(English)
When it comes to choosing the right printhead for a 30cm UV or DTF printer, many customers inquire about the possibility of using an i3200 printhead instead of an F1080. While it's true that the i3200 printhead has advantages like high resolution and fast printing speed, we still strongly prefer the F1080 printhead for smaller-size printers. In this article, we will explain why the F1080 printhead is a better fit for 30cm printers based on speed, cost, color configuration, and maintenance cost.
One of the most notable advantages of the i3200 printhead is its fast printing speed. However, in a 30cm printing environment, the high-speed advantage of i3200 is significantly limited. The X-axis travel distance of a 30cm printer is too short to maximize the speed potential of the i3200 printhead.
Imagine driving a Ferrari on a crowded street; no matter how powerful the car is, you cannot drive at full speed. Similarly, the i3200 printhead's high-speed capability is underutilized in a small 30cm printer. On the other hand, the F1080 printhead can deliver optimal performance within the limited printing space, making it a more suitable choice.
The cost of the printhead is a critical factor for both manufacturers and end-users. The price of an F1080 printhead is approximately $350, while the i3200 printhead costs around $1000 per unit. If a 30cm printer is configured with dual i3200 printheads, the cost would exceed $2000, significantly increasing the overall printer price.
Higher printer prices limit the market acceptance, as most end-users may not be willing to pay a premium for a small-size printer. Additionally, higher hardware costs reduce the profit margin for dealers, making it less attractive to promote. Choosing the F1080 printhead keeps the overall printer cost lower and enhances profitability for both dealers and end-users.
Another major advantage of the F1080 printhead is its color configuration flexibility. The F1080 printhead supports up to 6 colors per head, allowing for advanced configurations such as:
CMYKLcLm + White for vibrant and colorful prints.
CMYK + Fluorescent Green + Fluorescent Orange + White for eye-catching fluorescent prints.
In comparison, the i3200 printhead supports only 4 colors per head, limiting the color combination to CMYK + White. This restriction significantly reduces the diversity of color output, making the F1080 a more versatile choice for small-size DTF or UV printers.
Maintenance cost is another critical factor to consider. The lifespan of an F1080 printhead is around 6 months to 1 year, depending on usage and maintenance. Even if mishandled, the cost of replacing an F1080 printhead is relatively low, around $350.
On the other hand, the i3200 printhead has a lifespan of 1 to 2 years, but any operational mistakes or improper maintenance could lead to severe damage, requiring a new printhead or an expensive electrical board replacement. Additionally, i3200's electrical components are generally more costly than F1080's, increasing the overall maintenance burden.
After comparing speed, cost, color configuration, and maintenance cost, it is clear why we prefer the F1080 printhead over the i3200 printhead for 30cm printers like the UV-F30 and DTF-A30. The F1080 printhead offers balanced performance, lower investment costs, higher color flexibility, and lower maintenance risks, making it the ideal solution for small-size DTF and UV printing.
However, for larger-size printers like DTF-A604 or UV-F604, we still recommend using the i3200 printhead to leverage its high-speed capability in larger printing widths. But for a 30cm printer, the F1080 is undoubtedly the smarter choice for ensuring affordability, high-quality output, and easy maintenance.
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