Vinyl Cutter/Plotter

[Tony Rome]

OK I have a question.
I posted earlier about outsourcing cut vinyl.
One of the reasons was it was a big job I did not have time to weed, the other reason is my cutter (I use my Roland SP 540V) does not cut detailed enough.

I got quotes from 2 different place one sent me back a proof that was not very accurate, as they made most angles cuts into curves for easier weeding (this is a legitimate big company).
I sent them to another place and they sent me a proof that was perfect, razor sharp angles.
So, they must be using two different machines, right?

So I thought baout it and was wondering, maybe if I had a better cutter I would have done this job, but even with adjustments in material, blades, pressure, I could not get this (detailed) logo to be able to weed well.
In other words I need to be able to pull the initial layer off without it pulling up the smaller pieces, I was having to hold them down one by on eas I pulled.

So, I know the 540 is not a "great" cutter, but are there cutters that will cut more intricately?

 

[BIG EASY DOES IT]

Summa D
It's a tangential cutter instead of a drag knife. Basically the knife has the ability to turn on the x,y axis without the vinyl moving. Where your standard plotter uses a drag knife that turns as it drags. This can cause problems in really small cut vinyl because the small cuts won't hold down while the knife drags. A tangential cutter will go to a point and turn then cut the next line.

 

[Jackpine]

You can't go wrong with a Summa.

 

[player]

You can't go wrong with a Summa.

But for the small stuff the Summa tangential is the only one?

 

[AF]

Summa tangential for sharp corners and accurate text that is weedable.

 

[player]

OK I have a question.
I posted earlier about outsourcing cut vinyl.
One of the reasons was it was a big job I did not have time to weed, the other reason is my cutter (I use my Roland SP 540V) does not cut detailed enough.

I got quotes from 2 different place one sent me back a proof that was not very accurate, as they made most angles cuts into curves for easier weeding (this is a legitimate big company).
I sent them to another place and they sent me a proof that was perfect, razor sharp angles.
So, they must be using two different machines, right?

So I thought baout it and was wondering, maybe if I had a better cutter I would have done this job, but even with adjustments in material, blades, pressure, I could not get this (detailed) logo to be able to weed well.
In other words I need to be able to pull the initial layer off without it pulling up the smaller pieces, I was having to hold them down one by on eas I pulled.

So, I know the 540 is not a "great" cutter, but are there cutters that will cut more intricately?

Have you tried a 60 degree blade and set the proper offset, calibrations and slowed the cutter way way down?

 

[Jburns]

With a dedicated pro cutter, Graphtec, Summa, Roland - that is dialed in ( blade type, depth, pressure, speed and material) you should be able to get good results. I have had success cutting small designs for several years-- this was a test on my FC7000 a while back.

 

[jfiscus]

We have a new 48" Summa plotter here and also two larger Mimaki plotters. They are great for larger jobs, and yes they can do smaller intricate work also.
However, for the smaller intricate jobs we still use the Gerber HS15+ plotters. We do a LOT of jobs with very small text for a few clients and they always seem to weed better than any other plotter here.

 

[rjssigns]

Our ancient Summa rocks small stuff. I just don't like weeding it.(old eye syndrome lol) One trick is to use 3M ElectroCut with the poly backer. Cuts and weeds like a dream. Not cheap, but worth it in time and decal savings.(most turn out)

 

[Tony Rome]

Great feedback, I really appreciate it.
It seems I need to look into a Summa.
Any advice if the base model is good enough or is there a reason (besides width) to step up?
Thanks.

 

[DonutSlinger]

I have an fc7000. You'll be surprised how small you can go with normal settings. If you do have trouble weeding, which with enough experience you'll know when you need to change setting and use a 60 degree blade, ive had little issue getting my machine to do the Job. I first thought that i needed to get a summa starting out. After almost 3 years with this machine the amount of work needing detailed work is minimal. What work the machine does a good job or when i dont want to have an eye soar, most customers dont have a problem going bigger when they learn the fine details take more time to weed and actually cost MORE.

Hope that helps