uksignboards.com

J. Hulme · UKSB Addict Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 618

Hi all, I'm toying with the idea of buying an edge,
I understand it doesn't actually cut the graphic out after printing, so do you manually cut the graphic out or do you all have the correct plotter to do this job?

I suppose my Roland plotter isn't compatible with the edge either
But is Signlab e6?
or do I need other specialist software too?

Also is the new Jetster able to print graphics as small as an edge would
or is there a minimum size it will print? as this seems a better price and could open new opportunities with the larger stuff

Cheers

Mike Grant · Gold Member Joined: 17 Mar 2003 Posts: 1441

If you purchase the Edge you will need a 380mm sprocketed plotter to be able to cut the designs. Don't even think about purchasing one if you do not intend getting the correct plotter to go with it, afterall would you buy a pretty sports car without an engine!!!!!! I think not! This is one corner you can't cut.

I also think you will need the Gerber software to run the machine as Gerber make it hard for you to use third party programs.

tony winterbottom · Supplier / Visitor Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 31

all you need from Gerber is the edge, Signlab 6.1 will do the rest..
even the cutting to any plotter
the new 'edge ready module from signlab gives you great control over halftones, overprint and overlap, it will also auto contour cut around your decal or image and with signlabs registration mark system you can line the print up on pretty much any cutter,
however signlab will also drive all the gerber plotters too even back to the old 4B's

if you need any more info, let me know
regards
tony

sorry, didnt see the bit about the jetster
inkjet should be fine down to about A4 size, perhaps not quite the clarity you would get from a thermal device like the edge

becky · UKSB High Post Member Joined: 28 Nov 2002 Posts: 1027

I too have been looking into the strange and wonderfull world know as the "edge"

Buy the complete kit. Edge, cutter and Omega software. It will actually cost you more if you just buy the Edge and Cutter.

Cost £12,995.00p

beware, training is an extra cost of £500 for 4 days @ Bristol.

I beleive VMP is also looking into running the edge.

Tony.
I must say I have my douts about using a friction machine to contour cut printed decals. They do tend to wander off abit.

tony winterbottom · Supplier / Visitor Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 31

if pushed they will sell a stand alone edge,
an edge 1, I thought was around £8K, you could also look at second hand edge 1's at around £5K

A good friction fed machine like a Graphtec or the newer Rolands should track 5 - 10 metres, however you would actually end up with registration issues on the print at that length

to avoid these issues you can print in batches of 2-3 metres and then cut
as long as it is aligned correctly there shouldnt be too many issues

you can also assign a bleed on the print which would also help if the cutter did start to move.

Robert Lambie · Site Administrator Joined: 12 Dec 2001 Posts: 21133

hi tony
welcome to the uksb mate..
thanks for taking the time to post.

while im here can i just remind you that posts made on this site are to help, advise & share thoughts. "not sell"

for more info, please read board rules.

tony winterbottom · Supplier / Visitor Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 31

I'll try and stay impartial, Im only here to represent the down trodden salesman

looking forward to making some usefull contributions

tony

dicko · UKSB Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2002 Posts: 6

I must say that if I'd known how mind-bogglingly awkward the Edge early software was I would have bought a different machine instead. The fact that they charge such exorbitant fees for training......I am entirely self-taught in all aspects of the sign business & have been at it for 10 years now. But the Edge almost broke my spirit!
All the corporate bullshit about wonderful, caring service is just too far wide of the mark. I had to sue them for compensation after they installed my Edge incorrectly, and I suffered 6 weeks nightmare scenario with the machine.
Try going to the US website "4Edge.com" for other peoples input. Some give alarming warnings about upgrading to Omega too. The edge does do some great things, but the software is antique in my experience. Also watch out for cost of maintenance contract! Good luck you guys!

Robert Lambie · Site Administrator Joined: 12 Dec 2001 Posts: 21133

Absolutely fine by me Tony, make as many helpful posts as you like mate.
If someone asks a Signlab question then fire away & reply to that question, but unnecessary elaborating and venturing into “what else it can do” is frowned upon by myself & I must ask to refrain from doing so or future post permissions will be withdrawn.
This has happened in the past on numerous occasions. Resulting in the person or supplier being banned.
We welcome suppliers to the board. But as long as they realise the site “does” run “without” them & is successful due to this.
Lets take Brian from Impact Signs & Richard Clark of Raccoon. Both suppliers to the trade & both regulars on this site. Each one joined in to back their product being discussed in a post. When it was done they joined other posts
Giving unbiased opinions. As time goes on we grow to trust and share in their views. I bet now if someone from here needs some digital printing or a vehicle library. Impact or raccoon are one of the first they think about!
It is also easier to call them having spoke to them online & ask some questions. Who knows they may even give you a bit of discount… this to me is the way to treat the site & for suppliers to maybe get some free advertising from it.
Not to come on and rape the boards of some free limited time advertising posts.
These people are simply barred and we all have a chuckle at their expense.. Then move on and they are forgot.
Signlab is, in “my” eyes. The best sign package on the market. Like bob Gilliland it would be good to have another
Expert on the software at hand to help around here.. So you’re more than welcome, but please stick to the board rules, as I do not make any exceptions.

now lets get back to the real reason behind this post..

fluidedge · UKSB Regular Joined: 05 Mar 2003 Posts: 159

I think the Edge is a great machine, and I'd love to have one.

My advice...

Buy the Edge and run it for now with Signlab and your Roland. Oh, and screw them down on price - even shop around for leasing or loans if you're getting one on the never-never.

I would be surprised if you reached the limitations of this combination, but if you did - you can always change the plotter and/or the software.

We have Adobe design software plus flexisign on Mac and PC, and a Graphtec cutter (similar to your Roland). When we buy an Edge we'll be using our existing packages and plotter to drive the beast.

And if anyone has a second hand Edge for £5k or less, give me a shout!