Trendsetter or Screen?

[Farabomb]

We have been having more and more issues with our platesetter and it is quite old. I may have convinved the boss that a new, used one might be a good idea. We have a guy that we buy a lot of equipment from that has a trendsetter. There is also a local guy that has a screen device. Both are about the same price and age. If you had the choice, what one would you go with?

I have limited experience with the trendsetter back when we were using it for proofing and it had issues. I'd have to assume it's more refined now but it is a Kodak device so money could have been not allocated to developing the device.

Screen is rebadged by everyone and their mother and is in a lot of shops. Everyone I talk to says that's the one to get, even salesmen.

Now, to the people in the trenches, what is the real story. I expect there to be minor issues with any device but if you had to choose, what one would you pick and why?

I expect I can have E Z High-tec service either one without issue but I expect I will be the one making the first fix attempt.

[born2print]

Our Trendsetters have served us very well, fwiw.

[Farabomb]

Not surprising. They are of the 2 main platesetters I see for sale. I just tend to see a lot more screen devices.

Again, I'm not for or against any either. I might be able to get a better deal on the trendsetter but I don't want to end up with some ancient, non used device like I have now.

[born2print]

Not surprising. They are of the 2 main platesetters I see for sale. I just tend to see a lot more screen devices.

Again, I'm not for or against any either. I might be able to get a better deal on the trendsetter but I don't want to end up with some ancient, non used device like I have now.

Trendesetters track hours (others likely do too) so you should absolutely know the "mileage" on your prospective device.

[Farabomb]

A slightly tired machine that can be easily serviced might be better than what I have now.

[Tracy]

Our Trendsetter seems to be a work horse
We had the laser head replaced about 9 years ago.
Still going, I hope I'm not jinxing myself :laugh:

That is very costly to replace so like Born said
Get the milage on it.

maybe even a warranty on the laser head?

[David]

we have a Trendsetter, never has any issues.

[Farabomb]

Thanks for everyone's replies.


If they start dying tomorrow it's not my fault at all.  :undecided:

[born2print]

[Farabomb]

I was talking about the trendsetters, not you guys. 

[DCurry]

I'd go with Screen, just because it's probably easier to get it serviced because it's rebadged under so many names. They are also great machines!

[Joe]

I've never used either for CTP but we had a Screen imagesetter and you couldn't break that thing with an A10 Warthog.

(Anyone tries to sell you a Luscher run away as fast as you can)

[andyfest]

Our Fuji T9000 (rebadged Screen device) is 11 years old and has imaged over 200,000 - 29 inch & 40 inch plates. We've had service done, but nothing really major. Great work-horse machine.

[Farabomb]

I may have to use the A-10 analogy in my pitch.

I want a screen for the service and durability reasons. If I can get the trendsetter for below $20k that may sway me towards it but I'm really pushing for the screen.

[Ear]

Our Fuji T9000 (rebadged Screen device) is 11 years old and has imaged over 200,000 - 29 inch & 40 inch plates. We've had service done, but nothing really major. Great work-horse machine.

I too have a T9000... same deal, the dang things are work-horses. We have to 5-bay auto-loader attachment and it just sits there, churning out plates all day, every day, with very few problems.