Mutoh VJ 628 Full Pricing vs Mimaki, Roland and Graphics One

As mentioned in one of our earlier posts, the new Mutoh VJ 628 is positioned really well in the eco market. Since the unit is a 24-inch eco-solvent unit without cutter, along with its price of $6,495, makes this unit a competitive offering and we expect this product to sell well. Of course, the unit does not ship standard with ink or with stand so we expect users will probably opt for these add-ons. Mutoh's start-up ink kit lists for $850 and includes 8 220 ml Eco-Ultra ink cassettes. Add the print stand for $299 and the complete printer package lists for $7,645. Additionally, we expect Mutoh to do some type of bundle with their ValueCut 24 which lists for $2,495 for a total (no discount included at this time) of $10,140. 

How Does this Compare?
The main competition is from Roland and Mimaki. The Roland BN-20 with ink and stand lists for $9,321 and the Mimaki CJV30-60 lists for $12,995 including a full set of ink and stand. How do the ink costs compare? Mutoh's list for 220 ml cassettes is $70, the same as Roland's standard color pricing. Mimaki sells in 440 ml cassettes at a price of approximately $130.  Of course, GO's X-24's list of $7,995 includes the ink and the stand making it the lowest cost unit in this market segment. GO's EcoColor ink lists for $45 for 220 ml cassettes. 

• Mutoh VJ 628--$9,847 / $7,645 (without cutter)
• Mimaki CJV30-60--$12,995
• Roland BN-20--$9,321
• GO X-24--$7,995

GO X-24 Integrated 24-inch Printer / Cutter
For more information about GO's X-24 please go to: More Info GO X-24

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Mutoh Launches New VJ-628 Eco-solvent Printer at ISA--$6,495

During the ISA show in Orlando, Florida in April, 2014, Mutoh announced the release of its new VJ-628 24-inch eco-solvent printer. Priced at $6,495 this new unit offers an aggressive price point which should be of great interest to the targeted markets. In fact, we are not aware of another 24-inch printer like this in the market.  (In the past GO's Eco-max 24-inch printer and cutter using SEPIAX ink was offered in this market segment, but has been discontinued and replaced by the GO X-24.)

The Offering
The VJ-628 includes a special version of FlexiSign and features the ability to use eco-solvent ink in 4, 6 or 8 color configuration. The stand is optional and it is unclear as to whether the ink will be included with the unit. Mutoh's 220 ml Eco-ultra ink is about $70 each and 8 of these will cost an added $560. Other Mutoh VJ printers do not include ink with their shipments so it is safe to assume the VJ-628 will not include the ink (we will come back on this question).  It is expected Mutoh or Sign Warehouse will offer cutter bundles with this unit to make it a print and cut bundle. The ValueCut 24-inch unit lists for $2,495 in the U.S. and when ink is added the list price could be as high $9,550 (does not include stand) . We doubt the price will be this high as we know that Sign Warehouse, the master distributor for this unit in the US, offer very aggressive print and cut bundles and we would expect them to do the same with this unit. 

Competition
Roland's BN-20 is the prime competitor with their combo printer/cutter unit listing at $8,495, but it is only 20-inches wide. Like Mutoh, Roland does not include ink nor a stand. As an 8 color unit, the standard 220 ml eco-solvent inks total approximately $560 and the stand is $305 for a total of $9,321 for the Roland BN-20. Mimaki's CJV30-60 lists at $12,995 including ink, stand and a take-up system and is a full 24-inch width. GO's X-24 Printer/Cutter is also 24-inches wide and now lists for $8,795 including ink, stand and software.

Our overall impression is the VJ-628 is well positioned and should do very well in the targeted markets. 

GO X-24 Integrated 24-inch Printer / Cutter
For more information about GO's X-24 please go to: More Info GO X-24

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New GO QuickLook Book Released Featuring 48 Pages of Product Info

Graphics One is pleased to release its latest QuickLook Book 2014 Spring in time for the upcoming ISA 2014 show in Orlando, Florida. Featuring 48 pages of product information, readers will find a review of:

• New 24-inch Integrated Printer/Cutter
• New Roll-to-roll UV 64-inch Printer
• Information and Comparison of 7 Different 24-inch UV Printers
• 12 Reasons to Consider GO Large Format Dye Sublimation Systems
• Comparison of DTG, Dye Sub and Transfer Solutions
• New Large Format Dye Sublimation Bundles 
• Desktop Heat Presses to 71-inch Calendars All Made in the Americas
• Information Covering the Hotronix Fusion Heat Press
• Pricing on NeoPro Dye Sub Paper

A copy of the QuickLook Book in PDF format is at: http://goo.gl/Kb7iO2 and a copy in magazine format is at: http://goo.gl/02BgL5. 

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