Vinyl Print & Cut Equipment Buyer's Guide

How to Choose the Best Vinyl/Print & Cut Machine

Choosing the right vinyl/print and cut machine is an exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, task. To help ease your shopping anxieties, we’ve gathered up our years of industry experience to create a go-to-guide for choosing the best print and cut equipment. Getting the right tools in your shop is a game changer, and we’re so happy you found us! Here are a few things to consider as you upgrade or add print and cut into your business or creative arsenal.

Budget: It may seem rude to discuss money, but when it comes to buying the right piece of equipment, it’s imperative to establish a clear budget before you start shopping. Machines range from affordable options for beginners to high-end models for professional use. Knowing what your price range is will help you narrow your choices.

Material Compatibility: Secondly, and we know this may seem obvious, but it’s crucial to consider the types of materials you plan to use. Choosing a core product or two you’d like to start with and making a plan for phase two is a great idea so you know you can start and grow with your machine. Most machines are versatile and can handle a variety of materials like vinyl, paper, fabric, and even thick card stock, while others might be better suited for specific types of materials.

Cutting Width and Length: Depending on your projects, you'll need to consider the size of the materials you'll be working with. Ensure the machine can accommodate the width and length required for your designs.

Software and Connectivity: Check the software that comes with the machine. Some offer user-friendly interfaces, while others require more advanced skills. Additionally, consider how the machine connects to your computer or device and whether it supports wireless connectivity for ease of use. For example, if you have a Mac, be sure your chosen machine works with that operating system.

Speed and Precision: If efficiency is critical for your projects, pay attention to the speed and precision of the machine. High-speed machines with accurate cutting capabilities can save time and reduce material waste.

Customer Support and Community: Look for brands and vendors that offer support and community. For example, buying through Johnson Plastics Plus affords you support for the life of the machine, a complementary remote install, and tons of opportunities for growth and community with other JPPlus customers!

By considering these factors, you'll be better equipped to choose a vinyl/print and cut machine that meets your needs and fuels your creativity.

Why Choose a Print & Cut Machine?

Print and cut machines are an awesome choice for anyone looking to create. Whether your goal is to boost your personal brand, add custom branding to packaging, or sell customized products to other businesses, print and cut machines are a valuable tool. Brands like Roland and UniNet offer machines with extreme versatility and precision, making them a valuable tool for you and your business.

There are plenty of options for decorating items and adding branding to your projects, but the main advantage of print and cut machines is their ability to seamlessly integrate printing and cutting tasks. This means you can create complex designs with intricate cuts and vibrant prints all in one go, saving time and reducing the chance of errors. Plus, with a wide range of materials available, from vinyl and paper to fabric and more, the creative possibilities are virtually endless.

Additionally, these machines are often equipped with user-friendly software that simplifies the design process, even for beginners. This makes it easier for you to experiment and innovate, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in your creations for your customers and brand.

Choosing the right print and cut machine can open up a world of creative opportunities, allowing you to produce high-quality, professional-looking projects with ease. Whether you're a seasoned fabricator or just starting out, investing in one of these machines can elevate your work and inspire endless creativity.

What Can You Make with a Vinyl/Print & Cut Machine?

• Apparel and bags
• Stickers, labels, and decals
• Sign displays and posters
• Window decals
• Vehicle graphics
• Art and wall decor
• Customized gifts and party favors
• Packaging designs
• Scrapbooking embellishments
• Home decor accents
• Personalized stationery

By leveraging the capabilities of a vinyl/print & cut machine, you can bring your creative visions to life, making each project uniquely yours. This versatility not only enhances your personal projects but also provides endless opportunities for small businesses or hobbyists looking to expand their offerings.

Key Features to Look for in your Print & Cut Equipment

When shopping for your new or upgraded print and cut equipment, consider what you want to make. Here are a few topics to consider that will help you make an informed purchase.

What You Want to Make with Your Printer

Succeeding at a goal means having a clear understanding of what that goal is! For example, if you want to create magnet mania in your online shop, ensure your machine is equipped for magnetic material! Be sure to research the machine's specifications and capabilities to confirm it can handle the materials you want to work with. This attention to detail can make all the difference in achieving the quality and creativity you envision for your products.

Investing in a print and cut machine is not just about the equipment itself, but also about empowering your creative journey. With the right machine, your ideas can easily come to life.

Output Needs

How often do you want to print and how many at a time? Having a good understanding of this will help you choose the right printer. For example, the iColor 250 is a great option for smaller runs, while the Roland BN-20A is a better choice for larger scale production. Additionally, consider the frequency and volume of your printing needs. If you plan to print regularly and in bulk, investing in a robust machine designed for high-volume tasks will ensure efficiency and durability. On the other hand, if your printing tasks are sporadic or limited to small batches, a machine suited for lower production will suffice, saving on costs without compromising quality.

Understanding your output needs is essential in aligning your equipment choice with your business goals. This consideration not only affects the type of machine you choose but also impacts your workflow and productivity. By selecting the right machine based on your printing frequency and volume, you can optimize your operations and ensure that your creative ventures are both successful and sustainable.

Top Picks

Vinyl Cutters

Siser® Juliet™ 12" Vinyl Cutter

The Siser® Juliet™ cutting machine allows makers to ramp up their vinyl cutting capabilities with the ability to cut materials including vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, cardstock, sticker, and craft foam.

• 12" max media with
• Works with vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, cardstock, stickers, and craft foam
• Cut and draw capabilities
• Built in camera

Siser® Romeo™ 24" Vinyl Cutter

Romeo™ can tackle larger projects not possible with smaller cutters. With a high-quality motor, the cut head can move quickly without sacrificing precision, allowing the blade to cut complex designs and fine detail, all while using pinpoint accuracy.

• 24" max media with
• Works with vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, cardstock, stickers, and craft foam
• Cut and draw capabilities
• Built-in camera

Print & Cut

UniNet IColor 250

With the iColor 250 you can use a wide range of materials including vinyl and magnetic material. In addition, the precision cutting feature allows users to have creatively shaped stickers, labels, and promotional materials.

• Ink-based full-color label printer plus built-in die cutter for on-demand short-run label production
• High gloss BOPP or premium gloss paper label stock available
• Eliminates the need to purchase pre-die-cut media
• Prints 0.5" to 4.50" wide to support a wide range of media
• Supports up to 5" wide media rolls
• Print a single label at a very low cost for on-demand jobs
• Add custom ICC color profiles for media types
• Multipurpose inkjet-based all-in-one desktop label, sticker, photo, card, and banner printer
• Continuous roll-to-cut capabilities and the option to upgrade to continuous roll-to-roll printing
• No longer need to change or flush printer heads because a new print-head is incorporated with each replacement cartridge
• Two-year warranty

Roland BN2-20A

The most versatile desktop eco-solvent printer and cutter in its class, the BN2-20A is an all-in-one solution for businesses looking to create t-shirt graphics, poster prints, POP display stickers, and decals with a shop-friendly printer.

• Roland’s space-saving footprint and affordable printer/cutter
• Max print resolution: 1440 dpi
• Eco-Sol MAX inks available in CMYK
• Perfect for apparel, heat transfers, decals, labels, posters and more
• Media width: 5.9 to 20.2 in. (150 to 515 mm)
• Printing width: Maximum 18.89 in (480 mm)
• Ink cartridges type / capacity: Roland ECO-SOL MAX or FPG Aqueous / 220 ml only
• Ink cartridge: 4 Color - CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black).
• Feature-filled, intuitive design and output software included
• Cutting speed: 0.4 (10 mm/s) to 5.9 in/s (150 mm/s)
• Dimensions: 42.1 in. x 24.3 in. x 24.5 in. 1,069 mm x 617 mm x 622 mm
• Weight: 137 lb.
• Software: FlexiDESIGNER VersaSTUDIO Edition, VersaWorks, Roland DG Connect
• Connectivity: Ethernet

Roland BN2-30

The Roland BN2-30 takes everything you love about the Roland BN2-20A and bumps it up a notch! This machine is ideal for small business looking to level up with a 30 inch max media width.

• Media width: 30 inches (762mm)
• Print resolution: Up to 1440 x 720 dpi
• Eco-Sol MAX inks available in CMYK
• Perfect for apparel, heat transfers, decals, labels, posters and more
• Software: FlexiDESIGNER VersaSTUDIO Edition, VersaWorks, Roland DG Connect
• Connectivity: Ethernet

What You Need to Get Started

To get started with your print and cut journey, you’ll need a special print and cut machine and compatible material. This media can range from holographic adhesive, magnetic, vinyl, or window cling, depending on your specific machine capabilities.

Other tools to consider adding are:

• Blank products to use with vinyl and stickers
• Vinyl Tools
• Transfer Sheets

Why Buy from JPPlus?

• Trusted brands like Siser®, Roland, and UniNet®
• U.S.-based support and expert guidance
• Huge selection of blanks and accessories
• Educational tools and resources

More Print & Cut Resources

• How-To Vinyl
• Siser® Romeo™ and Juliet™
• Overview of Siser® EasyWeed™ Heat Transfer Vinyl
• Unboxing the Siser® Romeo™ High Definition Vinyl Cutter
• Mat and Matless Cutting with Leonardo™ Design Studio for Siser® Vinyl Cutters
• Making Your First Cut with the Siser® Juliet™ High Definition Vinyl Cutter
• BN2 Series Unpacking and Installing the Machine
• Roland BN2 Series Printer & Cutter Setting Up Roll Media
• Roland BN2 Series Printer & Cutter Installing FlexiDESIGNER
• Roland BN2 Series Printer & Cutter Configuring the Cut Conditions

Podcasts & Series

• Personalization Podcast
• Mastering Making Series

Check out our Resources