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[uncle remus]

I just seen prismjet came out with a desktop eco-solvent printer, it's about 6K. That got me thinking & doing a little research, i came across several different suppliers that are selling eco-solvent inks for certain small format epson & other brands of printers.
Now the major question is has anyone here ever converted their desktop printer over to eco-solvent inks and did it work??
I need the ability to print stickers, but dont have the room or the funds to buy a big eco-solvent printer

[precisioneng]

I print many color decals & bumper stickers on my Epson 1400 and die cut with the Graphtec Robo Pro. Long way from a $6k investment.

[uncle remus]

how they do outside? what do you laminate with something like frog juice?? you use the inkjet vinyl sheets? What inks are you using in the 1400?

thanks in advance for the info

[bungy]

Roland is also releasing a couple of new printers.

http://www.rolanddga.com/company/pr_detail.asp?id=378&yr=

VersaUV LEF-12 UV-LED inkjet printer: With a maximum print area of 12 inches by 11 inches, the VersaUV LEF-12 prints CMYK, White and Clear on a wide range of giftware, award, promotional and industrial products including solid objects up to 4-inches thick.

VersaStudio BN-20: Roland’s new 20-inch VersaStudio BN-20 will enter the market as the industry’s most compact and affordable eco-solvent printer/cutter.  Equipped with CMYK and metallic inks, the BN-20 prints and cuts graphics for custom signs, POP, labels and apparel decorations. 

Both look very interesting.

[precisioneng]

how they do outside? what do you laminate with something like frog juice?? you use the inkjet vinyl sheets? What inks are you using in the 1400?

thanks in advance for the info

They hold up very well outside. I laminate them with Oracal 290 material. I've experimented with that frog juice stuff and other spray on laminates but with not great success, I like the Oracal material.

I print on water proof vinyl purchased from Papilio, part #WVF8511KH, which is the 8.5" x 11" sheets but also come in 11" x 17" sheets and on a roll.

I just use the standard Clair inks that come with the Epson.

Mike

[uncle remus]

bungy...thanks for the link, they do look interesting wonder what the price range is going to be.

Mike...thanks for the info...

[American logoZ]

I read somewhere (maybe the Imprintables blog?) that the BN-20 will be "less than $8000" (ie, $7995) - plus $1200 for the laminator

[cherokeelaser]

I use the Graphtec Robo 5000 also along with a 1400 Epson, but my question now is anyone using the Graphtec 5000 with Corel Draw? Or are you all using Illustrator with it? And if you are using Corel Draw I would like to know if you are cutting lots of curves with it?

[Lnfortun]

I use CorelDRAW X4 and X3 with Cutting Master plug in. Cuts directly from CorelDRAW. I don't believe X5 has driver for Cutting Master yet.
 

[cbsuperduty]

The PrismJet does look interesting. Gotta wonder what the bottom dollar is on something like this and if there is money to be made with a smaller solvent printer.

http://www.signwarehouse.com/color-printers/PrismJET_DT/Overview.html

[precisioneng]

At $6k just for the PrismJet printer and some supplies, I don't see a quick payback. You'd have to print a LOT of stickers to recover your investment. You still need to buy a cutter and laminator yet to.

I was lucky to pick up my laminator off Ebay a few years ago for less than $400 and it works like a charm.

[roxanneupnorth]

Like any piece of equipment, it is not the equipment that is as important as your marketing plan......In my mind, a piece of equipment like that can be paid off in a few months if you find your niche and market like crazy.....Problem is most folks are great at making things but only "so so" at the selling part....

[COCHISE]

Uncle,
 I use a self adhesive product called Mates to create my stickers in full color. I use a Epson WF1100 with Cobra H/T ink. I print the graphic on sub transfer paper, sublimate the graphic onto the Mates and cut to size. Several companies sell this type of material, Conde, LRI are two that come to mind.

http://www.dyetrans.com/sublimation-blank-mates-adhesive.php
http://www.laserreproductions.com/Sublimation-Decals.html

This process start up cost was less than $400 including printer, paper, ink and a roll of Mates.

This product comes in many colors, including clear and sizes to suit almost any label or sticker job. The adhesive is very aggressive and by sublimating the graphic at 400 degrees, there is no question about it being waterproof.

I have created hundreds of labels for a Tombstone based soda company, as well as untold bumper stickers and fun stickers created for clients to stick on whatever sub-strait they need to.
Playground signage for the local park has been in the AZ sun for four years with little if any signs of fading. There is no end to the potential uses of the product.

ken

[gprockhill]

Ken - do you trim the stickers down with a rotary trimmer? I have not been happy with my standard store cutter (guillotine variety).  I did buy a cheaper rotary cutter at Michaels and see great potential in a higher quality tool of this same ilk.

[cbsuperduty]

Really. So dye sub is water/weather proof? Any idea for how long?

[COCHISE]

I fine tuned the cutter and sharpened the blade. It works well for me except for fine cuts, then surgical scissors deal with it.

I have created hundreds of labels for a Tombstone based soda company, bottles stored in a refrigerator, as well as untold bumper stickers and fun stickers created for clients to stick on whatever sub-strait they need to.
Playground signage for the local park has been in the AZ sun for 4 years with little if any signs of fading. There is no end to the potential uses of the product.

Completely waterproof, full color images. Nothing else can touch it dollar for dollar, IMHO. Now that sub ink is not $160/4mill bottle, it is very cost effective.



Ken

[precisioneng]

Ken,

If I remember correctly, you also have used the water proof vinyl from Papilio, is that correct? If so,  how does that compare to the stuff your talking about here.

Mike

[COCHISE]

Correct Mike. I used DYE ink on the Papilio vinyl with good results. Papilio is thinner than the Mates. I still use it for clings, etc.

This product is more suited for harsh environments making it a good all around choice for peel and stick sales. Nothing is forever, but red ink exposed 4 years in the AZ sun is close enough for me.

There are instructions posted on the Conde site about the product.

ken

[uncle remus]

Ken, thanks for the info...I have the exact same set-up from cobra you have & have seen the mates was going to use them for some labels. Had no idea about them being for outside use..