Need to save money or running out of space? You might have been tempted to invest in an all-in-one Print-and-Cut (P&C) solution. But are you sure it will deliver what you need? And will it have enough capacity if your workflow expands over time? It might seem as if you’re being clever by buying two machines in one, but make sure you know its capabilities before you take the plunge.

Are P&C solutions a false economy?
Certainly, a P&C machine will take up less space than if you buy a separate printer and cutter and, depending on what you buy, a P&C solution should probably come in cheaper, too. If space is at a premium in your print shop, a P&C machine could be just the ticket. However, you need to bear in mind that you won’t be able to print and cut at the same time on one of these combination machines – it can do one thing or the other, but not both at once.

As a result, these combined machines don’t score highly for productivity. If you have a separate printer and cutter, you’ll certainly be able to produce twice the amount that you would be able to with a P&C solution. For small output users, this might be acceptable, but it doesn’t give you the flexibility to expand your output over time, or even to do extra print runs if your clients have urgent requirements. You may find, if you go down the P&C road, that after a while you feel as if you’re working with one hand tied behind your back.

It’s also the case that P&C machines don’t necessarily stack up with regard to quality. It’s like having a washer/dryer. It will do the job, but not as efficiently or effectively as having separate machines. Buying your printer and cutter separately really allows you to specify the printer that you want in terms of size, speed, output quality and budget. By choosing to go with a P&C machine, you’re already cutting your options dramatically down to a very limited choice.

A further point to consider is the fact that P&C machines, like printers, generally need replacing every three-to-five years. However, most cutters will last for up to 10 years. This means that if you have chosen the separate solution, you won’t need to replace the cutter each time you replace your printer – thus saving money over the longer term. Furthermore, some P&C machines won’t operate if the cutter isn’t working, so a problem with a P&C will mean that your whole workflow will grind to a halt.

When our clients talk to us about whether to invest in a P&C solution or whether to buy separate machines, we tend to advise them to buy separate machines. Not only does this give them a wider choice to get exactly what they need, but they should end up with a better-quality solution. Our cutters of choice are Summa cutters, which certainly provide a more accurate result than any of the P&C solutions we’ve come across.

For more advice on finding the right printer and cutter for your needs, call SEDO on 01268 724570 or email sales@sedoltd.co.uk .