Vote to Buy a Large Format Printer

History

• Mailing List Announcement: TBA
• Officially Proposed: 2014-11-04 (planned)
• To be Voted on: 2014-11-11 (planned)

Background

The space currently has a large format printer, however it is mostly unusable due to lack of support and being ancient. The space would benefit greatly having this printer updated. The proposal it to purchase a cut & print printer that will replace the current large format printer, it will also replace/supplement the current vinyl cutter.

A used printer runs between $5000-$10000

http://www.raycosignsupply.com/used-sp-300v

http://www.raycosignsupply.com/roland-sc-545ex

At twice the cost 50" printer does not seem worth the additional cost.

Purchasing one of these machines would allow us to consolidate the current vinyl cutter, this could then be sold off to offset the cost of the new machine, the estimated value of the current vinyl cutter is ~$1000, as a new machine of the same family runs for $2500 with the stand and accessories that we have.

The printer would allow for the following applications:

• Vinyl cutting (including compatible media eg t-shirt transfer)
• Full color printed vinyl including cutting
• Canvas printing
• Photo/gloss paper printing and cutting
• Fabric pattern printing and cutting

Ink and media should be charged by the sq ft.

Operating costs

• Ink cartridges cost between $30-70 depending on OEM/off brand and tank size (220ml vs 440ml) the system takes 4 such cartridges
• Most parts are easily user serviceable (head wiper, ink pad, etc)

Language

Authorize the BoD to:

• Spend up to $6500 on acquiring a used Roland print and cut eco solvent printer.
• Sell off the current vinyl cutter or trade it in with the purchase of the new machine (valued at approx $1000)