One of our very own members (CW Graphix) contacted me a few weeks ago letting me know that he had created/invented a new product for the Roland printers. The product was a Media Basket for the Roland printers. Instantly I was intrigued and asked that he send me one to review on the site. Although CW Graphix did not have a full production model with installation instructions he went ahead and shipped me a pre-production model.



First impressions & build quality:

I received the media basket about a week and a half ago and was instantly impressed upon opening the package. All of the brackets were CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and anodized black while the rods were steel ground and polished with a black oxide coating, all set screws have a plastic tip to prevent galling. The fabric part of the basket is made from a special anti-static material to prevent static buildup in the basket. This tells me attention to detail was put into this product. I have some experience with CNC machined products and a lot of places will cut corners by not coating the pieces to save a few bucks.



Installation:

Installation was fairly simple with a couple of photos that I was provided with, the final production model will be even easier to install as it will include installation instructions. Actual installation time on my Versacamm SP300 was about 30 minutes. No modifications to your printer or stand are required. Although the 2 allen wrenches required to install the media basket were not included with the pre-production model, they will be included in the full production model. No extra tools will be required to install the basket.

About the design:

The design of the Media Basket is actually quite ingenious as both the front and back baskets collapse under your printer while not in use. I was initially worried that the basket would take up to much space in my little 12’x12’ work area, but when not in use I can just push it under my machine and it is well out of the way. When collapsed the basket requires no more space then your printer itself.

Now the big question is how well does it work?:

The media basket works perfectly as expected; it catches the media before hitting the ground preventing dust, dirt or hair from getting stuck to your prints. It also prevents the media from binding, wrinkling when it hits the floor at an odd angle. I have done several 6-8 foot prints since receiving the media basket and it is truly print and walk away solution for these size prints. This allows me to work on other projects while not worrying about what is printing.

What does it Cost?:

Prices are currently set at $350 for the Versacamm SP300 and approximately $575 for the Versacamm SP540V & SOLJET PRO II SC-545 EX.

Where can I purchase?

For now you can e-mail cwaalen2@msn.com to get a status on the media basket availability. Once I find out which vendors will be carrying the baskets I will update this section of the review with a list.

Conclusion:
After using the media basket for over a week I wonder how I ever got along without it. I love the ability to hit print, walk away and not worry.

More Photos:





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I'm for it! I can really use it.

cool thing!

re
OrlyTM

That really looks the part too. Very nice - well done.
Barry, does the vinyl roll up okay at the bottom when your doing longer prints than shown there? I imagine you'd just have to help get it started to stop it flopping face to face at first.

Probably the longest print I have done since Ive had the basket is 8 feet and it did not go face to face. Anything longer than 8 feet I would probably still keep an eye on just to make sure..

I'm also wondering if this is suitable for longer prints, something like alternative take-up system.

HI Davidimo If your now using the Max Inks or a bulk system with your machine it would work. The vinyl will roll up and not stick togather, all you do is pull the front Basket all the way out and once the vinyl hits the basket it curls up kinda like the take up reel! Where this beats the Take up reel is it can pull its self back up and do a contour cut! One of the biggest reason I made these is because of dust! If you have the back and front pulled out well doing a Print Lam and cut, Because then it wont pick up any kind of dust off your floor and pull it back up into the machine!

Chris Waalen
CW Graphix

Must the prints I was using it with were 15 to 20 ft floor Race Car wraps!

I am interested Chris

You will have to ask Barry that question! I sent him the MEdia BAsket and he took the pictures!

Chris