New Press Time

[mk162]

Our RPM has served us well for the last 4+ years, but honestly it needs some work to be perfect again and instead of doing that work we are sort of trading it in on a new one.  Not an RPM exactly, but another relaunch of the press.

It's similar to the Mustang and RPM, but neither blue or beige but dark gray.  It has features from both like digital central off contact, servo lift, and of course electric heads.  The air consumption is very small since the lift was the biggest air draw on the press.  They have upgraded the flash, the software has some great updates as well.  Each head has 4 point tool-less off contact and digital squeegee angle.

The old press is going back to be refurbished, it needs a little TLC and some parts.  Mostly just a deep cleaning and new paint.  At which point it will be sold.

In full disclosure we are getting a good deal on the press to become a southeastern show shop for the machine.  We don't mind, I had a guy in my office the other day looking at the Barudan single head.  It gives us a chance to talk shop with other folks and that is always wonderful.

We love the RPM and it's features. Mariusz, the brains behind it is working with the new company hand-in-hand on the new machine. 

[Nation03]

Dark Grey RPM sounds, dare I say it - sexy. Is the original owner of RPM involved with the rebrand?

[mk162]

Rick Fuqua isn't involved in the new press.  It's my understanding that most of the patents are held by the original engineer from Poland, which is where a lot of the .  He is the real brains behind the press.

Unfortunately, RPM hasn't done much to update the press(or their website).  It's a great press, but it needs some updates. 

[Shanarchy]

Very excited to hear more details!

RPM was my second choice behind Roq. Mariusz is a pretty good dude.

[mk162]

Mariusz is a genius, at least when compared to the average screen printer.

The nice thing is we are putting together a list of features we'd like to see in the programming.  Not to say it will happen, but some of it is pretty basic and should be fairly easy to add.

There is a 14 week wait time, that's the main problem.

Gray will be nice since it will match our oven better.  I know, it doesn't matter.  Beige is just blah.  Hell, I would take Tajima teal or Barudan baby blue over beige.  Maybe it just reminds me of old computers and our SWF.

[Vector Imaging]

Dark Grey RPM sounds, dare I say it - sexy. Is the original owner of RPM involved with the rebrand?

Can't say sexy is what we went for but here is the result. On second thought, yeah I like sexy.

[Nation03]

Looks really nice.

Is there a name/brand for this? Will it be readily available in the US?

[Vector Imaging]

Thanks Jake. Wish I could take credit for the color but someone else did that.

The branding is Vector (brand), V100 series. Also V200 and 300 which are larger format are in the line.

It is absolutely available in the US.

Don't think it appropriate to do the whole sales pitch here. Email me if you want to know  more though.

[LoneWolf2]

Wasn't this originally going to be the RPM re-brand Viper launched under J-Rod?
Either way, cool press and glad to see someone taking the reigns and bringing them to the market.

[Vector Imaging]

As our machines our built by the same manufacturer as RPM there is an awful lot of crossover between the V Series and Revolution.

Jason R is no longer part of the program insofar as the manufacturer or Vector is concerned. Though it is the same platform, it is an entirely different distribution path.

This new machine sale came a bit earlier than anticipated as we are still building our website, developing marketing materials and putting together the remainder of our equipment line (think gas dryers). So the cart got in front of the horse a bit.

Right now we are working toward locating existing Rhino, Mustang etc. owners to get their service issues corrected and start building maintenance histories on the machines. The vacuum left after Progressive ceased to exist and the demise of the Mustang program has orphaned a lot of machines. If you know anyone that fits that profile please let them know we are here now.

[mk162]

This machine has NOTHING to do with J-rod.  As a matter of fact, the tech installing it is mortal enemies with he who shall not be named and wouldn't go anywhere near anything if it did.

Neither would I.

I have no personal beef with Jason, I just avoid business dealings with him.  He's friendly when he stops by every 3 years or so, but that is the extent of it.

The RPM is a solid platform.  We have enjoyed running ours.  We've made plenty of money off the thing, and hopefully can make plenty off the new one as well.

FYI, I invited Dave here.  He asked me to post anything I feel is important, good and bad.