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Hello, which cutter is the best for contour cutting... I mean that I want print and then cut from that paper, vinyl or something. For example i want to print and cut tribals, animal, people from picture... And what software is the best for this work? Thank you.
We are looking to purchase a cutter and it appears that the Roland GX-24 is the one to get for contour cutting. Apparently, it just works out of the box without too much tweaking and it has plug-in for Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator, the program we'll use.
As a new startup, the only reason we're waiting is the cost. We want to get one this month. We're looking for a used one if someone is selling.
The GX 24 is a cut only. You would probably need to go with a Roland Versacamm to get a good print/cut machine. I started with the gx-24 and bought a versacamm vp540 last year. I am very happy with it. I was also able to add stickers and banners to my products.
I also wanted to get a Roland cutter, but due to all the other high start up costs involved, settled on the USCutter Laserpoint. It is an OK cutter to start with, but if all goes well I will buy a Roland.
I made this choice because I heard some other members having success with it. I just got the contour cut feature working with the LP. Was a total pain because the software, Signcut Pro, would not allow me to properly set up the laser. Come to find out with much head banging that the latest version of Signcut Pro had a bug in the code that was causing all my problems. Kimon from SCP sent me a previous version that solved my problem, until they come out with the next update.
It also ships with a trial version of Sign Blazer elements which supports contour cutting, but I wanted a plug in for Illustrator which Signcut Pro offers.
Be careful if you buy from USCutter, I have been reading about recent support issues.
P.S. I was under the impression the GX-24 does do contour cuts
Since looking does't cost anything, you might want to also take a peak at the 24" Graphtec CE-5000-60. The average sale price is usually a bit cheaper than the GX-24 and a free stand is provided with the cutter. The Graphtec cutter, like the Roland, comes with free ARMS software, that makes contour cutting very easy. The software also works with the 15" Graphtec ROBO Pro.
Add a good printer and bulk ink system and you have a very cost effective and reliable print and cut system.
The Versacamm is in a different league in efficiency but also cost a great deal more than the other options.
Best Cutter For Contour Cutting 
