Classic Print’s ‘Big’ Pete Colman shares advice for buying a new printer

Print Solutions

Since 1989, Classic Print has relied on Roland technology for both its excellent quality and the continued reliability of RolandCare warranty packages. Now as it takes delivery of its 17th Roland DG Machine, the question remains: what keeps Classic Print coming back to Roland?

Pete Colman, managing director, is keen to offer advice to anyone in the graphics industry looking to invest in a new printer. ‘People ask, ‘Do I need a warranty?’ I would say you can't afford not to have a warranty but read the small print. What back up do you get? What is the service package from the manufacturer? Are the engineers from a third party company or are they experts in your machine? Who can you trust?

‘When you are looking at new printers, manufacturers will tell you the return on investment for when you are printing – but what is the cost when you are not printing? You should weigh the cost of a warranty against it.’

With three decades of printing experience, ‘Big’ Pete Colman is well known in the industry. Based in Nottinghamshire, Classic Print provides signs and graphics including vehicle wraps and health and safety signage, banners, flags and exhibition display materials, promotional items and apparel, and engraved products. His long history in the sector means he has used equipment from various manufacturers and has concluded that not all are created equally.

‘We have used printers besides Rolands and not only is the quality and reliability not as good, the warranty isn't as comprehensive as RolandCare,’ he commented. ‘Roland's engineers will diagnose any problems immediately then complete the work, rather than making two or more visits – something we have experienced with other brands.

‘Roland also advises us on the correct maintenance and housekeeping for all of our printers, so we can handle that ourselves to maximise their lifespans. RolandCare really does care.’

The latest Roland system to join Classic Print's print room – bringing its current Roland total up to four – is a Roland Soljet Pro4 XF-640, the manufcaturer’s fastest wide format eco solvent printer upon its release in 2013. Popular for the production of incredibly durable signs, banners, vehicle wraps, posters, window graphics and more at speeds of up to 102 square metres per hour, the Soljet is an ideal workhorse for Classic Print to keep up with increased demand.