FLAAR specializes in evaluating printers for technical drawings, especially CAD
FLAAR is a university-based institute. Our heritage is in mapping, CAD, and technical drawings of archaeological remains. At our current university we are in the same building as the architecture program, so we provide wide format scanners and printers for the students and faculty. This digital imaging lab also has a laser engraver and 3D rapid prototype machine. So we can do technical drawings in three dimensions too.
The university campus also has a geology department, geography department, so we handle GIS, maps, cartography of all sizes.
Any large corporation, whether it be a university or other, needs to have electrical circuit drawings scanned and printed. So overall, FLAAR has experience in technical drawings.
We also have 23 wide format inkjet printers, including Canon, Encad, Epson, and HP. So we read with amusement some of the claims for the Epson 1520. I can’t believe a printer with that many problems is still being sold; or the Epson 3000 either. These printers were not good for Epson’s reputation. Fortunately the Epson Stylus Pro 4800 is better.
But, our lab has a QEA image analysis system to look closely at letters and line quality. We analyzed and compared an Epson 7600 and an HP 30 and 130 image of text and photograph. I was very surprised at the result. You can order the FLAAR Reports from www.wide-format-printers.NET.
Most architects recognize the name Hellmuth as being associated with architecture. Almost everyone in the Hellmuth family is an architect. So we have experience with which printers are best for architectural drawings. Nicholas Hellmuth, of FLAAR, studied architecture at Harvard; his brother, George Hellmuth, studied architecture at Yale and is head of one of the offices of HOK Architects; a company their father founded (Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Architects). Daniel Hellmuth has his own architectural company in St Louis. Their grandfather and great uncle were both architects.
FLAAR also evaluates the printers for manufacturers as well as serves as consultants for end-users. So if you want some factual information before you perhaps buy the wrong printer, you might wish to acquire our FLAAR Reports, or hire our staff as a consultant.
Most recently updated Jan 23, 2006.
Previously updated Jan. 17, 2006.
The complete reports are in full-color PDF format. Our university-based institute has comprehensive FLAAR Reports on over 73 different wide format inkjet printers, RIP software, color management, scanners, digital cameras and on countless markets such as wide format inkjet printers for photography, giclee, proofing, CAD, GIS, graphic design, signs, and specialty applications too. All FLAAR Reports by Dr Nicholas Hellmuth and lab personnel are available on www.wide-format-printers.NET.
|
