GRAPHTEC Plotter MK2 CE3000 Controled by ARTCUT !

[Andrew McCreadie]

Hi Decal Man

Have been reading your posts and everbody elses at that matter !!

It seems we are after similar things, I am looking to print, laminate and cut small stickers, I already own 2 epson 4000’s although these only take rolls up to 17″ they are sufficient for what I do.
I was also the looking at the graphtec ce3000-60 with the optical eye for registration could you tell me where you purchased from.
Now like yourself I’m trying to track down a cold mount laminator capable of mounting the rolls, Rob has kindly given me a phone number of someone to try so if you want we could exchange info since we are both after the same goal.
As for the Epson 7600′ s print quality I cant advise but if the 4000 is anything to go by the quality of colours and photo printing are superb.

Please read my previous link:

https://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.p … ing+labels

Cheers Andy

[Andrew Bennett]

You can buy yourself the Graphtec right here from the shop.

[Andrew McCreadie]

Cheers Andy

Yep already have one eye on the online shop, just out of curiosity, when I buy the graphtec is there any special software required?

I already use CS2 and Corel but would I need any other?

Thanks for reading

Andy

[Andrew Bennett]

If you have corel you can download CoCut, I believe it’s a plug-in and I do not know if it is a free upgrade or a seperate purchase.
Maybe someone who is a corel/CoCut user will come along soon.
Having said that, Jillybeans was getting good with Coral (-)

[TheDecalMan]

Hi Andy – It does seem were heading down the same twisty road, If it is of any help i Purchased the Graphtec CE3000-60 MK2 from GRANTHAMS as it was the best deal i could find as follows (Cutter with Optical Reg + Stand £995 with free delivery) i have the web address somewhere if you want the address let me know and i will search it out for you.

I Have not tested printing to vinyl and cutting yet as i have still to acquire the cold Roll laminator & Printer yet – I am looking at the printer next as this will impact on which laminator i get. I am lucky as i used to work as an engineer for maraine laminators years gone by and hope to get a Faulty unit from moraine & Recon it at home.

Look forward to hearing your experiences & Hearing other use-full info.

Thanks for your post !

[Andrew McCreadie]

Hi Decal Man

Just to let you know I purchased a 17″ x 20m roll of white ink-jet vinyl from print-max prints beautifully and colours are very vibrant.

I’ll buy cutter then start the journey of finding laminator.

Will keep in touch.

Cheers Andy

[TheDecalMan]

Hi Andy – It sounds good your Printer & Media Combination. Are you using the standard inks or specialist inks ? Did you find the 17″ Vinyl Inkjet Media to be alot cheaper per SQ/inch than say the 24″ or does it work out cheaper to buy 24″ per SQ Inch.

Look forward to your comments as this is my next on my list.

If it is of any help Andy – If you are struggling to find a cold Roll Laminator – it is very easy to put a switch on a Hot Roller laminator to stop the rollers heating. Most of them now have a Lamp tube in the roller and not a heating element as such. If you choose a second hand one you can test if it’s suitable by putting your item through it seconds after switching on from cold as the rollers take time to heat up, this way they are still cool. Not all have heated rollers some have a heat shoe or Heated Envelope. again these just need a switch of the correct rating putting in line with the heater. Some will not be suitable if the pressure on rollers is not adjustable. If you go down this line of modifying a Second user unit to cold use get a qualified electrical engineer to do the wiring mod for you.

Also Check the rollers very carefully for pits, Dips, or Damage. Don’t touch it if there is damage – Pressure Rollers are very expensive.

All the best !

[Andrew McCreadie]

Hi DecalMan

Just used the inks that came with printer!!!

I’m sure I payed slightly over the odds to get roll cut to 17″ I think the standard 24″ would be cheaper if that sounds right.

Mate, Laminators! I just not got a clue seems to be so many different kinds, I was angling for the cold laminator as I guess the hot ones could stretch the vinyl, again not 100% sure about this, any help from anyone would be great.

Cheers Andy

[Andrew McCreadie]

Hi again

Just a quick question did you get the Auto Registration Mark Sensor with the cutter or just the Optical Sensor ??
Which would I need ??

Cheers Andy

[Alan Wharton]

So do you think that a seperate printer/cutter amd lam machines are a better way to go than a print and cut machine using full solvent inks that from what i have been reading dont need to be laminated.
🙄

[TheDecalMan]

I have gone for the three process of (Print,Lam,Cut) because the Decals are going to be exposed to Car Washes, Weather, Rubbing , Tcut, Polish, Petrol etc and from the advice of others who have experience of this sort of wear & tear. Also it opens more avenues for future expansion.

I have no experience of the all in one machines but if it were to go faulty on say the cut option you have effectively lost 2 machines during repair period. also i work from home in a very small room , I really don’t want full solvent inks sending me to the moon & Back while i am printing 😀 I can do that at weekends down the pub. 😀

This option may not suit most people but based upon the feedback & Advice from other Local Company’s & posts on UKSIGNBOARDS it seemed the best option for my needs. Time will tell 🙄

[Andrew McCreadie]

Hi Taraswolf

Have been reading your posts intently, I find it hard to justify £10k for a print cutter when all I want is outdoor stickers, haven’t seen prints from a print/cut machine so I really cant compare.
I have seen my epson print on my ink-jet vinyl and it’s look great the only drawback is gold/silver metallic effects but I’m sure a matt look for gold & silver would suffice.

I’m still trying to do my sums to see if long term a print/cut (the vinyls are cheaper for these!) is cheaper than a print/lam/cut option.

Please keep in touch about your choices.

Cheers Andy

[Mark Bache]

Hi

I am trying to use artcut with my Graphtec CE3000. Any help would be appreciated as I cannot get it to work.

Thanks
Mark