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[COCHISE]

I want to explore the world of print on vinyl. I am weary of having multiple printers, cutters, multiple imprinting methods and still not being able to truly create quality results on all substrates and colors.

This new unit can be equipped with 5 carts, one of which is metallic silver. Used as a spot color, not mixed with the other colors, it seems it would be a nice touch for custom shirt transfers.

With my limited budget and experience with this type of equipment, this new printer/cutter seems to be a good value.
I have read about the functions and capabilities of the unit and alternate ink sources such as Triangle Ink. I have used their Screen Print Ink with good results. They might have refillable carts for the unit as well.

I am not advocating scrapping all my systems immediately, I'll need them for short runs until I can maximize the use of the printer with small scraps of vinyl.
There are many forms of media offered by folks like JOTO and others that would fit this 20" unit.

I would welcome any input from Versacam, Roland or other equipment users as to the REAL usefulness of this $8 K investment, or am I delusional as to the golden goose.

ken

[roxanneupnorth]

I think with 1 machine that attempts to do every thing, you will never get as good of results as job specific equipment....And I also thinking with that piece of equipment, ink will be costly in the beginning until non OEM alternatives are available and Roland has to be a little more competitive with their prices.....

[TURBO46]

I found that with my VersaCamm, I thought it would be a great machine to use instead of a DTG printer. I have found that to be true because you can do so much more and can create banners, decals, clings, canvas art, and garment decoration. There are many many materials available to use with the VersaCamm. I also found that with all the many suppliers of materials, there is a big learning curve as to what to use on or with what. Roland, Imprintables Warehouse, Sign Warehouse, Stahls ID direct and so many more, all have materials to use - - but each had a different name for the same item. Was and is very confusing to me. Advantage is with the ecosolvent ink, I can take a piece of vinyl and make it any color I need and do flames for  vehicles, window art and signs, etc using the same material.  I hope I did not ramble on too much. Looks like a great machine to me for the space it uses and the new inks available.

Turbo46

[COCHISE]

Thank you both for your inputs. This machine seems to be well engineered to correct earlier issues with ink flow and clogged heads.

Turbo, would you be willing to share your costing per heat transfer vinyl in a PM??

I can see a learning curve, but the ability to print nearly anything is attractive. Data available seems to be easily available.
I know that a machine designed to cut and print is much slower than two dedicated machines. That issue will most likely not be a concern in my projected sales.

ken

[fivestar]

Way too expensive for what it is.  I found a used 54" for about the same price as they want for this machine.  This machine only prints at 10 sq ft/hr that's slower than slow, heaters are only set at a certain temp and cannot be changed.  There's just way too many limitations on this thing.

[uncle remus]

is that the one that just come out? i looked into a few months ago, before it was released if it was, if not i looked into another 20" model ( can't remember now) but 10 sq. ft. an hour is slow, you could send it a job & go paint the house.....but i would like to have something that small as i dont have the room for a big one, if you get it give us a review....

[COCHISE]

Here is Rolands press release.
http://www.rolanddg.com/news/nr110524_bn-20.html

It is one of several machines I am looking at. Summa DC4SX is another one. Totally different technology. It uses resin ribbons instead of ink.
http://www.corbingraphics.com/printerssummadc4.htm

Each has limitations and many favorable reviews. Time will tell what I select.
 Unfortunately a used equipment is not feasible as I plan to lease the machine.

ken

[COCHISE]

The Summa DC4-SX looks like a good printer/cutter.
I need to do additional research as to what medium is used for transfer onto garments. I will request info from Joto, Siser and Summa on Monday.
The feel of Rogers vinyl or Sizer Easy Weed is all that would be acceptable else wise I may as well keep cutting the transfer paper into the outline of the graphic.

I thank everyone for their inputs.


ken

[American logoZ]

You must keep us posted!

[COCHISE]

I have discovered a source that recons several brands of cutter/printers and has a leasing company that works with them for newbie companies like me.
That opens the door to larger machines.

As a followup to my discussion about Summa printer cutters, I would like inputs from anyone's experiences with discovery of vinyl that will leave a soft hand on white or black garments and work with their thermal ink.
 To date I can find no CONSTANT reference in any source. Joto has possibly the least updated web site on the internet, followed closely by Summa and Siser. One paragraph indicates the vinyl will work, the actual listing is silent. This has become EXTREMELY annoying and has wasted hours of time.
I have sent email to the various companies and am waiting for replies.

ken

[cbsuperduty]

I have discovered a source that recons several brands of cutter/printers and has a leasing company that works with them for newbie companies like me.

Quite holding out on us...

[COCHISE]

OOOOOOPPPPPPPSSSSSSSS.
http://solventprinterconversion.com/2solventprinters.html

Sorry I forgot to add the link. You can get on his wish list. He converts aqua ink printers to Eco-solvent printers by adding a heater system and other parts.
 http://solventprinterconversion.com/1solventkits.html

He also has parts for Roland and has used refurbished Rolands and Mutoh printers and some Rolands he has converted for sale.

I asked him about aftermarket inks for the Rolands. He replied that even though he uses aftermarket ink in his shop printers, he suggests that casual users stick with OEM ink.

I am NOT saying any of his methods and processes are the Holy Grail to solvent printing. I AM saying it is another process to investigate and could bring new life to an old printer..

ken

[fivestar]

OOOOOOPPPPPPPSSSSSSSS.
http://solventprinterconversion.com/2solventprinters.html

Sorry I forgot to add the link. You can get on his wish list. He converts aqua ink printers to Eco-solvent printers by adding a heater system and other parts.
 http://solventprinterconversion.com/1solventkits.html

He also has parts for Roland and has used refurbished Rolands and Mutoh printers and some Rolands he has converted for sale.

I asked him about aftermarket inks for the Rolands. He replied that even though he uses aftermarket ink in his shop printers, he suggests that casual users stick with OEM ink.

I am NOT saying any of his methods and processes are the Holy Grail to solvent printing. I AM saying it is another process to investigate and could bring new life to an old printer..

ken

I know Dave from Solvent Printer Conversion well.  He's a great guy, that's actually where I bought my first printer from then I turned around and sold it back to him after I thought I was getting out of the wide format printing business.  But I'm back in now, once it gets in your blood it's hard to get out,LOL.

I'm actually less than an hour away from him and I've been to his shop, he's got a nice setup and he's just like us, except he mostly does banners.  Actually he called me about a heatpress because one of his customers was wanting to get one with the "new to them" printers he sold them.