Do you run a small printing business or a hobby-based creative setup? If yes, you’re probably always on the lookout for versatile machines that can handle a wide range of tasks without breaking the bank.
In that case, you might have come across the Roland BN-20, a compact yet powerful printer-cutter combo. However, its relatively high price tag might have made you reconsider.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
This article explores ‘Roland BN 20 Alternatives’ that offer similar (or even better) features at varying price points.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or willing to splurge a little, we have options for everyone. So, let’s dive right in!
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What is a Roland BN 20 used for?
The Roland BN-20 is an all-in-one eco-solvent printer and cutter that can handle a variety of materials, including adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), paper, stickers, and window cling.
It’s a compact machine designed for small businesses or hobbyists who need to print and cut intricate designs on various substrates.
The BN-20 is an excellent choice for small printing houses that want to broaden their offerings into self-adhesive labels, window graphics, small signs, and point-of-sale materials, thanks to its contour-cutting capabilities.
Features of Roland BN 20:
Roland BN 20 Alternatives
Now, let’s explore some great alternatives to the Roland BN-20 that might suit your needs and budget better.
| Alternative | Max Media Width | Print Speed | Print Resolution | Ink Options | Built-in Cutter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mimaki CJV30-60 | 610 mm (24 inches) | 18 m²/hour | Up to 1440 dpi | CMYK + light cyan, light magenta, white, metallic | Yes |
| Roland BN-20A | 508 mm (20 inches) | Slightly faster than BN-20 | – | CMYK | Yes |
| Epson SureColor SC-S40600 | Up to 64 inches | – | Up to 1440 x 1440 dpi | CMYK + additional colors (configurable) | No |
| Mutoh VJ628 | 628 mm (24.7 inches) | 10.6 m²/hour | Up to 1440 x 1440 dpi | – | No |
| Graphtec CE6000-60 | 23.7 inches cutting width | – | – | – | Yes (cutting only) |
| SummaCut D60 | 24 inches cutting width | – | – | – | Yes (cutting only) |
| Mimaki CJV150-75 | 30 inches | – | Up to 1440 dpi | CMYK + additional colors (configurable) | Yes |
1. Mimaki CJV30-60
The Mimaki CJV30-60 is a popular alternative to the Roland BN-20, and for good reason.
While it’s physically larger than the BN-20, it offers significantly faster printing and cutting speeds, making it an attractive option for businesses that require higher productivity.
Key Features:
- Media Width: 610 mm (24 inches)
- Print Speed: Nominal 18 m²/hour (10 times faster than the BN-20)
- Cut Speed: 45 cm/second (3 times faster than the BN-20)
- Ink Options: CMYK plus light cyan, light magenta, white, and metallic
- Price: £5,995 (including 3.5 liters of ink, until September 28th, 2023)
Faster printing and cutting speeds of Mimaki CJV30-60 can significantly increase your productivity and turnaround times. Competitive price point (with the offered discount), making it a cost-effective alternative to the BN-20.
2. Roland BN-20A
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative from Roland itself, the BN-20A might be worth considering.
It’s an updated version of the BN-20 with some minor improvements, making it a great option if you’re already familiar with Roland’s ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Media Width: 508 mm (20 inches)
- Print Speed: Slightly faster than the BN-20
- Ink Options: CMYK (no white or metallic ink options)
- Price: $4,995 (base price)
Roland BN-20A is more affordable than the BN-20, making it a budget-friendly choice for small businesses or hobbyists. Compact size (similar to the BN-20), making it suitable for small workspaces or home-based setups.
3. Epson SureColor SC-S40600
The Epson SureColor SC-S40600 is a versatile printer that offers users a new way to create everything from simple signage to high-end displays and décor on a range of substrates.
While it doesn’t have built-in cutting capabilities like the BN-20, it’s still a great option for businesses that prioritize print quality and versatility.
Key Features:
- Media Width: Up to 64 inches
- Print Resolution: Up to 1440 x 1440 dpi
- Ink Options: CMYK plus additional colors (depending on the configuration)
- Price: Varies based on configuration
Epson SureColor SC-S40600 has wide media width options, allowing you to work with larger print sizes or accommodate more designs in a single run. High print resolution, ensuring crisp and detailed output suitable for a variety of applications, including high-end displays and décor.
4. Mutoh VJ628
The Mutoh VJ628 is a compact eco-solvent printer that’s perfect for small businesses with limited space.
While it doesn’t have a built-in cutter like the BN-20, it’s still a great option for printing high-quality stickers and decals, making it a suitable choice for businesses focusing on these types of products.
Key Features:
- Media Width: 628 mm (24.7 inches)
- Print Speed: Nominal 10.6 m²/hour
- Print Resolution: Up to 1440 x 1440 dpi
- Price: Varies based on configuration and dealer
Pros:
Mutoh VJ628’s faster printing speeds than the BN-20 can lead to increased productivity and quicker turnaround times. Higher print resolution than the BN-20 ensures crisp and detailed output suitable for a variety of applications.
5. Graphtec CE6000-60
If you’re primarily interested in cutting vinyl and other materials, the Graphtec CE6000-60 is a popular vinyl cutter alternative to the Roland BN-20.
While it doesn’t have printing capabilities, it’s a specialized tool for businesses that focus exclusively on cutting applications.
Key Features:
- Maximum Cutting Width: 23.7 inches
- Compatible Materials: Vinyl, heat transfer material, card stock, and more
- Price: Varies based on dealer and configuration
Graphtec CE6000-60 is specialized for cutting various materials, including vinyl, heat transfer material, and card stock, making it a valuable tool for businesses that focus on these applications.
6. SummaCut D60
Another popular vinyl cutter alternative to the Roland BN-20 is the SummaCut D60.
Similar to the Graphtec CE6000-60, this machine is designed specifically for cutting applications, making it a suitable choice for businesses that focus on vinyl cutting and related tasks.
Key Features:
- Maximum Cutting Width: 24 inches
- Compatible Materials: Vinyl, heat transfer material, reflective film, and more
- Price: Varies based on dealer and configuration
SummaCut D60 is suitable for cutting various materials, including vinyl, heat transfer material, and reflective film, making it a versatile tool for businesses in the cutting and signage industries.
7. Mimaki CJV150-75
The Mimaki CJV150-75 is a versatile printer/cutter machine that offers both printing and cutting capabilities in a single unit, similar to the Roland BN-20.
However, it offers a wider print/cut width and additional features, making it a suitable choice for businesses with higher volume requirements or those seeking more advanced capabilities.
Key Features:
- Maximum Print/Cut Width: 30 inches
- Print Resolution: Up to 1440 dpi
- Ink Options: CMYK plus additional colors (depending on the configuration)
- Price: Varies based on configuration and dealer
Mimaki CJV150-75’s versatile ink configurations, with the ability to choose additional colors based on your specific needs, such as light cyan, light magenta, or specialized inks like white or metallic you can create stunning designs
Frequently asked questions
Below are a few frequently asked questions:
Which is better, Roland BN20 or BN20A?
If you don’t need white or metallic ink and want a more affordable option, the BN-20A might be better suited for you. However, if you require those specialized ink options, the original BN-20 would be the better choice.
How big can a Roland BN20 print?
The Roland BN-20 has a maximum media width of 508 mm (20 inches). However, due to the printer’s inability to print to the edge of the media, the practical printable width is around 470 mm (18.5 inches).
Can the Roland BN-20 print white?
Yes, the Roland BN-20 can be printed with white ink. However, you’ll need to choose the white ink configuration when purchasing the printer.
Once loaded, you cannot switch between white and metallic ink later.
Wrapping up
Choosing the right printer or cutter for your small business or hobby can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market.
While the Roland BN-20 is a capable machine, its price point might not be suitable for everyone’s budget.
In this article, we’ve explored some great alternatives to the Roland BN-20, each with its own set of features, strengths, and weaknesses.
From faster printing and cutting speeds to additional ink options and wider media widths, these alternatives cater to a range of needs and budgets.
Remember, the best choice will ultimately depend on your specific requirements.
