, but...
This does seem like a major advance. As a very pro-Epson user, this looks like one of the first genuine competitive improvements in the field. The one area where Epson has always held the lead has been in ink longevity. Has Wilhelm gotten around to test these new HP inks?
Star Wheel Issues
One thing that Ben did not catch. Both the Z2100 and Z3100 use a part that holds that paper down called a star wheel. HP is aware that this star wheel bar pokes little holes in any paper you put through the machine. The issues is that with glossy paper you can see it if you light hits that paper from an angle. Basically it looks like the paper has been perfered every 1/2" across the distance of the print. you do need good eyes and the right light to see it. It most visable on solid black. HP has no fix for this and for that reason went back to a air system like Epson uses for the new Z6100. HP bought my Z3100 back from me after admitting that they were aware of the problem. You will also have problems if you print on scrim vinly or some fabrics because the star wheel grabs the materials after about 3' and pushes it into the printhead which will destroy the printhead. Just a warning to anyone looking at buying.
Your Review helped us decide!
Thanks for the review, we decided to follow your recommendation. I will let you know if we love it or not. Scheduled for delivery next week.
Z2100 profiles on a B9180
I own a B9180 and a 24" Z3100, planning to buy a 40" Z2100.
Does somebody knows if the ICC profiles made with the Z2100 can be used with the B9180 ? Both printers have the same cartridges set and printheads set, so...
z2100
I have been toying with purchasing the z2100 for large format canvas printing and with this article the z2100 will be my next printer.
Thanks
Rich
z2100 ink not dry on pvc
I purchased Z2100 44" with the hope of using it for printing on varities of medai such as photo paper and outdor banner, e.g self adhesive vinyl flex materials i.e pvc, polyethylene and polyproplene. but apart from photo paper, the ink would not dry on these materials even after two days. can you please profer a solution?
Thanks
Toyin Owolabi
Z2100 printer has been a lemon
Two years ago I purchased a Z2100 printer and had problems with it printing my drafting files right from the start. I spent hours on the phone with HP tech support from all over the world. They suggested I buy third party software to resolve the issues but none of that worked. I finally gave up. I ran my photos on it but the printer carrage broke and now I would like to give the printer to anyone who will pay for the remaining cartridges I have in boxes on the shelf.
This is an awesome review.
Thank you for taking the time to write this up. We're a small company that does all of our design in-house, but outsources the printing. I've been looking for a printer that could simplify things for us, and this review was exactly what I was looking for before spending almost $4000 on it D-:.
Thanks!