I-Image vs Douthitt CTS

[ttwo0603]

What are the pros and cons of using these 2 machines? Ink Jet vs Wax? I am going to buy one of these machines and I need people opinions. Any help is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!!!!

[GraphicDisorder]

I think Dave (bimmrider) has a i-Image and a wax based machine but I can't remember the brand.

[Printficient]

We have the Douthitt.  Love the wax.  Inexpensive to run.  Mark is the shidissle when it comes to support.  Holds detail very well.  Wax doesn't stain the emulsion.  Douthitt has been a leader in imaging technology for as long as I can remember.

[alan802]

VERY tough decision you have in front of you.  I've spent the better part of 2 years trying to figure out this exact question and I'm not sure I'm any further along with which one would be better for our shop than I was a year ago.  The Diehl brothers at Douthitt are two of the finest guys in the industry and also 2 of about 5 that I think are the absolute, most knowledgeable people on the CTS side of things.  And M&R is the standard for service and equipment quality that most others judge themselves on and certainly have a good grasp of CTS.  I have spent more time with the Douthitt guys and also the Exile crew that builds a wax CTS unit that is mechanically a lot like the Douthitt unit but is much differently internally and I think are right up there to take a look at for the serious CTS buyer.  Good luck with your research...you're going to need it

[dirkdiggler]

what kind of press do you have, that should help make a difference.

[Printficient]

what kind of press do you have, that should help make a difference.

Don't quite understand this line of reasoning

[jvanick]

what kind of press do you have, that should help make a difference.

Don't quite understand this line of reasoning

I agree...  the douthitt machines work just fine with trilock, or MHM pin, or Newman Pin...  as does the I-Image.

BTW, I've seen something that's coming "soon" that's really interesting in terms of direct-imaging/exposure... (think signtronic but FAR less expensive).

[Dottonedan]

what kind of press do you have, that should help make a difference.

I'm interested to see how the different presses would apply to wax versus ink.
If it's due to Tri-lock questions, the I-Image is able to be used with the PIN system. That's about the only question that comes up that I am aware of between presses.

As far as wax versus ink, I have my own experiences and answers that are pro ink. Obviously that info would come across as biased but In my experience it's facts but those differences are minimal not what make somone decide one over the other.

The number of screens needed per day to make the cost feasible has proven to have dropped these days. Many people buy them when only doing 25-50 screens a day for all of the other benefits. Tri-lock, image quality, film/ink savings, process workflow etc.

I agree tho, that Douthit is/has been a good reputable co. As is M&R in that DTS arena.

As far as cost of ink and consption, I've heard from those who have had both and have been told the ink is less, but I am not sure to what degree so that is here say.

Then you have machine quality/durability and customer service. I have no feedback on others in that area.

Whatever your choice, DTS is a great business decision.

[dirkdiggler]

yeah I was thinking of issues with trilock, or whatever system you use.  Cool to know that others will work with  all systems!

[ttwo0603]

what kind of press do you have, that should help make a difference.

My shop has 6 M&R presses and two manuals

[Sbrem]

Perhaps you could send a coated screen to the possible vendors, and ask them to print out an image and ship it back so you could inspect it and wash it out to see what's what, providing that time and shipping wouldn't have an adverse affect... A 6 auto shop should be an enticement to a manufacturer I would think.

Steve

[Orion]

What are the pros and cons of using these 2 machines? Ink Jet vs Wax? I am going to buy one of these machines and I need people opinions. Any help is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!!!!

If you have the need for speed, the M&R is available in a three head configuration...very fast!

[GraphicDisorder]

How many screens per day are you going through?

[244]

what kind of press do you have, that should help make a difference.

My shop has 6 M&R presses and two manuals

Here at M&R we are cross training our techs so then will soon be able to work on both lines of equipment,screen and digital. There are many reasons to go ink versus wax. One is head cost and reliability. Also wax cost more to image a screen than ink does. Our machine is also the only unit that has built in exposure. There are many more but most importantly ours is 100% guaranteed. If you are not happy with its performance we will take it back and give you a full refund. Will others. If so put both units in and keep the one you like and return the other. It's that simple!

[mk162]

FYI, ink doesn'st stain the mesh, it will stain the emulsion slightly, but it reclaims right away.