Vinyl Measuring Wheel or Device?

[jfiscus]

When our installers are pulling pieces of material off of a roll for solid color wraps they are having issue with recording the total lengths used correctly. Is there a tool that would make measuring this easy?
I know we can rig up a tool from a measuring wheel, but I assumed there already might be some sort of tool out there specifically for this we could just buy?

 

[Kev-O-Rama]

When our installers are pulling pieces of material off of a roll for solid color wraps they are having issue with recording the total lengths used correctly. Is there a tool that would make measuring this easy?
I know we can rig up a tool from a measuring wheel, but I assumed there already might be some sort of tool out there specifically for this we could just buy?

Signmaker Tools out of Alberta Canada sells a measuring & cutting station for under $1200. Also, we occasionally use our MUSE M60 vinyl cutting machine to measure linear quantities using the feed button. I think our GraphTec does that too, but don't quote me on that.

 

[citysignshop]

requires some dedication, but you can measure the diameter before and after the job; the difference is the length used...probably within a foot or two?

Roll Length Calculator

This roll length calculator will help you find the length of any rectangular sheet which has been rolled up!

www.omnicalculator.com

You need to measure the material thickness with a micrometer, or use the manufacturer specs ( i.e. 2.5 mil film on a 1.25 mil backing....etc. )
or you can test it manually ...roll out a few yards and check the diameter change......and correct for any errors in how tightly the roll is wound....I found there to be some material that has a lot of 'air' gap, which throws off the diameter/length equation slightly. ( but I only use this for year-end inventory, so super accuracy not an issue!)
I just made a big caliper out of an old ruler and some scrap sintra...no doubt there's some kind of gadget online for $5, but I didn't look!

 

[Evan Gillette]

Rosenthal and robert are two of the main rewinder and slitter machine manufacturers. Some of the models have programmable start stop so you can set what you want (example 10 yds) and tape and it will stap at the desired amount for you to cut off.

Efficient Rewinders for Vinyl & Film Rolls

Discover our efficient rewinders for vinyl, textile, magnetic, and more. Choose manual or automatic models for accurate, fast, ergonomic rewinding.

www.robartinternational.nl

I would probably rig up something like this, but getting them to use it is the difficult part and relies more on training / systems / rewards or consequences than on the actual device like you mentioned.

Roller Type Meter Counter, 6 Digits Meters Rolling Mechanical Length Counter for Measuring Textile, Printing, Artificial Leather: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

Roller Type Meter Counter, 6 Digits Meters Rolling Mechanical Length Counter for Measuring Textile, Printing, Artificial Leather: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[Evan Gillette]

What rack are you using for your work area and do you move rolls into and out of inventory before/after install?

 

[RabidOne]

Signmaker Tools out of Alberta Canada sells a measuring & cutting station for under $1200. Also, we occasionally use our MUSE M60 vinyl cutting machine to measure linear quantities using the feed button. I think our GraphTec does that too, but don't quote me on that.

Yes you can do that on a Graphtec. It measures as you roll it out.

 

[JBurton]

Wow, that signmaker setup is pricey for what is a spring tensioner holding a walk wheel against the roll, but it does everything needed with no fuss, then its worth it.

My question is where are you needing this at? Like on job site where nobody measured anything, or perhaps they are faster to just pull and cut rather than sort out what cuts they have for what section of whatever. If this is the case, then they are moving fast enough that keeping accurate track of the vinyl is a waste of time, and spillage should be built into the jobs.
If they are just in the shop, I'd think they could walk over to the plotter, feed and cut, without too much fuss, but if your plotter is busy working at the same time, then maybe a setup like the signmaker deal or a spare plotter would be justified investment.
For me, on multi section installs, I'd just load up my plotter and run each desired length, cut, roll them up, label them, and take them to site. If it was at my shop, I'd probably go get each piece as needed.

 

[FireSprint.com]

Not exactly what you are looking for, but along the same lines - https://www.firesprint.com/vinyl-roll-length-calculator.html

 

[jfiscus]

Giving installers calipers and a math formula is a bit out of their skillsets... We do physical EOY inventory using calipers, and that is hard enough in-house.
I was looking for something simple they could use whether they are here or elsewhere doing installs of roll media that is not already pre-cut.

I am still of the opinion that the simplest answer in this case is the best answer (jotting notes then doing simple math), but management is wanting an "easier solution".

 

[White Haus]

Do they roll the panels onto a bench or anything?

We added marks/notes to one of our benches for that same purpose. Roll off what you need, deduct what you took off from what was noted on the roll.

Even if you had a magic bullet solution, they'd still have to manually enter the start length before they start spooling - no matter what it will require some minimal effort and basic number comprehension.

 

[JBurton]

I am still of the opinion that the simplest answer in this case is the best answer (jotting notes then doing simple math), but management is wanting an "easier solution".

Sounds like the vinyl station would work best, but how much money are they perceiving saving by knowing inventory vs the 30 minutes it takes Steve to use both hands to count how many feet were used? I mean, it's a roll of vinyl, if the project may overrun what is in stock, then there best be another roll on the way.