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Best printer for vehicle graphics
Hi all. I am very new to this business as my background is audio visual digital signage but I would like my business to diversify a little.
I would like to start doing graphics and logos for vehicles but I am not to sure where to start.
I would like to start small with a small printer and cutter but not sure what the best models would be for me.
Is it possible to do exterior graphics using a small format inkjet printer using Epson Ultrachrome dyes? can they be protected from UV in any way.
Is there specialist Vinyls for this type of work etc.
Hope someone can help me out.
Many thanks.
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5 Replies
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Hello again John. 😀
You’re going to get a hundred different answers to that question, but I would say, go for a full solvent printer. That is one that has been designed to use solvent inks rather than one that has been modified.
Something like the Mimaki JV3 😀
That might seem like overkill for some of your work, but it will ensure that you can take on any job that comes through the door.
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Hi John
Thanks for that reply. I’m sure I will get a few different answers but it will be good to read them all and get all points of view.
When I said starting small I also meant a very small budget to see how things panned out. However if its the only way to do it then I will need to go for that type of printer.
Is there any way to to protect non solvent inks then?
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quote iFrame:When I said starting small I also meant a very small budget to see how things panned out. However if its the only way to do it then I will need to go for that type of printer.
Is there any way to to protect non solvent inks then?
Well, if you want to get into vehicles then too small is no good. We can print 760mm wide and that is good enough for the vast majority, about 95%, of our work. If I need anything bigger I buy it in like I always used to.
I also think that if you buy cheap you will regret it when you very soon have to upgrade.
To protect digi prints on vehicles they need to be laminated with a clear film. If you read through the board you should pick up eveything you need to know. If not, then just ask.
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Thanks John.
I thought that might be the case.
Thanks for your time.
John
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Hi there,
If you are new to it have a look at the Roland VP-300(30" wide) or VP-540 (54" wide) , they are a print and cut machine giving you a plotter as well as a printer , they use eco-solvent inks which are far more aggresive than they used to be and apart from vehicle graphics which you would (in my opinion) always laminate anyway there are no other restriction , no fumes so no ventilation required, you can lease them to keep the outlay down.
Roland outsells every other machine in the market 3 – 1 so plenty of people to get a second opinion from.
Regards
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