(Start to Finish) Frosted Window Film on the Roland VG3 Solvent Printer / Cutter without White ink

[@petertwining5729]

Why didn’t you use the take up real so it automatically wound the media up, was that because it woul causing banding on some colours?

[@granthamsgt]

Hi Peter - the take-up reel is in use. This was only attached once the Printer had run a good length so we weren't wasting media. There are sections where the media does end up reaching the floor, but this is due to the slack required for achieving the contour cut (which wouldn't happen if the cut paths were smaller, but in this case the cut paths were over a metre in length).

[@DD-hq8pt]

what material did you print on? Looks awesome.

[@granthamsgt]

These were printed on Metamark MD-WF (Printable Frost) - granthams.co.uk/collections/metamark-product-range/products/metamark-md-wf-digital-window-frost

[@DD-hq8pt]

why the contour cut before print, is it have to do with the take up reel or shrinkage? Also did each file cut first then print? I have this exact print and love it but just trying to work out some kinks.@@granthamsgt

[@granthamsgt]

Cut then Print is all to do with avoiding possible shrinkage. The take-up reel would've handled Print then Cut no problem, however, the cut path needed to go through ink, so there's an increased risk of curling / shrinking if we cut immediately after print. The reason for the feature is simply to allow the operator complete a job in a single automated process, without having to go back to it the following day and finish it (or run the risk of doing something wrong and having to start from scratch again) and also giving you the opportunity to send a job out same-day (granted, I'd still prefer to let the print 'breathe' for a while before I packaged it up).

[@jamr9420]

didnt know you could cut then print. if you were printing 100 small decals would this procedure work as well or would the registration of the cut line be off?

[@granthamsgt]

It's ideal for small batches, which I'd say 100 small decals would fall under nicely. For quantities like that I've always run them without registration marks anyway, even when running print then cut, and have yet to experience alignment issues on the new TrueVIS Series.

[@jamr9420]

I see users printing then cutting through the decal and backing paper into a custom shape immediately after printing. cutting into a bleed color will you get edge curl? if you do experience edge curl whats the benefit of a print cut machine if you have to remove the print let is dry then reinstall print and then cut? thanks mike @@granthamsgt

[@granthamsgt]

@@jamr9420 Hi Mike - yes, cutting into ink immediately after printing will most likely cause the vinyl to curl. Sometimes you can get away with cutting immediately if you’re working to a white border / bleed around the ink instead, but unless you leave the ink to de-gas as per the manufacturers guidance (in most cases it’s 24 hours) you could still experience shrink and curling issues depending on the level of ink that’s gone down. The benefit of an integrated Printer / Cutter is a reduced initial investment and less footprint compared to a separate Printer and Vinyl Cutter. If you have the space and budget though, two separate machines will always be the most productive.