Best Multi-Function Copiers for Engineering CADD? Opinions?

[tbarber]

I am looking for opinions on what is the best, dependable, low fuss, consistant quality, high-quality, multi-function laser copier for an engineering office?

I know there are many opinions and there is not one right answer to this question. But, I'm tired of trial and error when trying to choose an office multi-function printers and have been through 4-5 that I've never been particularly impressed with and commonly have to call a technician at least once a month to replace something on the printer or do extensive recalibrations.  In my opinion, Multi-functions copiers that cost $15K-25K seem to have trouble producing the same consistent quality that a $800 stand-alone laser printer can achieve consitently for 3 years without maintenance.. 

Overview:

- A company with over 20 engineering personnel (and 30 other personnel) printing CADD based line drawings to a networked multi-function copier from their desktop.

- We don't care about "speed" of the copier (as our copier volume is usually under 10,000 prints per month color & b&w) - ONLY thing we care about is delivering the HIGHEST QUALITY print of an engineering drawing - final product - to our customer.  

- However, along with high-quality final CADD drawing deliverables to our clients, we also need the limited multi-functionality such as scanning to network/email, presentation prints, brochures, hole punch, from time to time but it is not a priority.

Experience:

We've used Xerox WorkCentre Pros, Canon ImageRunners, Sharp large MX Multi-functions, Laniers, Ricoh, KM Bizhubs.  In our experience & opinion: ALL of them have sub-standard image quality and are "built for speed" - not image quality.  Consistent print quality, color, & calibration is the last thing these multi-functions are built to provide to their users.  These multi-functions are "business class" machines.  I guess we are looking for something a little more professional? 

Question:

I know others have had the same experience with MFP Copiers that we have had.. it's inevitable.. business multi-function copiers all suck..  We are wondering is it time to maybe look at a "DIGITAL PRESS" quality machine to get the high-quality prints we are looking for?  Or, in your experience are these "digital press" machines even more prone to calibration, registration inconsistencies, breakdowns?

Does anyone have experience using "DIGITAL PRINTING PRESS" quality machines and recommend anything for an "engineering in-house production printer" for CADD final high-quality output such as the:

- Xerox Versant 80

- Canon ImagePress 700/800

- Etc.

All opinions are appreciated.  And, if there is website/forum out there that gives extensive reviews of MFPs that you like please share!

[Mufassa]

I can't give you advice on a good PSC large format - but I can assure you to stay away from the Canon Image ProGraph 765. If it has a problem, you can forget about "service with a smile". They want you to replace almost $1,000.00 worth of parts before they will send a technician and then they (Canon) wants a pre-paid payment of $1,300.00 before they even schedule the appointment. There are a FEW authorized companies whom you can purchase an extended warranty from but they will run you $2,600.00 for a 3 yr contract.

Very expensive  - I would definitely stay away from Canon's.

[tbarber · Accepted solution]

Have had experience with Canon Prografs - Canon color inkjets.  Yes, I agree, stay far away from all of the Canon wide format color inkjets for CAD/Technical.  Same experience with cost of maintenance/service.

For multi-function (not wide format) we have decided to stick with the newer Canon ir-5500 series and are satisfied with the quality/dependability on lease with service contracts.

[bilalshaikhs]

your point of view is good but multi function of printer . which one you will recommended the best brands is going