Fuji Dart 6000 "Wear and Tear" questions.

[IntruderVS800]

Hello all.
Got a few questions about our Fuji Dart 6000 CTP setter.
We have had the machine just over 3 years, and we have put approx. 28,000 plates thru it so far.
A minor problems with it last year, that required a sizeable repair bill, could have been covered under a service contract.
We (the owners, actually) are now looking into a service contract, but it will run about $7,500 a year.

A few of the questions, I have been asked to find answers to, but cant get from Fuji, are:

1. Anyone have a service contract on their Dart?
2. Was it money well spent, and were you glad you had spent the $ for the contract?
3. We were told that at about 30,000 plates, the punches stand a good chance of needing to be replaced, anyone had this done, and what did it cost?
4. Anyone have an idea on "wear and tear" items that might need to be replaced in the next year, or by 40,000 plates?
5. And what are some of the problems you have had with your Fuji Dart? Bad Lasers, Bad Electronics, Vaccum Units going bad, etc.

And if you have any other information to contribute, please feel free to inform us.

Thanks
SD

[rhctp]

I haven't used that system, but I do have a Creo CTP device and we pay $60,000 a year to have our system covered. The major expense on our machine is if you have to replace the laser head. That will hit you for $97,000. There are other firms that offer service contracts at lower cost. I personally wouldn't go without it. If my department stays down for more than a few hours it puts a complete stop to our production.