Ricoh Industrial DTG Models: Ri 3000 (Base) | Ri 6000 (Advanced)
Ricoh DTG Printing machines are no longer available in Australia
The Ricoh Ri 6000 DTG -Anajet Industrial Workhorse – MPower is the upgraded version of the Ricoh Ri 3000. It is much faster and it has better maintenance handling capabilities. The Ricoh Ri 6000 has 6 print heads for faster and improved print quality.
In hard economic times, we need to ensure we use the latest technology in order to be competitive. We need a production workhorse.
A candidate in this category is the RICOH Ri 6000 DTG Printer, formally known as the MPower, by Anajet
- Is it a good investment?
- Should you consider it as a workhorse?
Is the Ricoh Ri 6000 for you?
If you’re looking for a workhorse for your professional print shop, the Ricoh 6000 is good value, as it is faster than other machines in this category. Also, the price is reasonable. However, if you want a less expensive model, check out the Ricoh Ri 3000
Note: The factory recommended speed tests sounds really great. However you need to remember, these numbers are never accurate. Nor do they actually reflect what happens in real life production. We always recommend you do your own ‘speed-tests’ at the dealers showroom or at a trade show.
Ricoh Ri 6000 Features and Benefits
Versatile
The machine is very flexible. It is versatile, as it prints on a wide variety of garments.
The adjustable table height of the Ricoh Ri 6000 allows you to print directly onto thicker garments, such as sweatshirts and hoodies, as well as the traditional T-shirt.
Printable Garment Type Fabric: 100% cotton and high-cotton blends, 100% light and 50/50 dark polyester, wood, canvas, hats and other extended media options available. You can also print onto a wide variety of high value promotional items.
Ricoh.com
Print Heads
The Ricoh RI 6000 produces quality pictures, making it suitable for any small quantity custom job.
It uses 6 x MH2420 industrial grade piezo-electric print heads, 2 white and 4 colour print heads to produce amazing print quality.
- Technology: MH2420 industrial grade piezo-electric drop-on-demand inkjet printer.
Its 100-billion-actuation-rated print heads can handle high volumes. The automated cleaning, maintenance features, and durable construction allow you to save on operating costs by reducing down time.
- Resolution: Draft Mode: 600 x 300 dpi. The settings for speed, fine and superfine modes run at 600 x 600 dpi.
Inks and Cartridges
The inks are water based. They are eco-compliant and harmless to people and animals. Although, cartridge disposal would still be an environmental issue.
- Cartridge dimensions: (Excludes a projection area of 4.2 mm)
Standard: 278 x 25 x 100 mm
XL Cartridge: 385 x 25 x 100 mm
The white ink circulation feature operates every 20 minutes to eliminate settling issues.
- Ink Type: Must use genuine Ricoh/AnaJet direct to garment water-based pigmented CMYK and white inks
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It has good vibrancy and saturation control, allowing you to get good results.
At least, that is what we see at the trade shows. Many have mentioned to us that it has been a challenge to get outstanding results on dark fabrics. But not impossible.
- Ink cartridge: Ricoh garment ink Type A, cyan, magenta, yellow, black
XLPowerBright—white 220 ml—Standard 440 ml—
Note: The inks meet pollution and safety chemical toxicity standards. They are harmless to human beings and animals, are compliant with environmental laws of the country in which they are used, and they are listed in the existing chemical substances register.
ricoh.com
Ricoh Ri 6000 DTG Review
The Ricoh Ri 6000 offers you many advantages and it increases your options unavailable with other machines.
These options allow you to sell, to print on demand clothing online,to make pre-printed items to sell online or in stores, to take on contracts for other businesses, and more.
It is also a great printer for promotional items. If your business has a regular need for custom promotional items, the Ricoh Ri 6000 can save you money by allowing you to operate within your business. Its usage is easy for anyone to learn.
How Big is it?
This is a good machine for a home based business. It is not too large. It could be suitable for a spare room.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 110(W) x 140(D) x 150(H) cm
Waste ink tank Weight: 81.6 kg
The Ricoh Ri 6000 needs to be placed in a appropriate place, as the room’s temperature and humidity have to be taken in consideration.
A garage would not be considered an appropriate place.
- Operating Conditions:
Temperature: 15°C to 32°C,
Humidity: 45-80% RH, non-condensing humidifier
Maintenance
Maintenance is easy with the Ricoh Ri 6000, as it has 6 print heads. There are no difficulties for you in maintaining their cleanliness.
One print head is dedicated to each colour, instead of the share head found with the Ricoh Ri 3000.
The auto cleaning feature helps with maintenance. If the machine is constantly working, it is a greater time-saver.
Note: If the machine is left idle, it will cost you money. Actually, it is costing you money every time it runs an auto clean sequence, as up to 4 cleaning cycle for the different heads in a 24 hour period are needed.
For a better performance, the Ricoh Ri 6000 needs to be on all the time. Good point to remember when making your final decision.
Standard Platen
The standard printable is a decent size at 35cm x 45cm
- Printable Area: 14 x 18 inches—standard platen
Start-up time
The start-up time is impressive with the completion in less that a minute.
- Warm-Up Time: 45 seconds or less
Technical Support
Technical support is responsive and helpful.
If any problem develops, they will attend to you promptly.
Conclusion
The Ricoh Ri 6000 is a good machine considering its cost and features. This is a “must have” machine in a modern print shop.
How does it compare to the Brother GTX?
There is a lot of demand for garment printing services and this printer will help you to achieve your tasks.