what to replace my Z3100 with

[Massive Si]

I have used the HP Designjet Z3100 for years

But its giving me more and more problems, the inks & heads are getting really expensive and I am starting to think about replacing it.
I dont know what to go for as a replacement and hoping to get some advice.

Things I like about the z3100:
colour profiling
built in calibration
can be left alone for periods without drying up
when it works, it works great

print heads are a bit of a consumable, most printing solutions are "replace the heads" and thats getting more and more pricey
a full set of 12 inks are $$$$


I print on 24" rolls, colour and B&W for art shows etc

Biggest worry, is that I dont print very often (once or twice a month)

any suggestions please?

 

[dchew]

I had an Epson 7900 for many years and now a Canon 4100. Despite the old Epson head clogging horror stories, mine gave me a good, long service life before the head started to go. 12 years I think!
I think the Canon operates closest to what you are used to. Heads are replaceable at a lower cost than Epson. I will say it cleans a lot. I print a few times a month usually in batches. Unfortunately neither Epson or Canon has built in profiling. I’ve been using Andrew Rodney to make profiles for me since the old X-Rite software became incompatible with whatever OS that was a few years ago. Can’t justify the cost for a few profiles a year. I bought the Canon because of timing. It was just before Epson released their current versions.
I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Given your infrequent printing maybe the Canon would be the better choice, but I have not kept up with the new Epson and their propensity to clog.
Dave

 

[MartinN]

A startup or print once a month should be ok in not too dry and hot climates. That is how I use my Epson, the summer months a bit more critical.