What Plotter Brand Would You Give Your Highest Recommendation To?

[Fred Weiss]

What's the brand of plotter you would most highly recommend to a friend?

[Marlene]

I've never used anything but Gerber plotters. I'm never down due to break downs and when a problem has come up, it's only been a small fix that was no big deal. I

[Leondo]

Generic Chinese! they make great stuff like fried rice :thumb:

[TC49010]

I have only used Roland so I cant give input on any others.

Never been down to machine problems, just owners learning curve!! :-)

Trixie

[Rick]

Hopefully a newbie will take into consideration most of us have only used one brand of plotter and they should purchase according to an educated search. I have used almost every major brand plotter out there but really can't discount a Panther or a Lynx simply because I have never used one. (though if it's any help, I would never by a plotter where it has a limited distribution)

[Fred Weiss]

Rick, the poll is really an outgrowth of some thread discussion about opening up the Reviews section. This poll is one of the more common questions that gets asked here and the results express opinion rather than an impartial review.

[Bobby H]

We've used a few different makes. Currently, our vinyl cutting and pattern plotting is done with Graphtec models. We used Allan Datagraph stuff for awhile, but had some repeated problems with them. Gerber's stuff is pretty decent (but pricey). Our studio had a Signmaker 4B plotter for a long time; it was sold a few years ago to a cemetary headstone maker. We also had a larger, old Gerber S750 that I wanted to throw out a window whenever I had to use it. It really stank at drawing paper patterns.

Plotters can still have their problems these days. But with how much more powerful computing technology has become, most new plotters can handle what's thrown at them much better.

That doesn't get you past some of the physical problems. Huge paper install patterns (for things like routed building letters and graphics) can still be a pain to produce. If my artwork requires the plotter to draw something like a horizontal rectangle over 10 feet in length, I'll often break up the path into several smaller line segments to force the plotter to draw all the artwork from left to right. You risk mashing up your pattern paper if the plotter is having to go back and forth across long lengths of paper to draw objects.

[geb]

I chose Summa in this survey mainly for the positive's I've heard about it from users, seeing it in person at a trade show, and it seems priced well for someone starting out.

I've used Roland, Ioline, gerber s750(years ago), and presently anagraph and allen datagraph. They have all performed well, some better than others. The last three years I have watched for sale ads on ebay and sign forums on the net. Very few used summa's are available, I figure that says alot about their quality in my opinion.

George

[jimdes]

It would be a real close call between the Graphtec and the Summa but after having checked into both brands and calling for some technical answers, the summa wins it by a nose.

Customer support at Summa was able to answer questions about alignment, maximum force and pinch roller replacement without any wait. Graphtec had the answers in what I assume was either a brochure or computer data base but they seemed less confident in their answers.

I have used the Gerber 4B, Graphtec CE1000, Vinyl Express Lynx-60 and an older Allen Datagraph. All have had their quirks, positive points and negative points. The best advice I can give is to READ as much as you can about your plotter and understand what makes it tick and learn how to fix the problems that can shut you down.

[Spot Color]

I've had several in the past but if I was buying a new one this morning it would likely be the Mimaki or Graphtec.

I voted other because I have owned an Anagraph for about 4 years and it's been a work horse. Also, the Ana is the only cutter I know that will cut outside of the pinch rollers. Pretty cool, huh? That may not sound like a lot but it's a real time and material saver.

Oh, BTW, I own a Gerber also. As far as I can tell it's overpriced by about $5000.00. Who ever invented the thing sure didn't have to actually use it. But, that's just my thoughts on it. Your results may vary.

[WVB]

I have used Roland (Stika SX-12) and the thing I liked about Roland was their tech support. It has been over two years now that I have owned the Roland and sinced moved up to a 24" Panther at the time due to pricing. In any event Roland to this day still calls me up to check to see how I am doing and if there is anything they can do for me. VERY impressive.

I voted for the Panther since a 24" model is the average I would guess. The two negatives about the machine is one no auto registration mark sensors. (Now they come with them problem solved) the other has nothing to do with the machine itself rather who dist. them which is only one company - signwarehouse. The machine has never let me down, has never had any issues with cutting or tracking up to around 16' so far. Very easy to use, comes with a DVD which shows you how to opperate the machine as well maintain it in excellent condition. Very good build quality and has held up so far. I really like the media roll flanges, it holds the vinyl in place where it should be while tracking. I cut decals at the factory set ips at 23.5 with downforce set to 3.17 reflective set to 5.9 at the same ips. The machine gets moved around a lot - every weekend for that matter.

[Kevin T]

I love our Graphtecs and Gerbers. The best built machine I ever owned was a Gerber GS15, over 10 years no troubles built like a tank and noisy as one as well. :Big Laugh I've had Rolands as well and they were ok but tracking over the long cuts was dicey sometimes. The FC4100-130's have been wonderful machines for us, just change the blades. The Envision we use for cutting Edge graphics is only 6 months old but has performed very very well. Gerber is priced right for my money as a companion to the Edge.:smile:

[ReedAerospace]

I started out with a ROLAND PNC900 but I was going bald from pulling out my hair listening to it cut. I have a Graphtec FC5100-75 now .It is fast ,dependable

and quiet. It has no problems on Print/cut jobs. An excellent machine.

[GraphixCALC]

I've only used the Summa D60 and have been impressed with both the machine and the service. I don't call service often, and it is usually about a setting or CoCut, and not a problem with the cutter itself. Having said that, I'd still heavily consider a Graphtec FC5100 or FC7000-series cutter as an additional cutter due to their reputation and the fact that they have OPOS for considerably less than the comparable Summa.

I've sent several people to Summa for the D60, so that should say something about them.

[Billct2]

I've mostly used Gerber plotters, starting with the 4B.

Now have a Super Sprint that's been going strong for 15 years.
I have used Anagraph and it was OK.
I have been spoiled by the Gerber, endless tracking without a problem, they
run forever.

[Baz]

I clicked on chinese brand just cuz it made me laugh so much i had to vote for it :Big Laugh
I was working with Gerber plotters since the 4b was out, moved to the Sprint and Supersprint (that thing had awesome speed!) and finally the shop i worked for went with 3 GSX-15. All of them were total work horses. Cutting from 8 to 5 (many times later) monday to friday, year after year.

I bought my 24" Roland Camm1 in '98 and the only time it had to be sent for repairs was in 2000. Twice in one month i touched it and static blew the mainboard. This was caused from dry winters in my basement. It hasnt caused me any problems since.

The only thing i dont like from it is cutting long straight lines. It's easy to shift off track. But this is minor and hasnt caused me any production problems. My SC-500 is an outstanding plotter!! Twice as fast as my Camm1 and tracking is awesome on 48"-54" material.

[uneedasign]

I am shocked that I am the only one that likes the allen datagraph plotter. I purchased my model 830 with gold touch head used in October of last year, that was originaly purchased in '97. When I recieved the plotter, it had been neglected, never serviced. I have had great customer suport from the manufacturer, and this thing has over 500 grams of down force. I just did a logo for the side of a trailer, 13.5' long, and I hand NO tracking problems.

[cOrKinSA]

Does everyone still feel the Graphtec as a winner over Summa now that 3 years has past on this poll?
Reason I ask is because I am torn between the Vinyl Express, Graphtec, and Summa with Summa coming in as a winner.
Possibly having to order a cutter today.

[Case]

Graphtec FC7000MK2 all the way..... Awesome Machine and Reasonable Price....

Case

[Air Art Girl]

I have only used Rolands.

[KR3signguy]

Summa, hands down

allen datagraph's are top notch along with the summa, both are better than the graphtek.

[511graphix]

lol corkinsa I didnt look at the date but I voted for my Panther because its the only cutter I ve own. but I have used 2 diffrent rolands and didnt like nether one of them. but when I go to buy a new one it well probley be a Graphtec but realy I would like to test run some things before I start paying some big money. I dont regret getting my panther ever.its great just some tracking problems but that was from my learning stages.so I need new pinch rollers. and new strip under the blade. the only regret I have is the software. I bought for it I have more problems out of the production manager the cutter.

[totalimage]

Funny But i would have to say the master..... we bought it cheap and started our business with it .. we have bought 2 printers laminator and a graphtec and all the bells and whistles from all the work this cheap plotter has done...but now owning a graphtec...kinda a little bit quietier here !!!!!!

[cOrKinSA]

Funny But i would have to say the master..... we bought it cheap and started our business with it .. we have bought 2 printers laminator and a graphtec and all the bells and whistles from all the work this cheap plotter has done...but now owning a graphtec...kinda a little bit quietier here !!!!!!
I here yah! When I had the Master My wife always came in saying "mmmm you got the blender on!... are we making Margaritas?"!

[slapakiss]

i like my Ioline.... i'm not familiar with any other, but from my experience with this one, it's going on 11 years old and still cuts great.(*knocks on wood)
When we got it, in 04, it made snags in the vinyl, and Ioline customer service was very nice to me and helped me fix it even though i didn't purchase it through them and the warranty was expired. All i had to do was tighten the pulleys. Other then that, never encounted a problem with it.

[rcboats1]

We bought a Graphtec, sent it back (details can be discussed privately), got a Summa and it wont leave until another Summa replaces it.

[seattle]

Ive use graphtec and Mimaki, and my Mimaki wins hands down.

[Matt Cuellar]

#1 Summa #2 Graphtec.

[ndemond]

Funny this came up today. Talked to my Gerber rep he had a used edge if I was interested. He told me I was about due for a new plotter also. 750 envision.

I said no thanks my 12 year plotter just plugs along. I can tweak it for another 2 or 3 years. Works great.

[Pro Image]

I started with a Roland PNC-950.....I bought a Graphtec that I still have today....Its a Ce-1000-60....Over 10 years old and still a cutting champ......

But Im really impressed with the Mutoh 1400 I got with my VJ....and I also have a Fastrack 750 by Gerber its just a renamed Mutoh........Now that is a workhorse and very reliable.......

[jhines1284]

i love my rolands, both the CX24 and the GX24 total work horses for us.

[Shovelhead]

I don't see the poll.

[cOrKinSA]

Alright guys I decided I am going to get the Summa D160SE.
I was torn between that one or the Newer model (D140-R) but I am getting a good price on the 160.

[dclet]

Generic Chinese

lol

summa, summa, summa.

[Graphics2u]

I love My Mutoh SC1400D. It makes contour cutting a breeze!

[Techman]

I love my anagraph. . Mostly because it has a full width grit roller. Has all the abilities of all other cutters, ,and never fails.. its made of metal and stays accurate.. They are now called Advanced Plotting Devices. If I were to get a new cutter i would look hard an the APD cutter.

I pass on graphtec because of the split grit roller and very thin pinch rollers.

[coyote]

If I had my druthers, I'd love a sprocket plotter-dead accurate tracking. I like my Graphtec, but it's a pain to line up the material to cut long strings of type or graphics. Maybe I just need to fool with it some more.

I'd like to see some of the full length grit roller plotters....does that solve the tracking problem?

My old Gerber 4B would cut signblast tape all day....or 30 feet of 12" type without any fuss.

sigh...
Carol