Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
Just wondering if it is possible to print short runs of decals using an epson printer. Then have them cut using a Roland GX-24 or other vinyl cutter with optical sensor.
If so, is there a special/printable vinyl paper or roll of paper you can buy that can be used in an Epson printer (I guess with a glossy vinyl receptive surface)
Also, if this is possible is there a certain Epson printer/model that is best for this.
Or do you need a special printer/cutter like the VersCamm 300 (These are quite expensive, so I'm looking for a simple cost effective alternative for miscellaneous projects and maybe some short runs - without having to sub out)
Are the inks the same in these professional printer/cutters as you would see in a smaller format Epson printer?
I'm not so familiar with vinyl printing and cutting so I thought I would post this on here to see if anyone could steer me in the right direction.
Thanks in advance!
Eric
Last edited by EB; September 14th, 2007 at 12:26 PM.
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
Yes. You will need to print Registration marks on the finish sheet for the GX to "see" where to start. Then in your design software you will need to add the contour outline. The material is sold on Beacon's site.
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
If you are trying to print decals with any ink jet printer there are many problems you will run into starting with the ink which is not water proff. You will need to use water proof inks or the first drop of water that hits is the end of the decal.
Print something with your Epson and then put a drop of water on it and watch what happens next.
Another problem with decals done on an Epson or most other ink jet printers is the colors will fade real fast when in the sun.
You could laminate the decals but again this presents certain problems.
I have been making decals for years and it takes years to learn everything you will need to know.
Are you doing your own graphics or coping something off the internet?
Most images taken from the internet are either 72 or 96 dpi which is no good for printing decals. You will need images of 300 dpi or better.
I have been using an ALPS printer for years because it is one of the only printers that will print white. Try doing that with an Epson and you start to see just some of the problems with an ink jet printer. None of the print white which is something your decals will need sooner or later.
Alps printers are thermal printers so the color is shot on as a gas on so you can drop water right on the decal after printing and it won't do anything to the decal.
The ALPS printers are no longer made so finding a good used one is hard.
I have five of them and would not part with one because finding another is tuff.
Printing decals sounds easy until you try and do it. Getting excellent results is not easy to do.
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
Hey Jimbo, is the ALPS like the Gerber Edge machines that you can get now?
I have an older Edge machine that uses foils to heat the print onto the vinyl, been using it for about 14 years and like it but always interested to hear about other ways of doing things....
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
Lisa:
The Gerber Edge machines are also therma printers like the ALPs printer except that the cost of a new Gerber Edge FX printer is around $22,000 dollars which really puts out kind of out of reach for many decal printers.
The ALPS printers sold in the $500.00 range which made them a great choice for decal makers but now it's real hard to find any good working printers and finding the ink is even harder.
I purchased a few thousand dollars worth of ink about a year ago because I knew finding it was going hard in the coming years.
The Gerber Edge machines work great for decals.
Many sign shops don't use them because they take material 15" wide and the print area is around 11"
Most sign shops want either a 30" or 54" machine for printing.
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
yep that's a drawback alright....we bought an encad vinyl jet wide format printer and I've never gotten the ink to flow in that thing right yet....I had planned on using that for my bigger graphics......it just sits there and we keep printing on the edge and paneling our graphics
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
i have a versacamm 54 and love it.. make stickers all the time..
Most printers that professionally make stickers are either the thermal printers like the edge or use a solvent or eco solvent ink like the roland.
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
Quote:
Originally Posted by mystysue
i have a versacamm 54 and love it.. make stickers all the time..
Most printers that professionally make stickers are either the thermal printers like the edge or use a solvent or eco solvent ink like the roland.
Hi Sue,
Is there any other printer/cuter all in one units like the Roland Versacamm ?? in its same kind of class?? anyone know??
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
Vee.. Im really not sure.. I love my versacamm so much.. ive never looked further.. .. If you look at one of the sign forums.. like signs101 they would have more info there on what is out there..
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
Quote:
Originally Posted by mystysue
Vee.. Im really not sure.. I love my versacamm so much.. ive never looked further.. .. If you look at one of the sign forums.. like signs101 they would have more info there on what is out there..
Re: Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This?
If youre still stuck in the "not willing to sell the house to buy a printer" The Epsons are great. The inks are as durable as the new Rolands with a spray laminate like Frog Juice. You can get 3 years easily with this method. And if you really need abrasion protection, you can go with a sheet style over laminate that adds a lot of life and durablity, as much as the $20,000.00 dollar machines. Youre just doing short run stickers.
Short Run Color Decals Stickers. How Can I Do This? 
