By Courtney Saba
Part 2 of 2
The first part of this series on labels, stickers, and decals looked at the benefits of working with a printer/cutter to create these applications. In part two of this digital labels installment, we discuss available print-to-cut devices. Vendors that offer these devices share product information on their newest or most popular equipment.
Mimaki U.S.A., Inc.
The Mimaki CJV300-160 is a 64-inch wide print-to-cut device offering print speeds of up to 1,140 square feet per hour (sf/h). It features a cut-first function that enables pre-cutting before printing. This prevents common problems such as film separation.
A two-liter bulk ink system is included with the printer/cutter. In addition to standard CMYK inks, light cyan, light magenta, light black, orange, silver, and white are also available. The new white ink formulation allows 48 percent greater density, enabling more accurate colors to be printed on top of the white layer. With Mimaki RasterLink6 RIP software, silver ink can be used to produce 648 metallic colors. Light black ink produces high-quality monochrome color reproduction. Orange ink increases the color gamut and allows the capability to reproduce about 94 percent of the Pantone color chart. A standard two year warranty including printheads is provided.
Roland DGA Corporation
Roland’s VersaCAMM VSi series of printers/cutters include the 64-inch VersaCAMM VS-640i, 54-inch VersaCAMM VS-540i, and 30-inch VersaCAMM VS-300i. Roland VersaWorks RIP software is included in all three models.
In regards to the creation of labels, stickers, and decals, Roland offers features such as advanced eight-channel printhead technology and integrated contour cutting. Eco-Sol MAX 2 inks are offered in five ink configurations. They feature a wide gamut for dynamic color imaging, increased density for rich and saturated colors, fast drying for maximum productivity, high scratch resistance, are durable outdoors up to three years, and support an array of coated and uncoated media.
Other features include variable droplet printing with seven droplet sizes, an ink recirculation system, front-loading ink system for convenience, and ease of use. The Roland VersaCAMM VSi series provides a two year trouble free warranty.
Summa
The Summa DC Series consists of two different models—the DC5 and DC5sx—that are thermal transfer print-to-cut devices. According to the company, thermal’s ability to produce instantly dry, installation-ready graphics with an outdoor durability of up to five years, without lamination, makes it the go-to technology. These thermal transfer devices operate at three separate speeds, which include standard mode, high resolution, and double density. The speeds of both models combined range from 22 to 93 sf/h.
Key features for this series include a vibrant color touch screen, OptiPrint Media pre-cleaning system, integrated cutting head, Ethernet connectivity, and built-in ribbon changer. Summa’s ColorControl software is also included, as well as a one year parts and labor warranty.
Variety of Offerings
Print-to-cut devices are ideal for the print provider with a variety of offerings under their roof. While stickers, decals, and labels may not be the number one service, they are add ons that can certainly help a business stand out from the competition.
Jun2016, DPS Magazine
