Mimaki CJV Series Hybrid Printer-Cutters: Which Is Best for You?

Large purchases can make anyone nervous. A hefty investment comes with expectations of durability and value, ROI, and all those other financial acronyms. This is true within the printing and sign industries - what will give you the best "bang for your buck"? When looking at the differences in the hybrid printer-cutter competitors, we all love to (and need to!) dig into the nitty-gritty: what features they flaunt, what they lack, and how they stack up. 

Mimaki has long held the crown as one of the top innovators in the printing industry. When it comes to the Mimaki brand, their innovation and cutting-edge tech often leave others playing catch-up. Let's take a fun, focused dive into the key differences between their top three hybrid printer-cutters.  

 

First up, the Mimaki CJV150 hybrid printer-cutter, the seasoned pro, or as we like to call it, the “old workhorse.” It’s been a staple in the Mimaki lineup for years, and while it might not be the new kid on the block, it’s still got the chops to impress. Reliable, versatile, and ready to tackle almost anything you throw at it.

Then there’s the Mimaki CJV330 hybrid printer-cutter, the trailblazer of Mimaki’s new generation. With features like remote operation and an XY Slitter, it’s hard to imagine a major sign company not wanting to learn more. This printer-cutter is all about efficiency and innovation.

And finally, the latest addition: the Mimaki CJV200 hybrid printer-cutter. This one’s like a friendly handshake to newcomers in the sign world. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, it’s perfect for those who aren’t tech-savvy or flush with cash. Mimaki says, “You don’t need to be a tech wizard or a millionaire to create something amazing.”

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, Mimaki has a printer tailored to your needs, so allow us to give you the full scoop on each.

Mimaki CJV150: The “Old Workhorse”

If the printing world had an MVP award for resilience and versatility, the Mimaki CJV150 hybrid printer-cutter would likely be a frontrunner. This hybrid printer-cutter has been a cornerstone of Mimaki’s lineup for almost 10 years—and for good reason. It’s the go-to solution for businesses looking for reliability, performance, and stunning results, all wrapped up in one hardworking machine.

Built to Perform

The CJV150 is like that trusted team member who shows up every day, gets the job done, and exceeds expectations. Whether you’re printing vibrant banners, sharp decals, or high-quality posters, this machine delivers with precision and speed. Its high-performance piezo printhead offers outstanding color reproduction, allowing your prints to pop with vivid hues and fine details. From small businesses to large production houses, the CJV150 is versatile enough to handle it all.

Cutting Edge Meets Classic Reliability

What sets the CJV150 apart as well as all of Mimaki's CJV Series Machines is its integrated cutting function. This isn’t just a printer—it’s a print-and-cut solution that saves time, streamlines workflow, and eliminates the need for separate machines. Want to print and contour-cut decals, labels, or window graphics? The CJV150 tackles it seamlessly in one fell swoop.

And don’t worry about it losing steam on the job. With print speeds of up to 604.9 square feet per hour in 4-color mode, it’s a machine that knows how to hustle.

Why It’s Still a Star

The CJV150 may not be the newest model on the block, but its enduring popularity speaks volumes. It’s a tried-and-true solution for businesses that value quality, efficiency, and versatility. With its affordable price point and impressive feature set, the CJV150 proves that you don’t have to break the bank to own a machine that delivers professional-grade results.

Mimaki CJV330: The Visionary Trailblazer

If the Mimaki CJV330 were a person, it would be the tech-savvy innovator who shows up to the party with the latest gadgets—and makes everyone wonder how they ever lived without them. This hybrid printer-cutter is the cutting-edge leader in Mimaki’s next-gen lineup, packed with smart features and built for the modern world of sign-making and graphic production.

Elevated Printing, Redefined Cutting

The CJV330 isn’t just a hybrid printer-cutter; it’s a productivity powerhouse. Boasting jaw-dropping print speeds of up to 1,076 square feet per hour in CMYK mode, this machine doesn’t just keep up—it sets the pace. Whether it’s high-quality signage, decals, or banners, the CJV330 delivers crisp detail, vibrant color, and the kind of flawless output that keeps clients coming back for more.

But what truly sets it apart? The XY Slitter. This game-changing feature lets you cut along both the X and Y axes simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate trimming tools. The result? Smoother workflows, faster turnarounds, and one less piece of equipment taking up space in your shop.

Remote-Control Ready

In a world where “working smarter, not harder” is the name of the game, the CJV330 steps up with Mimaki’s new remote operation capabilities. Using the Mimaki Remote Access (MRA) feature, you can monitor and control your printer right from your smartphone or computer. It’s like having a virtual assistant for your printing projects—minus the coffee breaks.

Efficiency Meets Elegance

This printer isn’t just about performance; it’s also designed with convenience and aesthetics in mind. With an improved take-up reel and a sleeker design, the CJV330 fits beautifully into any workspace. And thanks to its advanced nozzle check and recovery systems, downtime is kept to a minimum, ensuring your operations run like a well-oiled machine.

Built for Today’s Sign Shops

Whether you’re managing a bustling sign company or scaling up your operations, the CJV330 is tailored to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced market. It’s the ideal choice for businesses that need to balance speed, precision, and innovation without compromising on quality.

Mimaki CJV200: Professional Printing, Simplified

The Mimaki CJV200 (soon to be added to the SignWarehouse family of products) is the latest addition to Mimaki’s renowned hybrid printer-cutter family, designed with one purpose: to make professional-quality printing accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned pro scaling up your operations or a newcomer taking your first steps into the world of signage and graphics, the CJV200 is here to meet your needs with simplicity, efficiency, and affordability.

User-Friendly by Design

The CJV200 was built with ease of use in mind. Its intuitive interface and streamlined controls ensure that even those with minimal technical experience can operate it with confidence. This printer-cutter simplifies the complexities of high-quality printing, allowing users to focus on creativity instead of troubleshooting.

Performance Without Compromise

Despite its accessible price point, the CJV200 doesn’t skimp on performance. It delivers vibrant, high-resolution prints with precise cutting capabilities, offering an all-in-one solution for banners, decals, posters, and more. With support for eco-solvent and dye-sublimation inks, it’s versatile enough to handle a wide range of materials and applications.

Creative Flexibility

Mimaki has always been at the forefront of ink technology, and the CJV200 is no exception. From bold, vivid colors to intricate designs, this machine enables users to produce eye-catching results that stand out. Its ability to accommodate a variety of media types makes it a favorite for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Compact and Cost-Effective

The CJV200 is ideal for startups and smaller businesses looking to enter the professional printing market without breaking the bank—or sacrificing workspace. Its compact design fits neatly into any shop, and its affordable pricing ensures a strong return on investment.

Show Me the Ink

For a pleasant plot twist, the CVJ200 comes with the new SS22 inks, which are more user-friendly and less expensive, but still provide the same levels of abrasion and UV resistance (outdoor durability) as Mimaki's popular 'super solver' inks. 

The lower cost adds to the lower price point of the CJV200 to make this hybrid printer-cutter more affordable both at point-of-purchase and operating costs. A nice lagniappe!

The Verdict

In true Mimaki fashion, all three machines in this lineup go above and beyond customer expectations. Each model offers the versatility to print on a wide range of media while excelling in high-productivity workflow environments.

Though each of these seasoned siblings brings its own unique strengths to the table, they all share the same core attributes: exceptional quality, reliability, and the thoughtful innovation that Mimaki is known for. Crafted with care and precision, these machines embody Mimaki’s unwavering dedication to providing solutions that empower users to achieve outstanding results. So the final verdict is: 

• CJV200: The “friendly newbie” in the family. Perfect for startups, small shops, or anyone looking to get creative without a steep learning curve—or price tag.
• CJV150: The “old reliable.” A solid choice for those who need a dependable machine that gets the job done, day in and day out.
• CJV330: The “innovative pro.” Ideal for high-demand operations that want to combine cutting-edge features with efficiency and speed.

We hope you’ve gained valuable insight into the exceptional hybrid machines that Mimaki has to offer. Each model is thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s printing professionals, combining advanced technology, versatility, and reliability. Whether you’re looking to enhance your productivity, expand your capabilities, or deliver unparalleled quality to your customers, Mimaki’s hybrid solutions are here to help you succeed. Thank you for considering Mimaki—where innovation meets excellence in every print.