Printing set up

[JCKST1]

One of my companies is based on producing custom parts for customers, one of the custom variables is decals on the product which can be printed in any colour scheme they require then stuck on to the product.
At the moment we have them printed in bulk from a company in the EU, pricing is reasonable however I think it would be a lot less to produce our selves plus if we need custom ones we dont have to delay the product 5-7 days whilst we wait for delivery.t

I dont have any experience related to printing but I am quite handy on a computer so I think with some practice I could get my head around the printing/design software and get it up and running. The design & size is the same so probably a matter of setting up a template then altering colour variations.

What I am looking for is some tips and recommendations on printers, paper & software, the printer would need to be able to print the sheet out which is around 30cm x 60cm long (thats what they currently get printed on), I dont need state of the art products as it's just for our own company products, we wont be taking on additional printing work!

Thanks in advance and apologies about the very basic post!

[ReaderScars]

Maybe one approach would be to have a freelancer produce the artwork in something like Adobe Illustrator, ensuring that you end up with a layered document which includes a guide for a plotter/cutter.

Then what you want to look for is a printer which also has a plotter built in to it (for simplicity's sake - you could have two separate machines).

Then what you can do is, open the illustrator file up on your laptop/whatever, change the colours, then send it to the printer which will print and also cut the artwork out whilst leaving the backing in place, making the cut sections easy to apply.

The media that you want to print onto will be an adhesive backed vinyl.

Or just get a better relationship with a print outfit and get better prices. Because once the machine you're relying on starts playing up, or your laptop/whatever starts playing up, it's going to cost you.

[ReaderScars]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I would have to agree.

Buying print doesn't have to be expensive but if you're sure that you're already getting the best price, then maybe expanding the business is the right/only move.

[Viper]

I know a little bit about printing, have used small printers up to 3.2m wide format machines

the easiest route if you require your own machine, would be a Roland, or similar print and cut
http://www.rolanddg.co.uk/products/print-and-cut/b...

like all printers they are best to be used regularly, once they sit idling for days that's when the headaches can start
so you really need a decent workflow. The Roland above would get you going £5K new, illustrator is about £15 per month

[BertyFish]

I have a Roland, it prints then cuts. I use illustrator and versaworks which is the rip for the machine.
It prints with solvent ink and can print 1230mm width by whatever length you like.

I could quote for some work if it helped.

[thebraketester]

I know someone who might be selling a roland bn20 if you are interested.

[garythesign]

thebraketester said:

I know someone who might be selling a roland bn20 if you are interested.

I used to use Roland printers and they are excellent.

There is no ink smell. on some other machines there is.

Not used this particular model, but have read good reports.

Illustrator is the best programme, though any vector based artwork will be OK

I would also recommend laminating the prints after allowing them to gas out first?

NOTE. for small runs I think it best to use an established printer/signmaker.

[Lexual]

I supply printed vinyl decals, I actually supply BOTB with their print and vehicle decals at all the cars at airports and shopping centres etc and my rates are very good.

If you'd like to email me with the artworks you currently have printed, including sizes and quantities I will be happy to give you prices to supply and I'm very certain you'd be happy with what I can offer, and take away the headache of doing it yourself, it is all done in the UK as well. I can also supply the 'one-off' prints.

Please email me - [e-mail]