Vinyl plotter cutter??
 

Hi Guys

I was just thinking of an idea, At work, we need to get some custom signage made, and rather than spending ???'s on a load of custom made signs, i think i may invest in my own vinyl plotter cutter.

You know the ones that cut Vinyl to make signs etc, Not only would i be able to create all the custom signs myself but i'll be able to off the service to others for a price.

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/external/2009/05/144.jpg

Does anyone here have any experiance in this line of work?? and can anyone offer any advice or warn about any possible unseen expenses etc

Thanks ;)

i used to do a wee bit of this, mostly the application after the plotter did its work, but it was mostly for car graphics.

My advice would be to get a good cutter as the cheaper ones are a bit pants IMO.

I can get more info about programs etc if you need just let me know :D

Thanks buddy, My budget is about ?500 at the mo, can you recommend any decent makes, i saw loads on ebay, but not sure of the difference between a decent one and a donkey ;)

Its just an idea i thought would be a bit of fun to learn, Its better and cheaper if i managed to make my own as opposed to buying.

What sort of width would be standard, Tipo, as they do come in all shapes and sizes, i guess buy the widest i can afford is a good idea, at least that way, i won't have to upgrade later. :o

i'll email my buddy about makes models sizes etc will send you a pm when he gets back to me mate :D

Thanks, Don't forget about what types of software i'll need too ;)

Cheers again

:D

no probs mate will do

I have been toying with getting one of these for a while.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-PRO-REFIN...3%3A1|294%3A50

Ste

Theres quite a few on ebay steve, Most direct from China or USA which is no good to me, I need UK based seller with warranty, That one looks pretty decent mate.

let me know if you get one ;)

Tonight i had a call from an electrician friend who's collecting his new van next week, he's keen to get it sign written, which brings me to another question :eek::eek:

You know those, "Print your Own T Shirts" sites on the net, where you get a blank t shirt and you can add your own logo etc online, is there one with different vans etc, so people will be able to design their own "Van" and i'll produce what they have???

Just an idea :confused:

Thanks for all the info so far :up:

There lies the million dollar question mate.

You could try http://truecolor.allayers.com/

Cheers Bookmarked :D

Just call me Steve :D

I think Ryobi is in the UK.

They are not big in the US but I think thay are big in the UK for this type of commercial type application.

I am not sure how large or or small you are aiming for.

http://www.ryobi-group.co.jp/en/projects/printing/

for 500 bucks all you will get is a headache... stick with top quality or you will regret it.

I have a roland camm1 gx-24 and I love it, it was about 1500.00 though.

Hey Gerry, did you ever get the Vinyl plotter ?

Not yet mate, Got the signs screenprinted, but i may look into it later, sounds like fun to me :D

Well finally took the plunge and bought a vinyl/plotter/cutter last night.

We run an events portion to our forums, and many of us would like some kind of "badged graphics"
So thought what the heck, and bought a 720mm feed vinyl/plotter/cutter for $800 bucks ( 400 quid ) off ebay.

Okies I know ebay does suffer from crap, esp. in Australia as we are closer to China, so we do get some seriously dodgy imports. But in for a penny in for a pound.

Should arrive within the week, I have no idea how they work, interfacing with a spare pc, software or the like, but have always fancied one.

The specs are: Sales Blurb

# Adaptable - From a speedy high of 800 mm/s (Great for drafts/tests) to a precision inspired 50mm/s for the the smallest and most intricate of cuts
# Happily accommodates full width rolls.
# Powerful, with 500g cutting downforce - from a gentle 50g
# Versatile, you can use from 50mm to 650mm width vinyl, never waste a piece.
# Best of all, you will have the benefit of experience and service within the sign industry stretching back over twenty years (1987)

Brand: Eureka made for Sign Republic

· Power Requirements: AC 230V

· Max. paper width: 720mm (29")

· Max. cutting width: 630mm (24.8")

· Max. media cut depth 300 µm (.3mm)

(3X that of a Refine DC240!!!)

· Buffer Capacity: a Massive 4 Mb

· Cutting Speed: 50 - 800 mm/s

· Cutting Force: 50 - 500g

· Repeatability: 0.0127 mm

· Mechanical Resolution: 0.0254 mm/step

· Command Set: DMPL, HPGL

· Interface: Serial, Parallel, USB Port

· Three heavy duty pinch rollers

# BRAND NEW VERSION (2009 Model) - The Smoothest and quietest model yet!!! Includes USB2 and works with most vinyl cutting programs (Select generic DMPL driver for best results)
# NEW 720mm Vinyl Cutter/ Plotter
# FREE Floor Stand
# FREE Vinyl Cutting/Graphics Software
# Quality Aluminium Blade Holder included
# 3 Blades included
# Quality Aluminium Pen Holder and Pen included
# Australian Standard INSULATED power lead included
# **Three connectivity options:Parallel, Serial, and USB (Serial and USB2 cables supplied)

I have no idea what software it comes with, but do have a bonafide copy of CorelDraw lying around somewhere, I have read winsign is good.

Any feedback regarding tips tricks and software greatly appreciated, also would like info on release paper ( whatever that is lol )

Ste