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Should we stick with Roland or try Graphtec?
I need some advice on the following:
We currently have a setup based around Roland’s VersaWorks v2 powering SP300 and SP540.
But we are about to buy one af the new Roland Versaart and want to combine that with a cutter.
As far as I can see it, we could have a nice workflow if we upgrade to VersaWorks 3 and the hook the SP’s and Versaart up to it. And if we choose a Roland GX-cutter then we can connect that to VersaWorks too and then be able to run different jobs across the machines, so that we can print on SP or Versaart and then cut it on the GX or choose to cut it in one of the SPs.
BUT, I have seen the Cut-Through feature on the Graphtec-cutters and can see some posibilities in that, since we have clients that requests decals with cut-through. But I have also noticed that Roland is providing the same kin af feature (called perfCut) in VersaWorks 3. The Grapthec is build for cut-through and have a second knife-position for this, so that i dosen’t wear the strib and knife too much. The Roland do not have this, and just raises the knife-pressure and thefore must put a harder strain on the knife and cuttingstrib.
If we buy a Roland GX-cutter, it can easily be integrated in out existing setup and work directly together with the printers/print/cut. If we buy a Graphtec we additional software to run the Graphtec and remember to put the required cut-marks in each layout that need to be cut in the Graphtec. I can allready see a lot of wasted vinyl because somebody forgets to place these marks in the layout because they are used to run the jobs through VersaWorks that places its own marks.
So this is actually the question:
If we would like to be able to do cut-through / perCut, should we then choose a Graphtec or a Roland cutter – seen in the light that we allready have a Roland-setup and are used to theese mashines?I really hope you guys can come with some advices on this, since this is actually the final thing we need to decide before buying the machines – and we desperately need them…. 😥
Best regards
/Jesper -
2 Replies
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I will be able to help.
Graphtec provide a free plugin for illustrator. When you setup your file for pre-press simple add the registration marks and RIP and print your job. Then load the vinyl in the Graphtec and load the file and send through the cut data.
It is more cumbersome then simply adding a Roland cutter and letting Versaworks 3 do it all.
I will tell you that the Graphtecs are 100 times better at cutting then our Versacamm was. The segmented registration marks also allow you to cut large printed graphics without any problems. I’ve done graphics that are print and cut up to 8 metres long without any issues on the Graphtec.
Going with the Roland cutter will mean a more seamless work flow.
Going with the Graphtecs will mean better cutting and better accuracy.
Also introduce yourself in the hello forum you’ve been signed up for quite a while 🙂
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Both Roland and Graphtec vinyl cutters are very good. I have run both side by side for many years now. My view is that Graphtecs have the edge over the Roland cutters and value for money, again i think the Graphtecs have the edge. i guess that depends on which model you are buying and what extras you get as standard. so better to compare like for like on that part yourself.
However, if i personally had everything setup for Roland machines running from versaworks, I would opt for a Roland cutter. It will streamline your setup and minimise what you have to learn. So for me, As much as i love my Graphtecs, I would go with a Roland in this instance.
What i think you have to weigh up is just how much work do you put out using the perforation tool? is it worth upsetting your system for this facility when the Roland machine "does" have a similar option?
Remember, a new blade costs about £10 at most… a cutting strip similar price. it will take allot of perforating to wear the strip, but they are easy to change and cheap… as for the blade. just keep a spare blade aside that you using only when it comes to perforating/cut through graphics.
I would speak to your Roland rep and tell him your issue and that you are leaning towards a Graphtec as it DOES do the same job better, but you would like to stick with the Roland setup. I bet he would be willing to stick a bunch of blades and cutting strips in for free to get the sale.
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