Kevin Busby
Forum Replies Created
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Yep its deff down to the media backing paper, the vinyl might be latex compatible but the backing paper sure is not. Can get rid of it by adding a little weight to the piece thats coming out the front until enough is out to keep it flat but thats really just a solution to get rid of the media and change to something else.
LG all the way for me on Latex.
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Makes sense same head and same ink line giving issues probably due to the same reason.
Never had this issue as I didn’t do the milage on mine but I’m pretty sure they are changed on one of the service as I thought I can remember mine being changed. Might be worth asking one of the dealers for a old one that you can clean and use, apart from that cannot really help buddy.
Kev
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If your looking to go down this route I would suggest using the company in the Netherlands that supply them, they used to make their own inks but found the problems too much so they now use ink from the 5 series (I think) that comes in large boxes and break it down to the smaller 750ml cartridges for the 3 series this way you get genuine hp ink and still get fairly good prices.
Personally I don’t use enough ink to make it worthwhile but if I was going to do it again this would be the route I went down instead of the risks in non genuine. Prices I was offered on a full set was as good as any other reseller of their own inks.
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Most Couriers will supply plastic wallets especially UPS who do no end of boxes etc.
Im with parcelforce who supply the plastic wallets but I normally use 4 labels to a page sticky labels from e… very cheap and works straight out the laser printer with most couriers label sizes.
If you want to get very professional you can go with the thermal label printers lots of UPS ones on second hand sites, again most supply rolls of labels for these just not the machine itself unless your spending £k’s
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Yep I have that but only works with Windows and will not let you open artwork you have produced and then cut.
I’m going to post to see if I can find an old copy of illustrator for windows that will solve the issue then hopefully.
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Hi Phil
Thanks for that, Cutting manager should do that but its not working on Mac only on widows side and because everything is produced in illustrator and then using a plugin transferred over to cutting manager on my mac I’m not then able to save it to open again on the windows machine. If I save as a cut file, when opened on windows it disregards all settings and uses the cutter current ones.
Need to find a free software that also controls it, not like i do any decal work any more just need for standard text cuts.
Cheers though will keep looking for something that works.
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Its not so bigger scam these days but actually knew a guy (more a knob) that made money out of that, they would bulk register domain names for pennines then contact the companies saying we have intercepted a purchase for yourdomain.net and that they could purchase it before it was allowed to be purchased by the new company wanting the name. Because people are desperate thinking oh someones after my name ill grab everyone available for a inflated price and get mobbed off in the process.
Horrible people playing on successful businesses insecurity.
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I don’t use it but Inkscape is very useful for vector work and free, I would be surprised if you could not enter a cut line with it as well.
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Hi Myles
They tried different bits of the carriage but im pretty sure the last part was the ribbon cable from the rail to the carriage but done have any records any more to see what it was sorry.
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Hi Myles
I’m sorry was replying in a bit of a rush yesterday so made a few errors in my statement.
Firstly its slot 1 & 2 the light colours and secondly the fault is in the slots not the head, Ive put brand new heads in and had the same fault and others that have gone on for ages. If you get a fault with one head swap it to the other slot, its normally slot 1 that has the most issues and i’ve managed to swap them and get them going again.
Just remember when the fault occurs before swapping take a log from the printer server that is required when getting any warranty parts replaced that way it wont be confusing when you swap them and want to claim as the log will show the serial number is still running.
I’m pretty sure by the time I got rid of my 26500 I had everything in the carriage changed under warranty and the problem was either gone of so occasional it was not an issue. Luckily I had the extended warranty so it was not an issue.
To give you some idea for the future I had the 26500 2 and a half years and whilst I don’t do a massive amount of printing I went through something like 15 heads mostly the light, the yellow and black lasted so long I actually changed them in the end out of concern rather than them having printing issues. Now to measure that against the newer version which for me is the 310 which has the bumper and other ways of stopping the head strike, Ive just had it 3 years and 1 month and touch wood never changed a head!!!. The last time I had an engineer up he doubted me so much he checked the logs then did a head check print to show me how badly they were printing, only to eat his words when he couldn’t find any reason for changing them.
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Hi Guys
This was discussed in depth some months back or maybe a year or two lol, I had exactly the same problem with heads going out faulty all the time from the 5 and 6 slots.
Its quite simply down to head strikes, when something jams the carriage is the first thing to hit the media and the heads take the punishment not always straight away does it show, Ive had brand new heads go out with only a little ink used. This is why the new 3 series latex have head protectors so if it jams the media hits the plastic bumper rather than the head carriage.
Luckily mine was under warranty and Art Systems replaced every part of the carriage in the end but I sold it soon after so could not be sure if this resolved it or not.
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There are some very cheap brands of matt paint on the market that have very little stick value, I did some decals for a show and when testing the panel before hand found it almost useless for adhesion. You might get away with a watered down pva glue and water coat before applying the tape but it might also need a new paint if you have no option but to use tape.
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Umm roller pro for me to.
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Check you don’t have the vinyl loaded as banner or something that does not normally cut.
Secondly check its not been disabled in the settings on main screen as i’m sure you can turn it off.
The cutter is a simple part, check its working manually, It was a while back but had to replace mine after a few years due to a fault but its a small part and simply changed by yourself if you can get one.
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If your wanting to keep the temp a little lower to save some heating overnight we found running a de-humidifier for a few hours every day would keep any damp out of the products and keep the misting down to almost zero.
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MDP supplies do a limited amount but very reasonable in cost and delivery is very good considering the poles lengths.
Blackburns also do the panels and probably the poles.
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Amari have a depot in Plymouth and will probably be cheaper as that was who I switched away from Blackburns for.
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Its the evo e2 for me to at 2600mm, eats the banners and will score dibond for snapping easily, with a few cuts , will even go through the cheaper hoarding boards with a new blade its ready to go again. Best purchase I ever made outside of printers.
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quote Hugh Potter:this has had me chuckling as I remember the history lessons in the ‘new block’ in my school days, modern plastic seats and nylon carpet square flooring… rub your feet back and forth fast, lift them from the floor and touch your mate anywhere on bare skin and watch them jump, not only was the crack loud enough to get the teachers attention but you’d actually see the sparks!! Happy days!
I can’t be the only one that ever did that? 😆
Nope your not loved doing that, when the rooms darkened down to watch a video and you lift your feet and touch the metal support of the table with your thumb nail, massive crack and spark getting everyones attention but since its your nail no shock back.
Blimey now I feel old lol
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Metamark have a pre pasted wallpaper which is pretty reasonable in cost as do Paper Graphics who have several versions although I have not tried theirs.
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been using Kashflow for a few years now after moving from sage, very useful and reasonable price.
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Martin I have a vector file for the Eagle if you need it, had to have one redrawn for a customer who wanted it on their signage so your welcome to use it save you having to redraw it all.
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The baseball cap worn backwards, thats all you needed to know, not worth going any further with this customer as obviously too stupid to be in business.
Having said that at least he supplied more information than some, better than its a large white van you know their’s lots of them about like it LOL
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Hi Dan
Have used the basic onyx, the basic Flexi and the full flexi, with hp310 and 26500, its really like Marmite you either love them or hate them.
Onyx is very good and very simple to use in the basic version but lacking a lot of features unless you move up to one of the higher levels which gives you the extra functions. I use onyx as my day to day rip for most things but when I want to customise things its over to Flexi.
One thing I will say is the 26500 is one of them machines where you need to play with the profile settings to get things just right and its very restricted in Onyx. If I was buying again I would certainly go with flexi and I would suggest before committing you take out a 1 month subscription with flexi making sure not to choose the 12 month contract, this will give you everything you need and a good idea of what it can do. If you choose flexi then quite honestly I would stay on the pay monthly just change to 12 month sub so it brings the price down by £10 a month, your always up to date. If you purchase especially onyx without a yearly contract you could be out of date in 12 months. Also flexi is very competitive working out about 400-500 per year for the full package, so three years later you would only just have spent the same as a basic onyx package but you will still have warranty and latest version.
If you want to have a look around either rips id be happy to show you a remote control session.
Kev
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Venture Banners do direct to substrate printing, including dibond and you can get a price online once registered.
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Allprint do a thick stuff range of vinyls.
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Allprints have recently got a couple new versions from LG thats fire rated and might suit your needs, was not on the website when I last looked so you might have to call to get info.
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Allprint are the main LG uk agent and i’d be very surprised if they were out of stock, there are a couple other agents that stock LG as well but much higher cost.
Papergraphics do a monomeric grey back air release and matching gloss or matt laminate which comes out a little cheaper than the LG, its very good but I prefer the higher stick on the lg. The Reference is GBF1 gloss vinyl and you want the stickbits 2 monomeric gloss vinyl to match.
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Run over it with a sticky roller the type they use for removing hairs from garments, take the excess fluff off before putting the vinyl on, the rollers are very cheap and refills even cheaper.
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Firstly ensure your rolling with the vinyl facing outward (towards you when rolling not the table)
Use a tube to start rolling around until you have a couple turns then you can gently release.
Royal Mail have a good clearance on tube sizes so rather than roll into a commercial postal tube I use a lot of roll cores for sending out graphics as they are a lot larger diameter and allow more rolling room. Just put a piece of bubble wrap in either end and the cover in brown paper and tape up the ends.
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I’ve now given up trying different application papers and moved over to a high tack clear one which works much better and customers who install their own decals much prefer it to the normal paper type, plus it sticks much better and is much easier for applying.
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Ive got the 310 previous model and only get it happen when its media thats not suitable, had a roll of hexus poster paper that was supplied for it but no matter what I did it smudged, changed brands and no problem.
I do still have issue with the on way vision products doing the same and solution is more air suction, extend more from the exit and put some downward pressure until enough is out to hang down and roll up.
Another unfortunate cause is damp on paper backing papers, the unit takes the moisture out when drying the ink causing the backing to lift pressing the front into the heat unit.
I understand you hate the waste of media but the two hp latex I’ve had have always required the machine to extend some material before printing even with the side clips in place the head will catch the material resulting in a head strike if you try and leave it where the printer loads the material.
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Hexis offer a good range of Carbon and nice material for fitting, not used them in a while but i’m sure the colour options have expanded even more by now.
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Hi Rich
I have to second Robs offer of Sign Elite, been with them since the start and a very good service.
One pointer is to make sure you know what you need covering before you call them as their sign maker package is so comprehensive that it covers just about everything you can imagine and if your not going to be needing everything then no point in paying for it.
Kev
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Really sorry to hear this Ewan, its certainly been a hard couple years since the £ went mental and materials started increasing in price almost on a monthly basis.
I wish you all the best mate and hope your find something to keep you busy and pay the bills, you have been a great help and I hope you keep in touch.
Kev
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The Dongle also carries the software.
From what I remember seeing when my printer was installed the first time you plug it into the windows machine it should load as a drive and give you access to the software, although you will have to update it very likely.
The keys dictate which product activates, so depending which version you paid for this should remove apps you don’t have and so on.
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For the last 3 years ive been using Tru 300 from paper graphics without problem but not in the wider version.
Before I used a version from link ink 300 in 1520 and had no problems with that.
Any Allprint have just bought out a display 300 which are giving me very good results even at higher temperatures but again not tried the wider on this.
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A lot of truck companies especially ones that lease their motors still use steam cleaners turned right up and an inch from the paint as it saves them using a brush, destroys the paint but the motors are normally gone by that time.
Ive seen vinyl almost stripped off when it touches and especially if its new fit it can destroy it. May not be the case here but always worth having a smooch around when your fitting for a new client just to see what they use to wash the motors.
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quote Kevin Mahoney:Just deleted over 200 emails received over the weekend. No scam this time, no trickery or sly tactics, just a blatant demand for £8000 in bitcoin payments. Apparently, I have had some malicious software installed on my pc when I supposedly visited a ‘recreational website’. The webcam has apparently been activated & recorded me whilst watching & ‘enjoying’ myself. I’m not particularly worried about this as I’ve been married for 25 years so I’m fairly sure there is no video footage of me enjoying myself anywhere on the planet.
LMAO I got this one this morning but I was only ordered to pay £250 for my sins, maybe I get a discount as its only 24 years of no pleasure for me, seems wedding cake turns women into totally opposite models of their previous self.
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Hi Peter
This might help a little but I’m no techy. When I had my 26500 the drive belt was removed several times on visits by engineers and from what I could see was not very hard to remove but much more fiddly to put back and on several occasions I had to hold part in place when they attached the other end.
Again from memory there is 3 service levels, A B & C, C service is first and is basically all the waste pipes and filters etc. Never had a b or a but Im told A service basically replaces everything that moves or has ink through it and a B would be between the two.
From memory a C service cost me aprox £380 in parts and 1.5hrs time to fit, never had the next ones. The web server status page should tell you what % you are through each service giving you an idea when its due.
Sorry its sketchy but give you something to think about until someone gives you the full details.
Kev
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This company was recommended recently for this kind of thing but cannot comment as i’ve not used them yet
https://spandexsignsystems.co.uk/
If your not wanting to go down the frame route then I have seen people install their own by putting a sheet of MDF against the wall and securing then screw and washer right around the banner holding it securely and then put a baton over the top to kind of frame it, this way it will keep the wind from getting underneath.
Im sure someone will be along shortly with something much better but its a starter for you.
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Air release is not ideal especially when using for small lettering as there is so little adhesive touching the glass.
I would also make sure you clean the area with a degreasing cleaner to ensure everything is spotless before applying.
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Been using a Monomeric version from paper graphics for a few years now, I don’t do a lot of it and only use for windows, works very well on ice cream vans.
Only have latex to print with and it works very well the only issue comes when printing solid blacks the material can lift slightly on the way through the heat element and sometime smudge, we get round this by leaving a length of media hanging so there is some weight on it.
Results are good, price is sensible and with latex lasts 3 years without a huge colour loss. Downside is they only sell by the roll.
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Metamark do a white board vinyl as do Allprint from memory, works very well so long as they use the correct pens on them.
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Very nice, stands out and just the right colour combination to make it bright but not eye watering painful bright.;
Nice job, maybe one day I’ll get even close to that kind of job
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Looking like finecut is not seeing corel draw, with Illustrator this normally happens on an update where its not compatible.
Like your thinking I would reckon unistalling and re-installing would be the best option. Im not a Corel user but with Adobe subscription it always gives you the latest option but you can go to the web site and choose an older version right back to the first versions if you wish, I’m sure corel must have a way of getting at previous versions for this exact reason, maybe check website or call them.
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Sometimes it can be a faulty chip on the cartridge, if they are genuine carts then call your supplier and they will replace them foc, probably require a couple pics and a printout but should be fine.
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MDP do a kit all ready to go, 3mm dibond, clips, channel and you can add the posts if you need, cheap as chips.
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I’ve got the 1600mm SH which is just hot on the top roller like they are offering and honestly have only used the hot a handful of times so would not bother with it if we went that direction again though.
It can help the silvering a little yes I agree with that but again depending on what print your using and how quickly your turning around, silvering can go quite quickly anyway. It also makes a difference how warm your setup is there is no point in putting through hot in your freezing garage because the media needs to be kept at a room temperature as well or this will also make a difference.
If cost is minimal then I guess it would improve second hand value if you don’t use it to much.
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Very Handy guide Andy, I actually had a customer wanting one replaced and assumed it was Ashby’s but when I opened it up it just did not look right, luckily we could replace the graphics but its very handy to know now where the original installer (He passed away in 2016) got his blanks from as a lot are coming round for replacement.
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I’ve only ever had HP Latex and swear by it so its only right this is what I would recommend to any small or large shop looking to turn around stuff quickly.
If you do decide to go HP Latex then don’t buy now, for the last two years they have had massive sales Jan / Feb when you can save a few K depending on model and they are HP Sales not dealer offers so where ever you shop you should get the same offer give or take a couple £
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Amari, Blackburns both do varying quality and offer colour solutions.
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That will be fine when printed what are you moaning about, how many postage stamps is he having?
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Its really strange reading this again this morning and had a customer who actually had this done for a trailer, company that created it was called Beefy Flaps LMAO might not help you with material but you might be able to put the print out to them if they are willing.
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Whilst not wrapping vehicles I still get the issue all the time and ultimately if I don’t think something will look right then I wont make it. Had a guy who wanted some magnetics who got his designer to make the artwork to size for me but despite telling him 100 times it does not matter how your designer puts a jpg of your logo into another format it will always be a picture file, after several weeks the guys designer admitted he never created the logo and just used a web creator for a fiver job LOL. Sent it off for redraw and showed customer the two versions using the new vector and he was speechless seems he had quite a bit of stuff done using the old logo without anyone mentioning it.
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I can’t say its something i’ve ever done but if there was anything that might stand up to it then it would be what they use for motocross bike vinyls with a really high stick and ultra thick laminate. I think Allprint use a brand called the thick stuff
http://www.allprint.co.uk/enduro-MX-vin … kStuff.htm
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Hi Susan
Thanks very much for posting back your resolve, My HP version is set to the same as yours was so i will now change this and see if it improves things.
Whilst I do like Onyx I use Flexi for design and it would be good to be able to cut and print using one software thats a reasonable monthly charge rather than large outlay for each new printer and yearly fees.
Thanks
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What about some anti grafiti laminate applied, should resist showing scratches and not be as prominent as a sheet plus the simple curves should be ok with it, I know there are a few really thick ones out there.
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quote Gary Barker:Be careful when purchasing latex printers, we have some issues with delamination when using latex Gen 3 Inks.
Funny you should mention that I’ve only had that happen a couple times and it was always on Metamark Vinyl with solid black ink, its almost like the laminate will not stick to the ant scratch coating of the ink. Had to take some contour cut vinyl decals off a vehicle a week after applying and the laminate came straight off but left behind the MD5 like nothing had been there. Did query it with Metamark and they simply said it needs outgassing which to be fair I did try but made no difference.
Not had any issues with LG media though.
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On my second Latex machine now and would never look back, started with the 26500 and now on the 310, its a perfect machine for a small company, 13amp sockets so no messing with 16amp sockets being installed just plug straight into your normal sockets. With the old machine I only ever printed wider than 54" a couple of times so when it was time to change this made a good choice to stick at 54 instead of paying the extra.
Agree with whats been said above specially with Colins detailed description he has pretty much nailed it with the pros and cons, I know it might not be as cheap as a solvent but I dont think I could cope with degassing times being a very small operator, I am nearly always printing and out the door same day.
Colin would like to know where your getting your ink Ive been paying £85 for the last few months.
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quote Susan Stewart:Kevin,
Thank you the offer. We will probably do that. Which file format do you recommend us sending it in to you?Always prefer pdf file when possible, you can email it to me kev at kjsigns . uk if you like along with address, ill print it on vinyl and post it out asap for you.
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Since getting the 310 two years ago Ive used Onyx 99% of the time but for a period I did have the Flexiprint pro and whilst I did not notice print variants on the same item I certainly noticed a diffrences in colours compared to the Onyx prints of the same file and sometimes even compared to the screen view. I also have the free version now but it uses the same engine as the pro without some of the features so would expect it to be the same.
Cannot really help you much more than that but if it helps your welcome to send me a file which I can print on my 310 using onyx and post it back so you can see the comparison.
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1/ plexdisplay for all my roller banners, nice selection from extra cheap to premium.
2/ Papergraphics Tru300, 300gram grey back light blocking, lay flat media that works perfectly on the Latex printer. Comes in 914mm and wider and on 50mtr rolls, cheaper than the best stuff but a very very good product. Has a scratch resistant coating that does not require laminating and I’m very pleased with it used thousands of meters without problems.
3/ My default is the Plex Zeta roller, comes in 800mm and 850mm wide, single foot, light weight profile, telescopic pole, and the key elements adjustable tension screw and top bar secured with tape and Alan key bolts so it will not come off if accidentally let go like the snap on ones. If your needing cheaper than I would go with the Neo roller and if you want the best then its their side winder. All rollers come with a two year warranty and if you do get a problem a quick email normally sorts it out.
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quote KevinGaffney:Popped into the transport show that was in the nec same day as sign uk specifically to check out shelving options but had little time so only saw a couple. Impressive modular systems but a lot more than I’m willing to spend. What have you guys done, built your own, got kits or some of these modular systems. I wouldn’t mind something second had to suit Renault master
When I got my Renault Master I had the dealer put down a solid level floor for approx £150 and then found a company on eBay that was based around Milton Keynes then contacted them privately and had the whole back panelled out along with racking down the two back sides leaving the middle open for sheets to be carried,this was between £200-£400 depending how many racks, spacing etc but everything had been pre cut and they slotted it in then screwed and sealed the edges. I must admit I was pretty impressed with the quality and the speed even sent me off to the reception to make payment on the way out.
Might have been cheap but first rate job without spending a fortune but obviously depends on what you need to start with.
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Not a massive range but plain and simple options, with a good price and very good customer service with providing options to fit with the requirements even when outside of what they offer.
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Just noticed if the colours dont work for you then allprint do both a promotional and 2 year one which has 5 colours based on a KPMF cast vinyl
http://www.allprint.co.uk/fluorescent-s … series.htm
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Check the website as i think the cast has less colours than the promotional, never used it but im sure i noticed it said that somewhere.
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I know metamark do a series of Fluorescent vinyls that would work with the colours you need, they do both a promotional 6 month one or a cast 2 year one but because of the colour your not going to get a long shelf life.
https://www.metamark.co.uk/sign-vinyl/r … ent-films/
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Hi Wayne
No expert on this as I’ve always been latex printing but since you’ve not had any other replies I thought i would have a stab, might generate some response if only to correct me LOL
1/ I think all colours fade at the same rate its just the lighter colours will look like they fade quicker because they don’t have the colour depth the darker ones have.
2/ Polymeric in my opinion is more about the quality of the vinyl, less shrinkage and longer period of material breakdown compared to monomeric. The laminate might protect the fade better due to being higher quality and also more lightly it has uv protection built in than a cheaper monomeric product.
3/ So long as its a reasonable quality monomeric and by this I mean 3-5 year product like LG / MD3 I would think 2years before fade starts and shrinkage becomes apparent an 3-4 years before fade is very noticeable and materials starts to break down. This could be very variable though depending if its in direct sunlight or away from the sun.
As stated above this is just my opinion based on what I’ve seen I would not recommend you use my thoughts as set in stone when making a business decision on what product to use.
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Its really not the ideal product for them but I still don’t think paint could be the reason its not sticking, even with many layers your still going to get some grab from the signs.
Stickers would obviously be the main choice as this kinda kit will go through some substantial cleaning probably by steam cleaner which will destroy magnetic signs with the heat. The only other option I would perhaps suggest was using static cling stickers on the inside of the glass, should hold in place ok so long as inside and very easy to remove when finished.
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Played that game many times, just ask customer to test signs on filing cabinet or container and when confirmed working tell them to look for a better placement.
Had cruise company send me an order and payment confirmation for 20 magnetics in large lengths as per website along with artwork, when I curiously asked what they planned on doing with them they explained they were being sent out with a new cruise ship doing a coast tour and wanted the signs to go over the day trip coach livery. I was tempted to continue but did go back to them and ask them to confirm with the coach operator that stretch panels were metal as most coaches now a days are aluminium or fyber, relived purchasing manager came back thanking me and saying they would think again lol.
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Started out on latex and never looked back so cant give you a from to description but I can say I would never look to change, even costs wise I know solvents make it a lot cheaper with bulk ink etc but knowing you can turn a print round in 20 minutes with laminate if your desperate is like nothing else. Back with the 26500 there were quite a few substrates you had to be a little choosy with but now on the 3 series ive never had an issue so long as you make sure its made for Latex printers and from a good supplier (ie not someone who just puts the made for latex without testing) then you will find everything you need and without paying an enhanced price as I thought it would be at the start. Print heads all changeable at about £70 ish each, the more you print the longer they last, my printers just 2 years 3 months and still on original heads LOL but if your running 24/7 you would need to work on about twice the warranty amount of ink as the normal throughput before changing.
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Yeah I keep forgetting that they changed the way profiles work on the 3 series and the rip really does not matter much now but on the 26 and 25 it was a lot more specific.
I hem with double sided tape and eyelet with nickel eyelets but have been considering doing away with the hem for short term events as this stuff is mighty strong and it looks so untidy with the puckering on the hems that makes it look almost un professional but don’t do enough to warrant any other option.
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If you email allprints they nearly always have a profile mapped exactly for the product and your machine as they keep several machines just to build the profiles and its probably the best bit about using them. Any issues and call them and they will advise how to tweak it to get perfect results.
To be fair when I started out with the 26500 after serveral months of trying every product I could find I would have sworn its the one product that did not work with latex, then I cam across a 500gram product from paper graphics which printed perfectly and from then on until an little upset with that product ive stuck with that and all print 550 which has just been updated again to an even better product. Sometimes cheap just does not cut it with latex.
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With Flexi if you have the saicloud one you get the full product which includes a profile maker so your able to tweak every aspect of the profile from inside the rip and adjust what you need to.
I only ever had 440gsm a couple times and always promised its compatible but that could also mean with the later versions of latex not the first couple, I really would go up above 500gsm, im getting some good results on Allprints 550 and tough stuff.
Lastly and Im no insinuating thats this is the case but a lot of banner materials are revers wound so you have to load in printer opposite way so the underneath is at the top, mine is and the amount of times ive loaded and had to take it out again, the smoothest side is normally the print side.
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It does sound very long for onyx I do them all the time that kinda size and always at 300dpi but saved as pdf file.
I would imagine the picture files have to be recoloured to CMYK which is what takes the time, with pdf its normally 8-10 mins for heavy files.
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+1 for sign elite but ensure you go through exactly what you need as their sign fitter / maker package includes almost everything, was starting to feel I was over paying and went over what I was covered for and what I really needed and cut mine down to just under £600 with them but I dont fit at height and never have customers vehicle on site so its mostly building and contents along with public liability which I would not recommend anyone going with out.
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If you want cheap then I’m pretty sure all the HP 3 range came with a free rip that does the job, its basically a restricted version of Flexi rip but works good enough.
Should have got a card with a registration number when you bought the printer, although a lot of dealers remove them to sell you the full versions.
If you don’t have it then there is another way of activating it.
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Your a start thanks Kevin, I knew their had to be something out there that did the job and make the finished product look much better than a couple of banners with some wood.
Thanks everyone
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Thanks guys thats a lot of help, thought I was going mad for a while but these two ideas will help me along.
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I dont do tinting work but I would expect the 5 years is the same as vinyl and its the max life not the minimum.
I would say 3 years sounds fair, I normally offer the same on a polymeric vinyl which is aprox 5-7 max life.
Just ensure you state that it does not include any damage or 3rd party involvement as something so simple as window cleaners could end up with you being called back because they scratched it.
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Just for your info its also possible to get a very cheap usb plugin cd drive, just plug it into a usb port and it will play any cd dvds you might have.
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quote Martin Pearson:I am surprised Bisbell Magnetic haven’t got a mention, I don’t do much sign work anymore so maybe things have changed. I use to do quite a lot of magnetic signs, can’t actually remember the last time I did any vehicle magnetics so haven’t bought for a long time but when I was working full time I use to buy 30 metre rolls of plain from Bisbell & floodcoat to what ever colour myself 😆 😆
Used them once I stopped buying it by the mtr from MDP and they were very good, nice product and high quality just the price that made the difference for me.
From what I was told some while back there are only 4 factories that make this product so chances are a lot come from the same source. When I started selling these it was mostly on ebay and hence every penny mattered but now I’m away from that market I have changed the odd supplier for better quality products but always stuck with Magnetic Solutions as their prices have only gone up 30p a meter in 4 years and they have a good quality product. Ive only ever had 1 problem and that was a 30m roll which was collected and replaced without issue.
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quote Martyn Heath:I’ve used victory and mdp. Victory seemed to be better quality but both are vehicle grade
Hi David
No I don’t mate, you really need a flat bed for that, had a few wanted it over the years but its normally an in fill for a panel which would make even harder to do as you would not be able to use knife-less tape to contour it so I only offer the option of having the corners rounded which I do with a table mount corner rounder.
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Hi Pete
Yep its a big part of my business do anything between 10 & 200 a month. Been using the same supplier for 4 years now, I was encouraged to try another supplier who’s material was ok but goal posts moved after first order so went straight back.
Magnetic Solutions is the company and I always buy the highest pull, so its white face .85mm magnetic sheet 620mm, if you spend over £500 then its free delivery (not up here in the highlands but most normal places) I always had the 30m rolls delivered by pallet and always in pristine condition although takes a bit of lifting to get out the box.
Price wise that will be down to you and them but i’ve had a couple resellers try and get the business only to ask for my supplier as they are paying more than I was buying at.
I would recommend supplying customers with a disclaimer about how to treat them because if they are not removed and cleaned regular they will rot the magnetic material over the course of 18months, if cleaned and looked after should be 3 years plus.
In the time i’ve been doing them I have always said that placed correctly they are good for motorway speeds and out of the hundreds I have done only ever replaced 1 set and that was stolen off the van one weekend. Only use the best material and they will be fine, try and do it cheap and you will get headaches.
If you need anything else just let me know be happy to help.
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quote David Hammond:We’ve a customer bringing two van’s in today.
Vivaro, LWB. Design’s been approved, all the vinyl cut.
Bloody thing’s turned up today and it’s a vivaro LWB, but a bleeding crew cab :bangshead:
Any tips on dealing with that one? 😆 😆 😆
Not sure this will help but I always send customer a copy of artwork on the vehicle template as I had assumed most do, if he has approved the artwork without telling you the vehicle in the image is wrong then thats the same as approving a typo in my book.
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No help i’m afraid i’ve never found anything apart from scratching it off with a blade, might be ok for a tiny spot but not really on anything big.
If you happen to spot it before it goes through the curing unit you can open the window to pause the print and wipe away with some isoprol but sods law says you just miss it happening.
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Plexdisplay another good one with a two year warranty and still do the cheapo ones if needed.
With Rob on this though stopped doing the cheap ones as you cannot teach stupid people not to let go and expect them to wind themselves up without ripping the top bar off and going inside the roller. Now only supply plez zeta or sidewinders, the zeta are still budget but telescopic pole, single foot, lightweight canister and best of all the top bar attached with double sided tape and then clamped in place with alan key bolts so its staying in place when the rest let go.
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Hi Hugh
Asked this question a while back and got very positive remarks regarding the Metamark product working well on Latex but the sample I got was to small to load in the machine so have not tried personally.
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Haha I went in this morning to get some tools to clear some snow away from the doors, not sure which was inside and which was outside as more snow inside, the fine stuff had got through the holes in the wall and everything including the stack of 8 x 4’s had 6inch of snow on it.
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quote Myles Brewer:quote Kevin Busby:You can do the same thing with a steeltrack and a V Grove tool, just measure it out take a slice out of one side and fold on the V’s just like it been routed.
Yet another piece of equipment I’d dearly love to have Kevin. Unfortunately, space more than anything is the issue there 🙁
I know that feeling my poor steeltrack is relogated to the damp dingy garage due to lack of space in the office, I wish I could get it in but not happening and taking it out badly on the machine being in the damp and cold.
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You can do the same thing with a steeltrack and a V Grove tool, just measure it out take a slice out of one side and fold on the V’s just like it been routed.
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Hi Matthew
Im using a HP latex 310 but one of the big reasons I have switched over to Allprint instead of my previous supplier Metamark is because allprint will nearly 100% of the time supply a rip profile for their media so you don’t have to guess at getting it right, they have several printers and create their own profiles for the media. They are also the main uk supplier for LG media so prices are very keen as apposed to buying elsewhere.
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This is not the pro version but seems exactly the same as their logo font apology if i’m missing the diffrences not great on fonts.
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I use the same LG 3-5 year product with the matching gloss laminate your on a winner, always offer customers the polymeric option but they normally need them updating before they ware out. Always laminate outside signs just to ensure the colours last as long as possible.
I would also agree with edge wrapping although the LG media sticks like a high tack and one of the main reasons I use it as i’ve never suffered from corners lifiting.
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2nd version is much better, if they get your name and nothing else at least they can google it.
Hope it works for you, at that size should be good.
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My first Latex was a 60 but only ever used it at that size for a few 1500mm banners never anything else so when replaced changed to 54 and never missed it, lets be fair a 50m roll at 1370 is heavy enough to manage if your a one man band without going bigger.
Plus with the HP310 54 inch its two 13amp plugs so no special 16amp sockets needed so can move around as you like.
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When they have something fixed to mount to then 5mm foam board can give a nice result, as already mentioned 8 x 2 and get them slit in half from supplier so you just apply and go.
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Hi Craig
I used paper graphics and pretty sure engineer was Roger. Cannot work out what they could have done to stop you laminating to board but its a shame after getting the lamination side fixed.
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Never needed any but I did notice signwaves do them