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Newbie :-) Digital printer/Vinyl cutter 2 make numberplates

Posted by Liz on 15 May 2006 at 19:22

Hi,

As per the title really 🙁

I am looking to start a new business, with the sole purpose of making numberplates at markets etc etc.

I have been researching now and was not having a great deal of luck until I came accross this forum (which I think is marvellous by the way 😀 ) , and found some information on suppliers etc.

Basically I’m really unsure on which machine to go for – a vinyl cutter or a Digital Printer? I have spoken to a gentleman today from a company that distributes the OKI 5250’s and they sound excellent, but just a lot more expensive! He told me that the vinyl does not conform to British Standards and that the majority of people use the Digital Printers.

Could anybody please give me a little bit of advice on which set-up is best to go for please? I would be very grateful.

Also, I have noticed you can buy both wet and dry-faced acrylic. I have asked several companies what the difference is, but to no avail?

Many thanks for any help

Liz

carla ritchie replied 19 years ago 7 Members · 8 Replies
8 Replies

Phill Fenton

Member
15 May 2006 at 20:16

I would look at doing more than simply making number plates as there are plenty of issues involved in making these (you need to register with the authorities and keep detailed records etc.). Most garages that sell cars produce their own plates in house and the market is very competitive. I would suggest you look at making a range of sign types for which you will be able to make far greater profit margins than on number plates alone. I would start off with a vinyl cutter as this will allow you to make number plates if that is to be your chosen speciality, but will also allow you to produce a fuller range of signs. Just my opinion.

As for wet and dry faced acrylic – I’m assuming the dry face is a reference to ordinary clear acylic without any glue. Number plate blanks themselves usually have one side that has a glue face ready for the reflective backing to be placed onto before passing through a roller mangle.

Good luck whatever you decide to do 😀
Liz

Member
15 May 2006 at 21:17

Many thanks for your help Phill 🙂
I think the vinyl cutter is my best starting point, especially as its a better price. thanks again

Liz
Kenny Ramsey

Member
15 May 2006 at 21:37

If you do intend to produce number plates only then you will find you run out of options very soon with just a vinyl cutter. As above, many garages do make their own plates in house in basic legal styles. You will find the market you are trying to reach want different pictures, logos etc on the side.

Kenny
Richard Urquhart

Member
15 May 2006 at 21:47

not cheap to run but i use my pc 60 to do number plates i can do full colour .logos etc etc but as phil has said lot of people are at it
by the time you have brought the plates made them and done a design template made them written down driver details ,log book details etc etc you get £ 20 a pair
i only do it cause i have the printer but i would not buy a printer to get in to number plates

i have use cut vinyl but it not as good as printing due to the vinyl being on top of the reflective when you put the pot acrylic on it can leave a small halo around each letter
i use wet face acrylics the reflective is dry then the acrylic sticks to reflective

rich
Peter Mindham

Member
15 May 2006 at 22:44

Hi Liz
I was using a vinyl cutter to make number plates. I have now purchased an OKI printer to print. colour and black and white plates. If you want a cheap alternative, PM me and I will ive you details of a system I have had on trial and now have purchased as a backup.
Peter
Liz

Member
16 May 2006 at 08:26

Hi, thanks for all your input 🙂

I was under the impression though that you are not able to print white, eg a st.georges cross, onto a yellow plate with a digital printer?
Are there more options available with a digital printer than a vinyl cutter?

Peter, I have searched for the button to PM you, but to no avail! 🙁

Thanks again

Liz
Chris Wool

Member
16 May 2006 at 08:41

quote :

Could anybody please give me a little bit of advice on which set-up is best to go for please? I would be very grateful.

you are setting up to flaunt the law WHY ? you see other people getting away with it at present but it will not last.
who carries there docs around with them at a market ?.

sorry but been there done that and got the t shirt.

chris
carla ritchie

Member
14 October 2006 at 18:27

ok hi mate oki is the way for me how ever sod the dearer c5 series printer get the 200 quid markl c3200n
does the job nicely
market sure do it i earn a great deal from it
registration if u or ur web site is based in scotland u dont need to register

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