[HOTROD01580]

Hello!
I have been in the T shirt printing business as a side gig for two years now and after numerous requests, I am strongly considering expanding into signmaking, bumper stickers and embroidery. I would prefer to opt for bumper stickers and banner/signmaking before embroidery (due to volume of requests). I have researched the Roland line of plotters and cutters. Can anyone provide any advice or feedback on what is a good peice of equipment to consider? New? Used? What have you experienced if you have been in a similar situation as me? Thanks!

 

[Decal_Designs]

You will do so much more with a Roland Versacamm than if you just buy a vinyl cutter. I have both. I also charge twice as much for anything with more than one color. I have the 30" which is usually plenty big enough, but I often wish I had the 54" mainly for the larger banners. 3' and 4' high banners are common. Still, my Versacamm is running everyday printing everything from signage to shirt transfers.

 

[HOTROD01580]

Thanks for the quick response! Am I correct in my research that the Versacamm does both print and plot? Can that machine handle smaller prints such as bumper stickers? Does it "weed out" well? What other items might I need if I opt for the same machine you have?

 

[GraphixGuys]

Depends on your knowledge and business model.

Personally, if you are getting into wide format I would not go below a 54 inch printer. This allows you to do 4x8 signs and banners which is a very common size and will net you more profit than smaller signs.

If you buy used, make sure you are not afraid to open up the printer and fix issues that arise. There are some good deals on older Roland printers that use Eco-Sol inks.
If you want to buy new. The market is trending toward Latex inks. These inks come out of the printer dry and they have the environment friendly footprint.

Don't forget about a Laminator. It is a must for outdoor signs and vehicle wraps. You are unlikely to find a good deal on a used laminator as they don't break often and the value does not depreciate much.

 

[binki]

Get the 54" versacamm.

 

[Decal_Designs]

The 54" is nice to have. No doubt. But if you can't swing the price on that, there is a tremendous amount of work you can do with the 30". Window and vehicle lettering and graphics, yard signs, banners, wall graphics, clothing transfers, etc. Many signs, like larger banners can be done by getting the banner blank and creating the graphics in pieces to be applied to the larger banner. But the 54" would excel at the larger banners. Both the 54" and the 30" can also print small graphics as well. I sell 4" decals in quantity all the time. Labels, vehicle back window decals etc. They can also print decals that need sequentially increasing numbers. For instance I just did a large job for a marina that needed each decal with their logo to have a number on it. Starting at 1001, 1002, etc and so on. They "weed" great but if course that has a lot to do with material brand, blade sharpness, correct settings and such.
Anyway, I'm starting to sound like an ad for Versacamm. Versacamm users have their own forums with tons of helpful information.