Roland GX-24 why max force is 250 only?

2990 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by smilem, Apr 7, 2012

smilem

Discussion Starter · Apr 6, 2012

Hello,

This plotter is not new, it's been like 5 or more years thins Roland released this model. Maybe the 250grams of force was enough back then, now it is normal to see plotters with as minimum as 400grams.

So my question is why the plotter is not updated? The only change needed is solenoid needs to changed to more powerful one and software update.

The other question what I can cut with 250grams?
Or perhaps there are tricks that can make it cut like 300-400gsm paper fixed to a sticky mat? I like the accuracy of this machine but the force is seriously outdated.

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dazzabling

· #2 · Apr 6, 2012

I have an idea for you :

Call GCC Headquarters
4F., No.236, Fude 2nd Rd., Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City 22151, Taiwan
Tel :+886-2-26946687

Ask them all about where there parts are from and all your other questions

Call Roland:
Corporate Headquarters

Roland Corporation U.S.
5100 S. Eastern Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938
323-890-3700

Ask them your questions on why they sell so many cutters with that downforce

To save some time from you asking in another post questions on how a company works here are some others

Accugraphics, Ink (KNK cutters)

Accugraphics Sales, Inc.
231 Semoran Commerce Place
Apopka, FL 32703
PH:800-268-3672

Graphtec Corporation Headquarters

503-10 Shinano-cho, Totsuka-ku Yokohama 244-8503, Japan
Tel: +81 (0)45-825-6250
Fax: +81 (0)45-825-6396
Email: webinfo[USER=7070]@GR[/USER]aphtec.co.jp

We are dealers and we know a lot of information, but we can't answer your questions because we don't know the inner workings of their mind and future plans. We have been successful with these top brands of cutters, we have sold them and guess what they are still in business so if one of them is painted pink (because there is one) and it works fine then so be it.

You may get lucky and each one of the representative will get on here and explain their points of view of your questions. I just know that people are happy and they are buying.

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dcurtisroland

· #3 · Apr 6, 2012

dazzabling said:
I have an idea for you :

Call Roland:
Corporate Headquarters

Roland Corporation U.S.
5100 S. Eastern Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938
323-890-3700

Ask them your questions on why they sell so many cutters with that downforce

The Roland address listed above is for the music division, but you've got the right idea.

We consistently sell the GX-24 because of our support and training, reliability and ease of use. I have yet to find a material outside of diamond grade reflective sheeting by 3M, hurricane grade security film or 60 point cardstock that cannot be cut within 250 grams if the correct blade and settings are being used. Even those have trouble at 400 grams.

Every garment material and sign vinyl can be cut within 250 grams and only the thickest sandblast stencils and floor graphic laminates have trouble, in which case, multiple cuts is a better solution anyway.

For that small portion of materials outside the GX-24's capability, I'd recommend a flatbed cutter.

I hope that helps answer your question.

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charles95405

· #4 · Apr 7, 2012

I agree with Dana...the 250 downforce is sufficient for all most all materials that I work with..that is sign vinyl, heat press vinyl, rhinestone stencil material...I no longer have a Roland but it is without a doubt the easiest for beginners to set up and contour cut. I have three cutters ranging from 400 gms to 900 gms...and I have yet a need to use more than 235-240...Especially with a new blade and correct blade for the material..I also use CleanCut Blades...best yet

Oh...before you ask...why did I sell the Roland and now have up to 900 downforce...it is because I got a larger machine..

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Mabuzi

· #5 · Apr 7, 2012

We use the Roland for t-shirt apparel only. Transfers, flocking and even reflective and had never used 250 force.
I am interested to know which material are cust with 400??
Thanks

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dazzabling

· #6 · Apr 7, 2012

If your answer isn't suffice to the op can you please provide the correct address for Roland.

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royster13

· #7 · Apr 7, 2012

Both Roland and Graphtec started making much higher quality cutters......When the market gravitated to cheaper Chinese made brands, they countered with the Graphtec CE Series and the Roland GX Series.....If you want higher down force look at the Graphtec FC Series or the Roland GX Pro Series...The reason it only has 250grams of down force is so they can sell at the price point they do...

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smilem

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 7, 2012

royster13 said:
Both Roland and Graphtec started making much higher quality cutters......When the market gravitated to cheaper Chinese made brands, they countered with the Graphtec CE Series and the Roland GX Series.....If you want higher down force look at the Graphtec FC Series or the Roland GX Pro Series...The reason it only has 250grams of down force is so they can sell at the price point they do...

Please explain on how exactly selling at the price point they do is related to solenoid (5-10$ item) and software settings?

GX PRO Vinyl Cutter Specifications
Cutting force 20 to 350 gf

Come on I do not need a cuttet that wide, and for $3,995 US I can manufacture it mysef

Seriously I know these a craft cutters, they all made in china AFAIK and quality is questionable but see the downforce and width settings. Some are 24" and 950 grams.

http://www.paperthreads.com/bonus/paperthreads_machine_compare_112008.html

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smilem

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 7, 2012

dcurtisroland said:
For that small portion of materials outside the GX-24's capability, I'd recommend a flatbed cutter.

I'm do not have like 5000$ for a flatbed cutter

Also see my post above, it is not normal to spend more than ~1200$ for cutter to cut paper that is 300-400gsm papper.

Solenoid is a cheap part, and if I can't buy I cutter from Roland that has enough force I think that I will have to modify (change the solenoid) and possibly control circuit (if not enough power will be supplied) to have force at least up to 500 grams.

I also would like to explain to non-tech users out there that only Roland has linear bearing rail for carriage mechanism. All you other loved cutters that cost an arm and a leg like Summa have same mechanism as any china made plotter.

No offense but aluminum and plastic vs. linear bearings is not comparable in my mind. You do not put plastic bearings in your car wheels do you?

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