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We've had a lot of customers requesting full color contour-cut decals. We currently use Corel 10 and various photo edting software for the graphics we make.
How do we set up the graphics so that they can be full color contour cut. (I.e. recommended DPI, file format types,etc.)
If I were to have someone do this for me, how much does this service generally cost for something like a full color 3" X 4" decal.
What are the best options for having something like this done? (I.e. types of machines used, outdoor durability,etc)
Does anyone here provide a service like this that we can talk to about having some made?
posted
The Gerber Edge is an excellent machine for this. Save image file as 100 to 150 dpi at full size. Save a vector contour cut-line as an eps or .ai file (many others will work also) If you only need a few though I'd say pass on it. I usually have a $100 minimum on edge work. Ocassionally I will do $50 re-orders if there is absolutely no set-up work. a fullcolor 3" x 4" might go for around $2 in quantities of 50 to 100 pcs. Printing limitation of 11.8" has me usually telling clients wanting 3" or 4" sizes to accept 1/8 to 1/4 reduction for a better price.
Creating cut lines around vector objects in Corel 10 is fairly easy. But for bitmap images, I always us Photoshop. If you have Photoshop, simply select the unwanted background elements with your magic wand tool (holding the shift key lets you add to the selection). Then invert your selection, so you have the wanted image area selected.
Next, if your layers window is open (if not, Window >> Show Layers), click on the "Paths" tab. At the bottom of the Paths window there are some icons; mouse over each one of them until the balloon help reads: "Makes path from selection." (click it)
Finally, export the path as an AI file (File >> Export >> Paths to Illustrator).
From there, I typically go back into CorelDRAW and import the bitmap and the AI. Then align them (make multiple copies, or nest if need be).
As for getting them printed by someone, Doug has done a good job of addressing that.
In re: your last question ... best printer for print and cut labels?
1. Smaller lables, modest volumes: ColorCAMM
2. Larger volumes, small or large labels: Summa DC3
They both print and cut, and produce outdoor durable resin images that don't need lamination for most applications. Nothing could be easier.
Best Regards,
Jim Summa
-------------------- Jim Doggett General Manager, USA Yellotools, Ltd www.yellotools.com Posts: 500 | From: Sherman, TX USA | Registered: Mar 2000
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If you have that built in corel, its a piece of cake. I prefer to get the files with the contour on a seperate layer. Jim, I can tell you got a new baby the Durachrome will print and contour cut those perfectly, No DC3 needed. In fact I am surprised that you guys went with the print and cut route, I think it is much more effecient to have a seperate printer and cutter. Shoot me an e-mail or give me a call with size and quantity and I will get you fixxed up Andrew. Shipping is pretty cheap so distance is not an issue.
-------------------- Brian Stoddard Northwest Signs
No argument! Tying up your printer to cut vinyl makes no sense. The DuraChrome / DuraSign combo is still our premier product offering.
The Summa DC3 was in response to folks (tons; continually) that asked about a smaller machine that could also cut ... but was faster and cheaper to operate than a ColorCAMM. Greed and good hearing combined to produce the DC3.
But, we're not positioning DC3 as a vinyl cutter (thought about it then bailed). It's a printer that can also contour cut in an automated routine. The vast majority of folks that can pony up 25 grand for a printer already have a cutter, and we'd advise they hang onto it for cut vinyl graphics. Or pony up an extra 2 grand for a SummaCut D60. Combined that's still less than an EDGE 2 system ... and, OH BABY!!
None of this matters to you, however. You've already got the premier thermal resin solution. 50" printing, the very best vinyl cutting, and a spot-on countour cutting solution when you need it.
Thanks for your support. Hope all is well in sunny (but oddly cool ... not that I'm complaining!) Sammamish
Jim
-------------------- Jim Doggett General Manager, USA Yellotools, Ltd www.yellotools.com Posts: 500 | From: Sherman, TX USA | Registered: Mar 2000
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the Durachrome will print and contour cut those perfectly, No DC3 needed. In fact I am surprised that you guys went with the print and cut route, I think it is much more effecient to have a seperate printer and cutter. 
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