how to choose a print & cut machine?

[socialgiraffe]

Are there other variants you think better

No, I think the double CMYK is the best configuration personally. Mine is configured white and metallic which slows it down for banners etc.

dose the job better

How does it do the job better? Its the same software, the same ink and the same print head. The only difference is there is no servo in the movement hence why it is slower.


LOGO, I think you need to see both in action, I have three Rolands, a VS300 and SP540 and a BN20. The BN20 gets used the least because it is the slowest. The majority of the work pushed through these machines are stickers, all about the size of a wrist watch strap the BN20 simply can not keep up so is now used as a sampling machine. Also, the wastage comment I do not understand as you can still use smaller width material in a larger machine so whatever size material you use in a BN20 will fit in a 640.

If I had to make a decision it would be based as follows:

BN20. If I am only intending to print garments and a few stickers then I would get this machine. It's a cute little machine which will sit in the corner and happily print away. I would consider getting one with white ink so I could print window car decals though

640. If I want to print garments and stickers and consider breaking into banners, roll up stands and other items I would get this machine. Space is a big consideration when thinking about this machine as the media rolls are huge as is the space required to make things like banners. But this is an industrial machine and wants to print hundreds of meters a week, if a BN20 will pay for itself in matter of months so will this machine as this can do more than the BN20

P.S. if you are going for a BN20 let me know as I might be interested in the VS

[scotty44]

the same print head.

Nope, the VP has the dx4 heads where the BN has the dx7 head which I think can cope with small detail alot better

[socialgiraffe]

Nope, the VP has the dx4 heads where the BN has the dx7 head which I think can cope with small detail alot better

My mistake you are right, I was thinking of the SP print head, although I do think the VP print head is actually a better all rounder.

[Paul]

How often do you use you're BN-20 Paul? How long did it take for it to pay for itself?

I've been thinking about the BN-2O for a while now.. Can we get a job lot deal?

Not to often. couple of times a week. sometimes more and sometimes less.
but I print some unusual stuff so I can charge premium.
it took about 10mc to pay for itself.

[gazza]

Has anybody used this place

SIGN MAKING AND SUPPLIES LIMITED
1 Sanderson House
Salter Street
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 1NT

I am after a versacam 300

[socialgiraffe]

I have not used them personally but there is no reason why they should not be OK.

BEWARE though, the Mimaki machines they are selling are very old printers. The ink that they use stinks and those sort of machines have to be in high ventilated rooms, its very old technology. There is nothing to suggest the VS are the same, but proceed with caution and speak to Roland about the model and year you are looking at just in case it can not be upgraded.

[gazza]

Thanks Social

I will be visiting them next week, if they look a good out fit I will let you all no.

[logobear]

Hi Gazza,
I have seen their ads, - I too will be interested in your impression of them.
Phil

[logobear]

what do you see in Mimaki? - I haven't looked, ..... what do you see as the advantage over Roland?
Can they handle similar media?
I think I recall that the ink doesn'r dry straight away ..... so you have to wait a day before you can use .... or maybe I made that up?
How do prices compare?
Thanks for your research.
P

[socialgiraffe]

what do you see in Mimaki?

For what you want to do.... Nothing.

Mimaki are very good machines and the latest ones operate pretty much the same way as Roland which means you should not have to gas off any print (leaving it for 24 hours). However if you are looking at secondhand then I suspect you will be getting the slightly older technology.

In my opinion they are designed for a much busier print house where it is necessary to have a machine printing while you have a separate cutter cutting.

If you just want to do banners/roll ups (no cutting) then they probably have the edge on Roland.