Need Help Can I use a Roland SP-300i with my Roland BN2-20A?

[deadgoodprinting]

I was hoping for some advice... I currently have a Roland BN2-20A which I use primarily for printing and cutting stickers.


I have been offered a Roland SP-300i - but it hasn't been used in 6+ months.


If the printheads are no good, I would probably look to replace them in the future, but in the meantime I was hoping to use it in tandem with my current print and cut machine to speed up production.


Is it possible for me to print my stickers using the BN2-20A and then load it up into the SP-300i for cutting? I think I've saw videos online when you print on the SP-300i, take it off for lamination, then load it back up for cutting, but not sure if that would still work using a separate machine to do the printing?


I know the media width for the BN2-20A is shorter than the media width for the SP-300i, so would the SP-300i pick up registration marks on a shorter media and is there any common issues I should check for with this machine before purchasing?


I know the machine is fairly old and will require some repairs and maintenance to get it up and running - but is it overall a machine worth having or would I be better off buying something newer? I don't want to be constantly repairing it, only the expected normal use maintenance (cleans, cap tops, cutting strips ect)


I have very little experience with these machines and I am only a very small solo trader business at the moment so I'm trying to invest my money wisely and would really appreciate any answers to any of the questions


Thank you!

 

[DL Signs]

The only way I'd even think about that is if you get the printer for free, and if the cutting functionality is in good working order. The 300i, if memory serves me right, uses DX4 heads, you'd need one for each channel at $500-600 each. It doesn't end there, you'll also need dampers, head caps, and you could end up needing some new lines or a pump after sitting that long, and hope that everything else still works. There are reasons people moth ball printers, and it's usually because it'll cost too much to bring them back from whatever issues they had. With it needing several thousand dollars in parts, by the time you're done, plus all your labor, you could probably get an already working, used, larger than your BN print-cut machine.

If you want to free up the BN for just printing, just add a separate cutter that will read crop marks, all you need is a 30" cutter, it's a lot more economical. Separate machines increases what you can do in the same time frame, so you can increase your revenue potential.


I always use a separate cutter, even though the printer can cut, just makes workflow better. Personally, I'd get a 54-64" cutter, they will all cut narrow material, plus you can cut wider colored vinyl, increasing what you can offer. Then you're all ready for when a good deal for a WORKING wide format printer presents itself. But that's just me.

 

[Roland Certified Tech]

You certainly can print on one Roland device and cut on the second Roland device. Yes, you have to use crop marks like if you’re doing print/lam/cut. There are a few particulars, but it can be done with ease