Plotter and/or vinyl printer

In this section you can talk about working with plotter cut vinyl transfers. What vinyl’s and plotters work best and which software you like best. Techniques of layering multi color transfers, weeding and pressing should be included here.

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sdbordeaux
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by sdbordeaux »

If you are looking for a vinyl cutter only....
Roland GX24 or the Graphtec CE6000-60 are both excellent cutters that will accept up to 24" wide media. Both are good in their own rights.

If you are looking for a unit that will print and cut...
Roland Versacamm VP-540i is the way to go in my opinion. This machine will accept upto a 54" wide media (there is a 30" model also). You can print and cut, digital transfers, decals, banners, car wraps, lettering......the options are long.
Sean
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bc240
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by bc240 »

I know I"m late coming to this post but I just joined. I have had a Roland 540 for about two years and love it. Yes it's expensive but it's probably the most versatile piece of equipment I've ever bought. I can do large banners, vinyl for metal or corkplast yard signs, window graphics for businesses or cars, wall graphics (think FatHeads) and T-shirt material of several types. It cuts very close points and curves and the inks are rated to last outdoors for five years. I've never had a problem with it over the time we've had it and if maintained properly should give a long life.

I know everyone is looking for a cheap way to get by but if you're in a high volume shop spending a bit more for more horsepower is well worth it in the long run. Just my 2¢.
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by Catspit Productions »

That is true and I agree where the budget and need for it is justified. Roland is an excellent machine. I'd love one. How about a nice VersaCAMM ;)
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by ApeShirt »

I just saw the knock on USCutters. I find that funny because that's what I have. After about 15 months of using it I still have no problems with it. It has paid for itself several times over already.
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by Catspit Productions »

It’s not a knock I don’t think. There are just different levels of machinery. For many the USCutter units are just fine. But for others they may not be. It all depends on your business and your personal preferences.

For myself since I don’t really do much of that type of work I would buy something like the USCutter or other equivalent I can afford. I don’t personally have a need or call for a Roland right now. But many people will have legitimate reasons to buy a unit like that.
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by ApeShirt »

Telling people to stay away from a brand portrays a knock on that brand. I agree though that it depends on your intent as to what you should buy. If I was in the sign making business, cutting for hours a day, then I would definitely go with Roland, Graphtec of Copam. But I'm sure some people have complaints about those as well. Every brand does.
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by Catspit Productions »

That’s true of course. But I didn’t see anyone knocking USCutters or saying to stay away for any reason. What I saw was:

“I know everyone is looking for a cheap way to get by but if you're in a high volume shop spending a bit more for more horsepower is well worth it in the long run. Just my 2¢.”

I was responding to that.

I didn’t notice that other post in such detail. I took that part out Greg. I don’t think it’s necessary to put it like that. I should have edited that sooner but I didn’t really notice it, sorry.

But different levels of production will certainly require different levels of equipment. I have always said get the right tools for the job and it will save you more money and time in the long haul.

So let me correct this if anyone took it the wrong way. I don’t have anything against USCutters and I have never owned one or used one but I can say that it may not be the plotter for everyone. It depends on the individual business and their needs as I stated above.

Sorry about that. I don’t want anyone to take it the wrong way and I didn’t mean to say anything bad about the unit.
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by ApeShirt »

No worries from me J-money! It's always a good idea to research as much as possible before making an informed decision when it comes to any major purchase. I always found it funny that Consumer Reports always said my particular year and model of vehicle was one to stay away from. I still drive it 13 years and 190,000 miles later. Never had a major repair yet. Just the routine stuff every vehicle has. Point is, not EVERY product is either trouble-free or troublesome. Just be informed and feel comfortable with your decision. It's like a Chevy owner talking down a Schwinn bike. lol
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by Catspit Productions »

LOL, agreed.

That is true.

There are no perfect products perhaps. Each item will have pros and cons in the end I think :)
Jonathan Monaco
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tagtx
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Re: Plotter and/or vinyl printer

Post by tagtx »

Been checking out Catspit for awhile now and have thoroughly enjoyed it and learned quite a bit.
Just joined the forum recently looking for a multi-faceted answer to a question I had and did find the answers to - just in time to make my deadline.
Thanks Everyone!

My question now is to Greg with Apeshirt. Would you still recommend that US Cutter plotter you bought awhile back?
I'm considering buying one myself.
Thanks in advance,
Terry
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