Mimaki CJV30 or Roland Versacamm SP

[MikeyG]

Hi to you all!
I'm new to the forum - and new to my role as large format printer operator with this company (although I've been a Graphic Designer for ever, with experience running cut vinyl and large format).

I've been asked to come up with proposals for installing a vinyl printer/cutter - and that's something I've not got much knowledge of!

I've inherited a Mimaki JV3 here, so simply out of familiarity, I'm looking at the Mimaki CJV30 as a printer/cutter. However, as far as I can see, the only real alternative to that is the Roland Versacamm SP (300i or 500i).

I'd love to hear anyone's opinions of either machine!

One other question...
How does one laminate a vinyl print if it has already been cut on the machine?
Surely I would need to print first, then cold laminate, then put the material back on the printer to cut? Is that even possible? Do these machine read the cut marks like that?
And if it is possible, would it be cheaper to print the vinyl on our JV3 and just get a dedicated vinyl cutter?

As I say, I'm new to the concept of print AND cut, so forgive me if I'm being foolishly ignorant!

Any help very much appreciated.

 

[Solventinkjet]

Both the CJV30 and Roland SP series will allow you to print, then laminate, then cut using registration marks that the machine will automatically read and align to cut. Both are great machines but I would recommend the CJV30 for 3 main reasons. 1. The CJV30 has newer print head technology that prints faster and in slightly better quality. 2. Since there is only one head, rather than 2 - 4 heads, the required maintenance is far easier to manage and alignments are far easier to complete. 3. Even with the newer technology and features compared to the Roland, the Mimaki is cheaper.

 

[kanini]

Is your current printer running a lot and/or need replacing? If it's OK for your needs now then why not invest in a cutter that reads cropmarks? Less investment and you can cut separately from the printer if you mostly do laminated graphics? If you mostly run unlaminated decals you are better off with a print&cut. The print&cut has advantages if you don't need to laminate inbetween, otherwise it's the same if you load your printed graphics to the print&cut machine or to the cutter.

 

[MikeyG]

Cutter only?

Is your current printer running a lot and/or need replacing? If it's OK for your needs now then why not invest in a cutter that reads cropmarks? Less investment and you can cut separately from the printer if you mostly do laminated graphics? If you mostly run unlaminated decals you are better off with a print&cut. The print&cut has advantages if you don't need to laminate inbetween, otherwise it's the same if you load your printed graphics to the print&cut machine or to the cutter.

Hi there!
Thanks for the reply! I'd been thinking along the same lines... Our JV3, although old, does seem to be printing OK. It has had new printheads and other work done to it, and the print quality is OK (although orange is a bit of a challenge!)

Does anyone have a suggestion as to what brand/model of cutter would be suitable. Bearing in mind we would not only be cutting square stickers, but complex logo shapes too.

Thanks again! All help very welcomed!