Flatbed Vinyl cutters (large format)

[splash0321 23]

I have an extra uscutter 1351 new in box because i really want to convert it to a flatbed cutter. I have found that while doing large graphics that exceed 4 yards in length the cutters just arent as graphic as this perfectionist would like. I have visions of converting my cutter to a flatbed cutter that can cut vinyl in any length and accuracy would be no problem at all because the vinyl never moves at all.

Am i crazy or is this an accomplishable task? I have an array collection of unique graphics that i have designed but unfortunately the accuracy of these cutters isnt quite where I want it to be. If i want to cut some custom pinstriping that is 15' in length, I cant do it because a stripe that is already 1/8" has no room for error.

I know there are some handyman types out there just like me that would entertain undertaking this task. All I need is suggestions and ideas and comments. People convert printers into flatbed DTG printers so this has to be doable.

Ideas, suggestions, comments! I just want feedback.

[Jay2703 704]

If you are going to that extent, why stop there. Put a rotary head on it so you can cut other materials too. Basically you want one of these:

http://www.graphtecamerica.com/fc2250series.html

Jay

[Dakotagrafx 7,297]

for the effort, time and space it would take I would look at the wide copam or a wide graphtec and be done with it.  No more accuracy problems and if you find one used probably cheaper in the long run

[knucklehead 530]

I say go for it, I believe you're onto something there.

[midwaste 4]

I'd agree with what the previous posters said, buying a better cutter is going to probably solve 99% of your problems.  As far as making pinstriping, it would be far easier to just slice off a certain width of rolled vinyl than to try to cut it, and you will have less waste.

Making a cutter flatbed isn't going to necessarily increase your accuracy or precision.  In fact, it's probably going to be much more difficult to match the precision of a regular roll-fed cutter with a flatbed design, due to the difficulty in making a precision slide mechanism for the head.  You would need to use something like is found on machine tools, box or rail-type guides for the X and Y axis to control the cutter head.  Then you need to control it, either by a lead screw or some other linear actuator.

You may be able to reuse the encoders from a USCutter, but I'm not sure the vinyl roller motor would be strong enough to move a carriage with the cutter on it.

Not a bad idea, but if you are going to do it, do like jay said, and just turn it into a CNC router/engraver/cutter.  There are tons of resources online for home-brew CNC tables.