Zund UVjet 215-Plus UV-curable inkjet flatbed printer, inspected by Nicholas Hellmuth

The Zund UVjet 215-C is still being offered for sale on the Internet. But the Zund UVjet 215-Plus flatbed printer is the current model. Don’t confuse the two models.

We notice at trade shows during 2005 that banding, and comb-like build up of the ink drops with the Zund 215-Plus printer is less now than it was with the Zund UVjet 215-C. A friend had an early version of the Zund UVjet 215-C so we have information on what that experience was like.

We report all this, plus our observations on the Zund UVjet 215-Plus, specifically to what degree quality has improved, or not, over earlier models.

These printers have come a long way from their origin via Perfectaprint AG. The addition of white ink is another improvement. Of course the competition has advanced considerably, both at the high end (Durst, Inca, Vutek), and the DuPont ChromaPrint 22UV is improved too. Entry level has capable competition also, especially from the ColorSpan 72 UVR, the Raster Printers RP-720UV and now the Gerber Solara X2 and now the ColorSpan 5400uv series.

Zund UVjet 215-Plus UV-curable flatbed inkjet printer, FESPA Digital 2006.

Status of the Zund UVjet 215-Plus in 2007

At ISA 2007 trade show there were no more Zund printers in the US. Already over a year previously, the larger of the two Zund distributors in the US, Global Imaging Inc, switched from Zund and Dilli to Vutek. So for 2007, unless you really want a Zund 215 and nothing else will satisfy you, this model is not being imported any more into the US. Too many newer UV technology available for lower prices, especially the four new models of the ColorSpan 5440uv series.

Samples printed by the Zund UVjet 215-Plus UV-curable flatbed inkjet.

The larger newer Zund 250 sold only one unit in the US and then was withdrawn. Two years later it has been reintroduced in Europe, and two of us from FLAAR will inspect the new improved Zund 250 at the Swiss factory. Based on what we learn the FLAAR Reports on all Zund UV combo style flatbed printers will be updated.

The Zund UVjet 215-Plus UV-Curable flatbed printer showing samples at FESPA trade show 2005.

We also now have two separate site-visit case studies of the Zund UVjet 215

Separate reports are available from two visits to franchise sign shops that own a Zund printer. So now there are three reports on the Zund 215: one evaluation/review and two site-visit case studies. All three are available at a reduced price (so lower cost than if you order each report separately one by one).

Comparisons between the Zund, ColorSpan, and Gerber Solara

Most of the people who write us asking about the Zund 215-Plus, also are curious about the ColorSpan 72 UVX and the Raster Printers RP-720UV. Now that the Gerber Solara X2 has flatbed capability and can accept thicker media, this Gerber model will be asked about as well. To learn more about the Zund 215 two separate site-visit case studies were initiated, both in franchise sign shops. So now there are three reports on the Zund 215: one evaluation/review and two site-visit case studies. All three are available at a reduced price (so lower cost than if you order each report separately one by one).

The FLAAR Reports are the only resource in the world that has a full report on each and every one of these printers. We have even checked out the Chinese original behind the RP-720 UV, the Flora 1800 UV printer.

Plus, now FLAAR has new and updated reports on

• Piezo printheads for UV-cured inkjet printers

• UV-curing lamps for flatbed inkjet printers: LED vs microwave vs mercury-arc (yes, if you are about to bring a UV printer into your office you better learn about UV radiation).

We cover every single brand and model.

 

Most recently updated June 18, 2007.
First posted June 23, 2005. Updated Nov. 25, 2005. May 7, 2007.