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Printer to make helmet decals

artofacks1

artofacks1

New Member
Hello,

I currently use an Edge FX printer to make 20 mil football helmet decals. I am quite frankly over the machine and the process and was hoping someone on here could recommend another machine and process.

1. Needs to be able to print white on clear. (Mainly substance 550 vinyl
2. Would be great if it did metallics (silver with possibly a mix of another color to make tints of metallic)
3. CHrome would be nice but I doubt anything makes chrome as well as the Edgefx. Maybe the Summa thermal but I don't even know if they still sell that machine.

Thanks!!!
 
L

litewave

New Member
The edge is thermal so not sure why you'd want to look at the summa dc3,4,5 which are also thermal but much bigger machines.

The specialist ribbons/foils like the mettalics used on the thermals come from one of a few main suppliers. So I'd suggest the edge fx can print as good or same as the summa and is more ideal for small graphics like helmet decals.

The other option would be a UV printer but like all inkjet they really need more constant work. Whereas thermal as a "dry ink system" is more forgiving for occasional use.

What's the issue you have with the edge??
 
artofacks1

artofacks1

New Member
litewave said:
The edge is thermal so not sure why you'd want to look at the summa dc3,4,5 which are also thermal but much bigger machines.

The specialist ribbons/foils like the mettalics used on the thermals come from one of a few main suppliers. So I'd suggest the edge fx can print as good or same as the summa and is more ideal for small graphics like helmet decals.

The other option would be a UV printer but like all inkjet they really need more constant work. Whereas thermal as a "dry ink system" is more forgiving for occasional use.

What's the issue you have with the edge??
Click to expand...
Hey, thanks for your reply.

I have the Edge FX system but I would like to use an HP Latex. I have some full color ideas and want the larger format print to get more jobs out.

If I could just design my projects and print in cmyk. I could gang run them and get jobs out faster. I also dont want to have to keep stocking every foil color.
 
MikePro

MikePro

New Member
if you have ability to print white, when no major need to dwell on "chrome capability" as you can just use chrome media and print white&colors onto it.

huge fan of HP latex, but they're lacking in the white/metallics realm at the moment..... I'd be looking at a mimaki CJV300+ with orange/white/silver ink options.
 
MikePro

MikePro

New Member
HP white ink comes via their R-series hybrid printers..... $100k is a bit steep and quite a large footprint in your shop for helmet decals.
I heard that they'll have white options soon available for their waterfall-style printers, but I'm just making recommendations based on the OP.

ps. LOVE my HP latex, and I would recommend it for anyone and everyone getting their first wide-format printer.
 
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balstestrat

balstestrat

Problem Solver
MikePro said:
HP white ink comes via their R-series hybrid printers..... $100k is a bit steep and quite a large footprint in your shop for helmet decals.
Click to expand...
No mate, you can get it cheaper now. (I'm not saying it's dirt cheap but about 1/5th of that 100k)

www.hp.com

Featured HP Latex Printers - 700 and 800 Latex Printers

The HP Latex 700 and 800 printers provide high-value, efficient printing with a environmental sustainability edge. Learn about our new latex printers here.
www.hp.com www.hp.com
 
MikePro

MikePro

New Member
niiiice. ya $22k is definitely a better option :)
I'd be all over that 800W if I didn't just buy a brand new 365 last summer.

still lacks metallics, but who cares really if you can simply use a metallic base vinyl when needed.
 
artofacks1

artofacks1

New Member
MikePro said:
niiiice. ya $22k is definitely a better option :)
I'd be all over that 800W if I didn't just buy a brand new 365 last summer.

still lacks metallics, but who cares really if you can simply use a metallic base vinyl when needed.
Click to expand...
The problem with metallic/chrome base vinyl is that it doesn’t have the right glue for helmets. (I could be wrong)

I was thinking of using my edge fc set up for anything chrome or metallic and everything else use the latex printer.
However I saw this video on Instagram and thought it would be neat to have metallic…
 
artofacks1

artofacks1

New Member
MikePro said:
if you have ability to print white, when no major need to dwell on "chrome capability" as you can just use chrome media and print white&colors onto it.

huge fan of HP latex, but they're lacking in the white/metallics realm at the moment..... I'd be looking at a mimaki CJV300+ with orange/white/silver ink options.
Click to expand...
Are the cjv300 easy to maintain?
 
balstestrat

balstestrat

Problem Solver
Maybe for you it's very usable but for most it's niche.

Just know that metallic ink is usually a pain in the ass. Don’t use it often enough and you are in trouble.
 
artofacks1

artofacks1

New Member
Looks like I am gonna go the hp latex route and just use the edge fx for chrome and metallic.

Appreciate your help :)
 
MikePro

MikePro

New Member
artofacks1 said:
Looks like I am gonna go the hp latex route and just use the edge fx for chrome and metallic.

Appreciate your help :)
Click to expand...
hot damn, this thread got me debating just pulling trigger on a 700/800W. Been wide format printing for two decades now, and have always wished I had white capability... even more and more with translucent prints.

regarding your route to latex printing, you COULD still ditch the edge entirely, and simply print white+color atop something like Alumagraphics Silver vinyl. The stuff adheres/contours to brick, so I'd imagine a football helmet surface would be a piece of cake.
 
artofacks1

artofacks1

New Member
The adhesive that the vinyl you linked is the problem though. It will ruin the helmets when taking them off. Its more to it than just the appearance.
 
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