Cutter and Laser

[Jamie Wood]

The printer looks similar to one that was about 2 or 3 years back. Uniform
did a re-badged one, but it’s discontinued now. This was also based on Epson
head technology, and had similar claims about printing on virtually anything.
If memory serves, I believe Rodney Gold bought one, and wished he hadn’t.
Perhaps he’ll give a bit more info if he sees this post.

[Rodney Gold]

it’s basically doing what we did prior to our soljet.
You can print on inkjet vinyl , using any old cheap printer.
You create an outline or die line which isnt printed. You send the die line to a laser cutter , register the printed paper and use the laser to kiss cut.
A few hassles
1) you will destroy your laser if you use pvc as the fumes form HCL and it eats up the laser , so no vinyls , only polyester based papers. (or any other laser friendly material)
2) its a mission to register the paper so you get accurate die cuts
3) A decent laser costs 15 000 quid or more

BUT it does work damn well if yu get it right and if you have a laser , all you need is a desktop printer.
Obviously the print is unprotected. We used to dome it , we mainly used it for badges.
Basically its a nice application for a laser , amongst the billion other applications

We actually use this type of thing a lot , cept we use the laser to die cut thick substrates and then use our roland to print and cut vinyl and apply the die cut sticker to the die cut backing.

A laser is a wonderful machine and im astonished that more sign guys dont rush out and buy one , for signage it’s a huge boon. We run 6 of em.

The other unit , under PRINT, I wouldnt touch with a bargepole, we bought one of these type machines and it was a very expensive mistake. When it worked , it worked well , it was a busjet , but thats WHEN it worked which wasnt most of the time.
Maybe things have improved? We had incredible problems with blocked heads and a whole host of other things , wasnt worth the bother at the end of it. I lost a bundle getting rid of it.

Problem is , using a direct printer unless it does white means you cant print on dark . ones that print white are prolly really pricey. Worse is the fact that lasers do NOT cut everything perfectly without edge damage or discolouration , for example you cant cut thick card without charring , or wood. The lasers they tout dont cut metal at all………
It’s not quite as easy as it’s made out to be , nor as cost effective. I would imagine the whole setup would cost like 25000 quid or more when all is said and done

[David Rowland]

thanks for that

[Chris Dowd]

Talk to the people who are selling it Dave, Identify. They are in Bedminster, so not far for you to travel to see them.

We’ve been dealing with Identify for a fair few years now as they supplied our laser and carry out all our annual servicing, have always had good service from them.

[Nigel Pugh]

quote Rodney Gold:

A laser is a wonderful machine and im astonished that more sign guys dont rush out and buy one , for signage it’s a huge boon. We run 6 of em.

Ok everyone follow what Rodney has said, please form a orderly queue and start placing your orders 😉

[David Rowland]

Good to hear your in good spirits Nigel he he

[Nigel Pugh]

Just getting ready for next month Dave when there will be plenty of good spirits inside about 40 UKSB members 😛

[David Rowland]

Looking forward to SignUK and seeing all your latest fullsize UV printers 😉