By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Print service providers use wide format print-and-cut systems to create labels, stickers, and decals. They automate the production process but are typically suitable for thin substrates. Print-and-cut devices include software for simplified graphic design and ease of use.
Print-and-Cut Solutions
Advanced Color Solutions (ACS) offers the Roland DGA Corporation TrueVIS VG-540 with a maximum print width of 53 inches. It prints up to 345 square feet per hour (sf/h) in CMYK and uses Roland DG FlexFire printheads. Cut speeds from ten to 300 millimeters (mm) are dependent on material, thickness, graphic complexity, and blade. It offers three ink configurations with a RIP included. According to Matte Gusse, VP of sales and marketing, ACS, the TrueVIS VG-540 features a low cost per print and includes a two year warranty. It is available for $20,995.
Airmark Corporation offers the Summa DC5 thermal transfer printer/cutter. The DC5 features a 54-inch print width with standard printing speeds up to 93 sf/h and cuts speeds up to 24 inches per second. The device features a standard Summa D-Series drag knife blade. The DC5 is available with Summa’s PostScript 3 compatible RIP software and ColorControl 8. ColorControl 8 features a redesigned user interface, multiple USB printer support, print queuing, ethernet connectivity, spot color preview, and predefined print configurations. The device also includes the OptiPrint Media Pre-cleaning system, which removes dust and debris from the media surface prior to printing for quality graphics.
The Mimaki USA, Inc. UCJV300-160 was released in November 2017. It has a maximum print width of 64 inches and prints up to 278 sf/h with four-layer printing for backlit applications. The Mimaki UCJV Series includes updated RasterLink6 Plus software. “This new, feature-rich version of the widely used Mimaki RasterLink RIP software includes an ID Cut function to make printing and cutting easier and faster,” says Michael Maxwell, senior manager, Mimaki.
The Mimaki CJV and UCJV series has the ability to cut first and then print. According to Maxwell, the ability to pre-cut before printing prevents common problems like film separation and other issues related to post cutting on thin materials. Mimaki also offers an easy-to-install plug in, FineCut, for Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw to create points for cutting and generating crop marks for prints that need to be laminated before cutting.
Released in March 2016, Roland’s TrueVIS VG Series printer/cutters have a maximum print width of 63 inches. The TrueVIS VG-640 prints and cuts up to 375 sf/h and includes a white ink set, four FlexFire printheads, and advanced integrated contour cutting with increased downforce and accuracy. The TrueVIS VG Series features 500 ml bulk ink pouches and Roland DG Mobile Panel for remote operation via smartphones or tablets. Roland’s print-and-cut devices are designed to cut substrates up to one mm thick including backing material, printed material, and laminates.
According to Daniel Valade, product manager, color products and cutters, Roland, the VG-640 is available for $21,995 MSRP and the VG-540 for $17,995 MSRP. “Roland pioneered the concept of integrated printing and cutting and continues to be the leading provider of such devices, offering not only outstanding image quality, but also unsurpassed efficiency and convenience,” says Valade. The TrueVIS VG Series is also equipped with a Quadraline optical registration system to remove the graphic after printing for lamination before putting it back onto the printer for contour cutting.
Print & Cut
Wide format print-and-cut devices are designed for non-stop production with the ability to print and cut from one device. These solutions are available in a variety of widths, speeds, and prices. Currently, a great selection of integrated printers/cutters are available.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Labels, Stickers, and Decals, Oh My!
Click on the link above to get more information on the vendors mentioned in this article.
Apr2018, Digital Output
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