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help needed please…
Hi,
I am looking at doing some vinyl printing for outdoor use. I will be working from home and understand that full solvent is out because of this so I am left with either Eco-solvent or ink jet.
My question is with the ink jet printable vinyl how good is this for outdoor use and what inks are best for this?
How long will the color last outside?
and what printer would you recommend I am looking to buy a used printer as cost is an issue to start with?
Eco-solvent now I know there are some great printers out there like the Roland etc but as said above cost is the issue so my question is what sort of price would I expect to pay for a used printer age is not important as cost as long as the system is in full working order?
I need to print simple but effective graphics size about 24" wide max so I will need a printer for this size of work.
If anyone could help a newbie it would be appreciated.
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4 Replies
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You ask 2 signmakers the same question and you will get 3 different answers. There are so many factors here I think you need to do a bit more research, check previous posts, look at adverts, see whats on offer, then come back and ask questions such as ‘What is this machine like’ and ‘Is it suitable for such and such’
The only bit of advice I can give you is spend as much as you can afford on a reliable machine. If they go wrong and you haven’t got a warranty or service contract then they can be horrendously expensive to repair. 1 print head on my machine is £1200+vat fitted and I have 12 of them..!! -
Thanks for your prompt reply.
A printer I was looking at was the HP Z2100 says it will print on vinyl and I could afford a renew.
Now this is an ink jet and this is why I asked about the ink jet printable vinyl.
Could you give me any info on this please.
Thanks…
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I would suggest looking at how much product you can really sell and the value. Then evaluate whether you can cost-justify the purchase price and running costs of your own machine. You might be better buying it in.
If you decide to go ahead set your budget based on your business plan and list available machines. Check out these with dealers, exhibitions and best of all, users. Look for reliability, maintenance cost, consumable cost, substrate cost, whether you need to buy a RIP, creation software etc.
Just doing this will teach you loads about the machines and their versatility. You can then shortlist and seek the best deals.
Peter
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Ollie
Looking at the spec for that printer (HP z2100) I would suggest it has been designed for the paper/proofing/poster print market.
Unless you`re in a rush go to Sign UK (Sign & Digital now) and have a good look at Roland, Mimaki etc etc – Most have Eco Sol and Full Solvent options – most will have multiple sizes options in 30",54" and 60" width which will help you with vinyl pricing if you stick to the industry norms for digital print vinyl.
Once you have a better feel narrow down to 1 or 2 options that will suit your needs and then shop around for that 2nd user bargain. There are a number of resellers that deal in 2nd hand machines but would advise that you stick with a printer that was really designed for the vinyl market and not a paper printer that can print self adhesive.
As for eco sol being good for outdoor I know Mimaki and Roland Inks are fine but would suggest applying an overlaminate to give optimum performance especially on vehicles where abrasion can be an issue.
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