I have been trying to research wide-format printers & cutters. Right now I own a Gerber Edge 2 & Envision 375 with Omega 2.0 software. The demands of the business is such I need to add, especially, a larger cutter. I am also looking at a larger printer. I need at least a 30 inch cutter but would like to go as large as 48 in. The printer at least 24 in. but could go as large as 48 inch. We do a lot of pictures and if possible would like a printer to include these. The printer would need to also print banners and on of course on vinyl. Does anyone use an Epson 9600 or 10000 in your sign shop? What do you use in your shop? Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
You should look closely at the Versacamm. I have the SolJet big brother but the output is the same quality.
I have 30" and 40" conventional plotters but in the event I should have to plot vinyl larger, I can with the 54" Soljet.
I think the Versacamm is cheap for what you get in comparison to my machine.
[ February 08, 2006, 09:57 PM: Message edited by: Bob Stephens ]
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
The cost of the inks for the VersaCamm is cheaper than the Mutoh Falcon, HP's and probalby Encad's. With the VersaCamm you don't have to buy another expensive Software (RIP)....one comes with it.
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Cynthia, Since you're already a Gerber baby (I mean that in a nice way), why don't you look at their printer? I think it is called the Solara? I can't comment about the machine, good or bad. Do you plan to use the printer for indoor or outdoor graphics? The Epsons will produce photographic quality images that are great for indoor applications, but they won't stand up outdoors for any lenght of time and they do take a long time to print. The same would apply to the HP 5500 and lower series printers and the Encads too, because they all use waterbased inks. Oh, and don't even think about the Vinyljet. Beyond that, the door is wide open. You can go with the various solvent or u.v. inks. Also, don't forget that Gerber's Max and Summa's Durachrome do thermal. If you've been doing your homework, you'll know that they all have their pros and cons. So, it just a matter of what you think would work best for your shop.
Good luck,
Checkers
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
And to add to what Brian says, what you can afford.
Posted by Cpack (Member # 2011) on :
Thanks for your inputs. I know about the Gerber products and they are great I am sure. The Gerber has given me great service and I have no complaints. At this time in the business, I am about to pay off my last note in May. A larger cutter has been needed for some time. The printer is really more for convenience so I don't have to sub out. I wanted to go used equipment for a trial, before I went into major debt again. Thanks again for your suggestions and I look forward to haring from others.
Posted by Dan E. Kearfott (Member # 1286) on :
Cynthia, I have the Mutoh Falcon 36" with a Mutoh SC850D 24" plotter. they work together incredibly well. I purchased them Late last year at the Columbus, Ohio show from Gregory. Which by the way has been very good to work with.
When I started reserching my purchase I quickly narrowed it down to the Roland VersaCamm and the Mutoh package. They both use exactly the same ink and print the same quality at the same price. My final deciding factor was this . . . The Roland Prints and plots all in the same machine. which has advantages and disadvantages. you can only do one at a time, but you don't have to take the vinyl out and move it to the plotter. It is 30" compared to 36" with the Mutoh which was a major factor in favoring the Mutoh because most banners are 36" rather than 30" espesially after hemming the extra 6" is important. And then finally the Mutoh package was less money than the Roland. And it comes with a Rip program and Photo Print which was written specifically for Mutoh by Scanvec Amiable. I beleive it's basically the same program as FlexiSign. Roland also included some software but I'm not sure exactly what it was. The learning curve was fairly simple and the results are terrific.
all in all I am very pleased with my purchase and have found numerous new avenues to use it for. The downside to any of the AquaSol ink printers is the durability. 3-5 yrs tops and probably less they are very susseptable to scraching until fully cured and really should be laminated for best results.
Good luck with your venture and I hope my input helps with your decision. I know I grueled over my purchase for hours and hours. And no matter what you decide there's always something you wish you would have done differently. Just way your wants and needs and compare them to what's available then go for it! that's the best you can hope for because in 6 weeks there will be new choices and technology that will be better.
Best of luck Dan
Posted by Cpack (Member # 2011) on :
Dan, thank you for you input. I have looked at the Roland but I thought the Mutoh had a few more pluses. It is always good to hear from someone that has used the equipment. Do you have a laminator? Some people have said to roll the liquid on with a sponge roller. Have you tried this? Thank again.
Posted by Cpack (Member # 2011) on :
Dan, I forgot to ask if this printer will print on regular vinyl. I can't find where it comes right out and says it does.
Posted by Dan E. Kearfott (Member # 1286) on :
Cynthia, Sorry this took so long. I don't check this site everyday (I have signs to make):-) Yes the Mutoh will print on regular vinyl, the thing you have to be careful of is making sure the vinyl is good and clean. Sometimes regular vinyl will get "contaminated" so it might not print well in certain spots. I was told that the only difference between regular vinyl and the vinyl specifically for printing is that it is packaged in a controlled atmosphere so as not to contaminate the material. I do not have a laminator but it is on my wish list. It would definately be a major asset for many of the jobs. I haven't tried roll on liquid either. If you could tell me more I would be interested to know how it works.
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