Is Xante still the only choice...

[yukio]

....when it comes to b/w lasers in a prepress environment?

We have a dying Screenwriter 4, that replaced a dying Accel-a-Writer 3, etc. I think they are all based on the same Fuji-Xerox hardware.

We make negatives for our silk screen and flexo work based on output from it.

I've seen some large-format Xerox printers that look promising, but I can't seem to find any mention of anything besides Xante, much less reviews of Xante vs. the competition.

Xante's been pretty dismal as far as quality and support go. Not so much that I'd never buy from them again, but I'd be up for looking at competitors if there are some out there.

 

[MisterMe]

....when it comes to b/w lasers in a prepress environment?

We have a dying Screenwriter 4, that replaced a dying Accel-a-Writer 3, etc. I think they are all based on the same Fuji-Xerox hardware.

We make negatives for our silk screen and flexo work based on output from it.

I've seen some large-format Xerox printers that look promising, but I can't seem to find any mention of anything besides Xante, much less reviews of Xante vs. the competition.

Xante's been pretty dismal as far as quality and support go. Not so much that I'd never buy from them again, but I'd be up for looking at competitors if there are some out there.

The Accel-a-Writer and ScreenWriter 4 were large format B&W printers. There was nothing magic about them. If you like [and trust] Xanté, then buy a Xanté Ilumina Digital Color Press. If you think that it has three colors too many, then find any genuine PostScript large-format printer. Based on my experience with Xerox, I recommend the Xerox Phaser 5550/DN.

You might also consider the direct route and go with the Xanté PlateMaker 5.

 

[Toppa G's]

You might also consider the direct route and go with the Xanté PlateMaker 5.

I don't think that would work with screen making or flexo...what about the Xante FilmMaker 4? Looks like it's designed for what you're doing. In the past, I've made positives from a standard laser printer (HP monochrome) with some success, though that definitely wouldn't be the best route for a production environment.

 

[yukio]

I thought I'd post and let you know how it turned out.

Talked it over with staff - we decided that we are done with Xante. Reliability issues, poor service and consumables quality - for us, they are not the best fit.

Did a little more research and decided on a Xerox 5500/DT.

If it doesn't pan out, I can use the printer elsewhere in our company.

Best thing is - it's about to be replaced with a new model - so the whole thing was $1600 delivered.... new, not refurbed. It lists at Xerox's site for $3499 (but it's also less in their Clearance area). And - it's got native tray support for up to A3/11x17.

I don't know if it's OK to mention the reseller I dealt with in this forum, so if you're interested, PM me and I'll pass on the contact details.

Thanks MisterMe & Toppa... appreciate the discussion.