Mimaki CJV200 vs CJV150: What’s the difference and should you upgrade?

The Mimaki CJV150 Series has long been one of the most popular solvent print-and-cut printers in the sign and graphics industry. Known for reliability and versatility, it remains widely used today. However, Mimaki’s latest CJV200 Series introduces meaningful upgrades in speed, ink technology, and long-term compliance.

In this guide, we compare the Mimaki CJV200 vs CJV150, look at how the JV200 Series fits into the range, and also touch on the higher-production Mimaki 330 Series.

What’s New with the Mimaki CJV200 Series?

The Mimaki CJV200 is not just a cosmetic update. The biggest developments compared to the CJV150 are found in the printhead technology and ink options.

VIEW the Mimaki CJV200 Collection

New Printhead Technology: Faster and Easier to Maintain

The CJV200 Series features an all-new printhead that is approximately 50% faster than the CJV150. This results in:

• Higher production output

• Shorter turnaround times

• Improved workflow efficiency

Maintenance has also been improved, with faster automated cleaning cycles that reduce downtime and make day-to-day operation easier.

Mimaki CJV200 vs CJV150: Print Speed Comparison

Speed is one of the most noticeable improvements when upgrading from a CJV150 to a CJV200.

For many sign makers and print shops, this increase alone can significantly improve productivity without stepping into full production-level equipment.

Ink Options: SS22 vs BS4 Solvent Ink

One of the most important upgrades in the CJV200 Series is the introduction of two distinct ink choices, allowing users to tailor the printer to their business needs.

SS22 Solvent Ink - GBL-Free and Future-Proof

SS22 is Mimaki’s next-generation solvent ink and is completely GBL-free.

GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone) is a controlled substance that has been increasingly regulated worldwide. Historically used in solvent inks such as SS21, manufacturers are now actively removing GBL to protect customers from future legislative changes.

SS22 benefits include:

• Completely GBL-free

• Designed to meet future regulatory standards

• Available in 4-colour and 8-colour configurations

• Ideal for customers prioritising compliance and longevity

SS22 is priced at £99.95 + VAT for 440ml, reflecting its next-generation formulation.

SS22 440ml Solvent Ink - BUY ONLINE

BS4 Ink - OEM Budget Solvent

BS4 is Mimaki’s new budget solvent ink, developed to compete directly with third-party alternatives - while retaining full manufacturer warranty.

BS4 benefits include:

• Lower running costs (£74.95 + VAT for 600ml)

• OEM ink with full Mimaki warranty protection

• Available in 4-colour only

• Performance designed to closely match SS21

For cost-conscious production environments, BS4 offers excellent value without the risks associated with third-party inks.

BS4 600ml Solvent Ink - BUY ONLINE

Available Sizes and Models in the CJV200 Range

The Mimaki CJV200 Series is available in three print widths:

• CJV200-75 - 31.5 inches / 800mm

• CJV200-130 - 54 inches / 1,370mm

• CJV200-160 - 64 inches / 1,600mm

This makes the range suitable for everything from compact workshops to full-width signage production.

VIEW the Mimaki CJV200 Collection

The Mimaki JV200 Series: Print-Only Performance

For customers who don’t require integrated cutting, Mimaki also offers the JV200 Series.

The JV200 shares the same print engine, ink technology, and performance as the CJV200, but in a print-only configuration. 

This makes it ideal for:

• High-output roll-to-roll printing

• Businesses using separate finishing equipment

• Users seeking maximum print speed at a lower entry cost

VIEW the Mimaki JV200 Solvent Printer

Warranty and PICT Cloud Monitoring

The CJV200 and JV200 Series integrate with Mimaki PICT, a cloud-based printer monitoring platform.

By activating PICT at installation, users receive:

• A FREE second and third year GOLD on-site warranty

• Remote printer monitoring

• Ink level and maintenance status tracking

• Print history and performance insights

If the printer is disconnected from PICT for more than 28 days, Mimaki may reduce the warranty back to one year.

Where Does the Mimaki 330 Series Fit In?

The Mimaki 330 Series, including the JV330-160 (print only) and CJV330-160 (print & cut), is designed for businesses that require high-volume, production-level output.

With speeds of up to 30.0 sqm/hr in Dual CMYK, the 330 Series more than doubles the performance of the CJV150 and significantly outpaces the CJV200.

In addition to significantly increased print speeds, the 330 Series includes several features as standard that are clearly aimed at high-volume environments. These include a Bulk Ink System, a three-roll media changer on the rear, and an integrated XY Slitter.

The Bulk Ink System is a clear advantage for production users, reducing ink changeovers and supporting longer, uninterrupted print runs. The three-roll media changer also adds flexibility, allowing operators to switch between different media types more efficiently.

VIEW the Mimaki CJV330 Solvent Printer / Cutter

VIEW the Mimaki JV330 Solvent Printer

A Note on the Integrated XY Slitter

The inclusion of the integrated XY Slitter is an interesting design choice and one that may not suit every solvent print workflow.

Because solvent inks require curing and gas-off time, a seamless, continuous 'print-cut-finish' workflow is not realistically achievable. In practice, printed graphics would need to be removed, allowed to cure, and then re-loaded at a later stage to take advantage of the XY Slitter functionality.

In addition to this, the XY Slitter sits in front of the take-up system, which can make day-to-day operation feel more awkward - particularly in busy production environments where efficiency and ease of handling are critical.

Reflecting this, four out of five of our 330 Series installations to date have opted to keep the XY Slitter off the machine, choosing instead to have it supplied palletised and stored on-site should requirements change in the future.

Choosing the Right Mimaki Printer

• CJV150 – Entry-level solvent print & cut

• CJV200 / JV200 – Faster, modern, flexible ink options

• CJV330 / JV330 – High-production solvent printing

For many growing print businesses, the CJV200 represents the perfect balance between performance, cost, and future-proofing. The 330 Series is the next step when throughput becomes the primary driver.

Current Promotion and Trade-In Offer

Until 23rd March, Mimaki is offering a three-year GOLD warranty (PICT connected), along with a strong trade-in incentive for existing CJV150 and other solvent printer users alike - whether the printer is working or not.

Get in touch with us through one of the listed products to find out more!