Hi, I’m Briana from IT Supplies! Today, we’re diving into the world of sticker-making and showing you just how simple it can be to produce high-quality stickers on your own. We’ll take you through the entire process, using the HP Latex 630W printer, Summa Cutter, and SAi Flexi RIP Software to add cut lines and send our print job. Joining me is Bob, our Product and Color Services Manager, who’ll be demonstrating Flexi RIP software.
The Equipment Rundown
We have a range of equipment in our showroom for sticker production. For today’s project, we’re using HP Latex 630W for printing, Summa for cutting, and SAi Flexi for RIP software. Both HP and Epson offer print-and-cut bundles with most printers, which include a standalone printer, cutter, and RIP software. HP bundles typically feature SAi Flexi, while Epson bundles use Onyx Go. Both software options are powerful, but today we’re showcasing how easy it is to set up cut lines using Flexi.
Step 1: Preparing the File
Before we get to printing, we need to prepare our files. I’ll hand it over to Bob, who’ll show you how to use SAi Flexi to add cut lines for precision sticker-cutting. This feature makes it easy to format your sticker job just the way you want.
Step 2: Printing Stickers on the HP Latex 630W
With the file ready, it’s time to print! Our HP Latex 630W will create a vibrant sticker sheet that we’ll use for cutting. Once the job is printed, we’ll cut the sheet off the printer with the x-cutter to prepare it for the next step.
If you prefer extra durability, consider laminating before cutting. Lamination adds rigidity and increases the sticker’s outdoor life. That said, HP Latex and Epson eco-solvent inks are already rated for three years of outdoor durability without lamination. If you’re unsure about whether you need lamination, contact us, and we’ll be happy to advise!
Step 3: Cutting Stickers with the Summa Cutter
Next, we move over to the Summa cutter. The process is made efficient with barcode technology, which has significant advantages over older methods using only registration marks. Here’s why barcodes make the cutting process much easier:
- Automatic File Retrieval: The cutter reads the barcode and automatically pulls the cut file from the RIP software, removing the need for manual file selection.
- Orientation Detection: The barcode can identify the print’s orientation, minimizing errors.
- Continuous Cutting: With barcodes, you can print a full roll of segmented sticker jobs, and the cutter will keep scanning for new barcodes to process.
- Easy Job Interruption: If you need to prioritize a rush job, you can pause the cutter, process the priority job, and resume without affecting other jobs.
Step 4: Configuring Cut Settings
With blade depth and cut pressure already set, we simply align the barcode with the cutter and press start. The stickers are now cut but remain on the sheet, making them easy to handle and transport.
Pro Tip: Different manufacturers may use distinct names for cuts. On Summa cutters, an outer cut is called a FlexCut, while Graphtec calls it a “PerfCut.“ The inner cut that doesn’t go through the backing is known as a “kiss cut”, and using both cuts makes peeling the stickers easy.
Sticker Cost and Vinyl Options
Sticker production is affordable, with costs typically around 7 to 8 cents per sticker, including ink and vinyl. And with various types of vinyl available—such as gray-back, air-egress, removable, and high-tack—you can tailor the sticker’s adhesion and durability to specific needs. For help choosing the best vinyl, reach out to us, and we’ll guide you!
Ready to Start Making Your Own Stickers?
We hope this guide was helpful in showing you how easy it is to create custom stickers from scratch. Leave your comments and questions below, or give us a call at 1-800-771-9665 to get started with your own sticker-making setup. Happy printing!
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