ROLAND Printer SC540 EX PRINTER CUTTER – should I buy????

[Chris Wool]

I and one or two others have that machine and a good one is very good but what a over kill for the job in hand.
did you know that the machine is 2800mm in total length and has 12 carts yes 12, 6 heads 2 carts per head make it a wonderful production machine.
it is when well set up capable of very fine printing and very accurate cutting.
at 3k it could be a real bargain or a real money pit
also make sure that it is capable of running versaworks not all the old ones can.

still think the BN20 is a better machine for you.

[Nigel Pugh]

If you could go 4k plus the vat I know someone selling a VersaCamm SP300V, four years old and in mint condition, I know this because we only serviced this printer the other week.

Nigel

[Helen Butcher]

Hi Chris
I am aware of the size and it could be considered overkill – especially if my business doesn’t take off!

However, after researching, scouring the ‘net and considering my business plan and more importantly what I, myself, feel comfortable with I have decided I want to be able to oversee all aspects of the business – i.e. no subcontracting the printing. I don’t want to have to be worrying about my system restricting my workload and having to look into expansion and sourcing machinery all over again.

I accept I need a solvent printer – which I am finding impossible to find at reasonable cost for the size I am looking for – 30".

I want a cutter at least a metre wide – (I have other plans not just skins).

I have a restricted budget – unless I use a leasing option which I am not willing to do until I am happy to commit to purchasing what I want/need from new and would prefer to borrow the money using other methods anyway.

With £3kish to invest and taking into account my business plans for the coming few years my options are limited. I would actually prefer a seperate printer and cutter but the SC540 has come up and I really want to get going and think this may be the best option as I cannot source many other options at present.

Hope that helps explain why I am considering such a large printer/cutter when it would appear the BN 20 could be sufficient. To add to my argument a BN 20 new costs more than the 3K and I haven’t seen any second hand as they are so new and they would be very restrictive as to what products I could produce due to their smaller size.

Helen

[Jason Davies]

I agree with Chris, you might as well just burn your £3K. This machine will be a money pit and to run and maintain that many heads as well as ink cartridges will drain all of your resources. I would go with Nigel, get started, get used to the process and if it takes off sell the printer and upgrade.

The SC will be a ball and chain around your neck.

My opinion only and good luck which ever way you go.

[David Rowland]

I agree with Chris sadly for that business plan. The BN will be a better machine but slow, but it will retain the quality, it will have the new print head technology.

If your thinking signage, then I would steer u towards the Latex at £15K but as your not, then £4K Roland based printer sounds a bargain.

Remember, solvent printers do need a lot of TLC.

[Kevin Flowers]

Helen
i run a Sc545 and agree with the above that it would be over kill, to put 12 carts in the machine & keep another 12 on the shelf will cost more that £1500. You need a spare 12 because if 1 empties the printer won’t run. Heads on this printer are £540+vat so have a heavy media impact & you will normally wreck one at least.
Being on a limited budget means it is not going to be made any better if you have a printer you cannot afford to use.

Best of luck with whatever you decide

Kev

[Chris Wool]

Helen i understand you frustration of wanting to get moving.
should you think of going forward with this please consider to have a engineer check it out for you and install it, these things are not like desk top printers, you will probably want tuition on the RIP and how to use the different controls on the printer. this will cost money and a fair amount but will probably save you a lot more before to long.
as Kev says the ink level system is not the best so a spare set of carts is sensible.

had mine about 8 years and love it to bits but in untrained hands could soon be a nightmare. both in cost and time.

just saying if you buy a new BN20 from a good dealer they will train you so will roland its under warranty, help is readily on the end of the phone.

that sp300 don’t sound to bad.

[Steve McAdie]

Be careful Helen, It sounds a very good price, make sure you see it before buying as there has been scams before using wide format printers as the bait.

[Helen Butcher]

Thanks for all your advice

I have decided with much regret but with my business head on that the sc may end up more of a burden – I had realised the number of inks, etc and I would always plan to have spares on the shelf but with all your advice the reality of what that means financially comes to the fore. I would also need some hand-holding and altho the seller is offering this the reality many not be of any worth – we are not near to each other and so would be verbal assistance only.

Nigel I know the SP300V would be a great choice but at the moment I haven’t got £4k+vat as well as the rest of the set up costs 😥 If I win the lottery I’ll get in touch!

Helen