The sign and graphics industry seems to be experiencing a renaissance. After so many years of anticipation, signmakers’ dreams seem to be coming true. If you recall, only a few years ago, the Holy Grail of signmaking meant producing outdoor, full-color, non-laminated, vinyl graphics on a printer priced below $20,000. Today, a signmaker’s major decision is which printer to purchase.
Solvent and eco-friendly solvent machines can be suitable printer choices for signmakers. Remember, however, that, although the printers provide stunning colors, you’ll still need a vinyl cutter to contour-cut graphics.
The odor and cleanup can also pose some workplace challenges. Solvent inkjets are excellent products. However, learn all you can about them before making a purchasing decision.
The new UV printers combat many of the inkjet challenges. However, their steep price range makes them dubious options for smaller signshops.
Over the years, thermal-transfer technology has answered most full-color, graphics-on-vinyl questions. Today, printers will image onto standard vinyls and produce reasonable output resolutions. Some are designed for low volumes/slow speeds, and some are restricted to narrow roll widths. The wider, faster models may put a dent in your wallet. Thermal transfer may seem to be a legacy technology, but some companies continue with research and development.
This month, we’re reviewing Summa Inc.’s DC3 Plus. Many of you may associate Summa with high-end vinyl cutters. However, the company has been working with thermal-printing technology for numerous years. Its DC3 Plus offers many noteworthy features, and it can produce full-color, contour-cut graphics. Furthermore, at $19,995, the machine is affordable.
Specifications
Measuring 51.2 in. high x 76 in. wide x 24.8 in. deep, the DC3 Plus is no giant. However, due to the mechanics necessary to achieve precision, the machine is a little heavy – 508 lbs. Fortunately, the printer ships fully assembled, and the shipping pallet incorporates a clever set of ramps that allows you to roll the printer into position.
The printer’s power requirements are 100 to 240V, 50Hz and 350W. Its operating temperature is 60 to 90