If you’re lucky enough to already own a Mimaki CJV200 print and cut machine you already have one of the best tools around for creating professional, high-end stickers. It’s an extremely versatile print and cut eco-solvent inkjet printer, available in three sizes, which features the advanced 330 engine printhead.
With a leading print speed of 17m/h and user-friendly design, the Mimaki CJV200 is designed to deliver superior image quality, even for novices, and handle high-volume print runs with consistency and ease. But one thing it really excels at is stickers. If you’ve not tried stickers yet, you could be missing out on a lucrative source of income. Here, we take you through the process for creating first-class products every time.
Choose The Right Materials
The first step to producing professional print and cut stickers is to select the right materials. Your choice of vinyl or paper will have a big impact on the final look, feel and durability. Adhesive vinyl is weather resistant and great for outdoor use. It works well for car decals, product labels and vehicle graphics. Matt or glossy sticker paper is perfect for packaging or decorative stickers. And if you’re looking to create something out of the ordinary, consider textured, metallic or holographic vinyl to really make a design pop.
Design Your Stickers
The creative process is where the fun begins and your chance to really go all out, unless you have clients sending you pre-prepared designs. Use software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW to create your stickers. While it’s tempting to just jump in, follow these tips first for efficient design and usage:
- Set the right dimensions – Decide how big you want your stickers to be and lay them out efficiently to minimise material waste
- Add cut lines – For contour-cut stickers make sure to cut a path around your design. This tells the machine where to cut
- Use bold colours – The CJV200 delivers vibrant colour output and with an orange ink option you can enjoy a wider colour gamut than ever
Get Your CJV200 Ready For Mimaki Sticker Printing
Before you start printing, make sure your Mimaki is set up correctly. Load your chosen material onto the roll holder, making sure it’s aligned correctly. Adjust the print and cut settings to what material you’re working with and the result you want – normal cutting, complete cutting or half cutting/perforations.
Print And Cut In One Go
The integrated print and cut feature is one of the things we love most about the Mimaki CJV200, making it easy to get your designs printed accurately and fast. Here’s how to use it:
- Send your design – Upload your file to the RIP software like Rasterlink and select the print and cut option
- Contour cut – Once the print is complete the machine will switch to cutting mode following the contour lines you’ve set
Laminate For Extra Durability
Lamination isn’t always necessary, but it can make your stickers last longer, especially if they need to withstand heavy use or harsh conditions. Lamination will protect them from scratches, fading and moisture. Use your CJV200 to cut them again for a perfect finish.
Producing high-end stickers doesn’t have to be complicated. With the Mimaki CJV200 you have the perfect combination of professional-grade printing and cutting in one machine. By choosing the right materials and following the steps above you’ll get great results every time.
At Signmaster we’re here to help you get the most out of your Mimaki printer. If you need advice on materials or settings get in touch.
