Vinyl letter printers can be used to create signs and labels both big and small, either for the use of your own business or for customers. While the main hardware, the vinyl letter cutter or printer itself, is the most important part of any sign-making operation, supplies for label lettering equipment are important as well. These range from vinyl application or removal tools to software to help you create the perfect label, as well as the material being printed with your lettering or graphics.

Many vinyl lettering equipment providers offer an array of accessories to help your business produce labels as efficiently as possible. Find the vinyl lettering supplies you need online:

1. Vinyl application or removal supplies
2. Vinyl tape for use in your vinyl letter machine
3. Design software to help you make the most of your vinyl lettering machine
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Put up or take down labels made with your vinyl lettering machines

Once you've created the perfect design for your sign or label, you'll need a way to display it, or your customers may want help putting up their new signs. Find sign supply stores offering vinyl application and removal fluid to make showing or taking down vinyl signs a breeze.

I recommend: JavaSigns offers a full range of accessories for vinyl signs, including supplies for applying or removing labels and frames for indoor or outdoor use. For greater volume needs, Woodland Manufacturing supplies application and removal fluid in bulk quantities.

Purchase the tape needed for your label lettering equipment

The most basic need for your vinyl letter equipment is the tape used to create your labels. Each vinyl lettering machine brand may use a specialized tape, so be sure to contact a provider offering supplies for the model your business uses.

I recommend: Industrial Safety Solutions offers vinyl tape and other vinyl printer accessories for SafetyPro and DuraLabel industrial labeling systems. Buy tape in all sizes and colors. Graphic Products carries labeling tape for multiple label lettering machine brands, including Kroy, Brady, Varitronics, DuraLabel and more.

Make the most of your vinyl letter machine with the right design software

If you want to create labels that look highly professional, get help from label design software. Design your labels or signs quickly and easily on your desktop computer, and gain access to thousands of graphics, safety symbols, and font styles.

I recommend: Teklynx sells a number of leading label software design programs, including LabelView, which helps you design and print barcode labels. Beacon Graphics sells multiple versions of its ULTRA-Flex software, an entry-level design program that will work with any vinyl lettering cutter.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many online vendors selling supplies for label lettering equipment offer the same product. It pays to shop around to find the best price on a supply item before making your purchase.

If you have the recurring need to create labels or signs, you don't need to keep going back to the to the sign shop. Purchase your own vinyl lettering machine and keep your workplace organized and safe by hanging your custom labels where they are needed. Vinyl lettering machines allow you to create durable quality signs that may be used indoors or outside.

Purchasing a vinyl letter cutter allows you to create signs or labels of all different sizes. Some vinyl letter cutters allow you to create signs of various sizes, while others will cut signs in one standard size. A vinyl lettering cutter works like a computer printer. Create your designs on the computer, attach your vinyl letter machine, then print and cut your signs or labels on your desktop.

You have many options when purchasing label lettering equipment. Here are some things to keep in mind when browsing for vinyl lettering machines:

1. Consider the printed sign size.

2. See whether the printer also acts as a vinyl letter cutter.

3. Look for software to use with your vinyl letter machine that will help you design and print your labels.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find label lettering equipment in the size you need

Vinyl lettering machines come in various sizes. Choose the machine or machines that fit the size you need for your business. Online distributors of vinyl letter printers sell machines in a wide variety of sizes.

I recommend: LetteringMachines.com offers a variety of vinyl lettering machines that can create signs up to a foot wide. For smaller labels, they offer labeling machines as well.

Grab attention with an extra large sign or splash of color

Sometimes it takes something a little extra to get people to notice signs or labels. Look for a vinyl lettering machine that offers photo-quality color printing to create flashy signs, or go for a large vinyl cutting machine to create large signs that can't be missed.

I recommend: The DuraCut II Vinyl Cutter from Graphic Products can make signs from 15 to 24 inches wide. For assured color quality, look at QuickLabel Systems variety of color sign and label printers.

Get some help designing your sign

If you want to make a professional-looking sign, it can be useful to get some help from great software. Use a computer program to help out with layout, design and color for your sign.

I recommend: Beacon Graphics sells a number of design software programs. Look through their selection of vinyl cutting software that complement the cutting printers they offer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Label lettering equipment can be bulky, so look for companies that offer deals on shipping when buying lots of lettering supplies.

Label lettering equipment can produce large vinyl labels and posters or be useful for organizing files, folders and shelves around the office. Depending on the size and complication of the machine, the pricing and costs of label lettering equipment will vary. Small lettering equipment can cost less than $100, while an industrial vinyl lettering machine or vinyl letter cutter can cost tens of thousands.

This guide gives an overview of some of the basic costs of vinyl lettering machines to help you make an informed decision before you buy equipment for your business. Some of the machine options available include:

1. Small label lettering machines for jobs around the office
2. Heavy duty vinyl letter printers for small, custom labels
3. Industrial vinyl lettering printers for large signs and labels
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a small label lettering machine for tasks around the office

Small labeling machines are handy for quick printing needs for needs around the office, like labeling books, files, folders, equipment or wires. These machines fit on desktops, limiting office clutter. Simple machines may cost less than $50, while more advanced equipment will cost between $200 and $500.

I recommend: Casio offers a number of small lettering machines for use around the office that cost less than $50. Kroy provides desktop labeling machines for more industrial purposes that can connect with word processing software to make creating labels a snap. Their products cost a few hundred dollars each, depending on the model.

Buy a heavy duty vinyl letter machine for office needs

For heavy duty small labeling needs, look for desktop vinyl lettering equipment that can stand up to industrial use but won't take up too much space. Small vinyl lettering equipment that can create custom graphics or labels typically costs between $1000 and $5000.

I recommend: The STIKA line of desktop vinyl cutters from Roland are affordable machines that come bundled with software to help you create the custom labels your office needs. Their multiple models range in price from $500 to $1000. Brady sells a number of GlobalMark vinyl label makers that create labels, tags, or markers in color or monochrome. Their products feature user-friendly touch-screen technology and cost between $2500 and $5000 each.

Use industrial vinyl letter equipment to create large signs or labels

When you need to produce large signs for customers or for your business setting, you need a vinyl lettering cutter capable of processing multiple feet of material. Large vinyl lettering machines start around $1500 and can cost up to $5000.

I recommend: Beacon Graphics sells professional vinyl letter cutters from Roland and Graphtec capable of handling material up to 50 inches wide. Their models range from around $1500 to $4500. Graphic Products sells a variety of sign and labeling equipment, including DuraCut vinyl cutters which range from $1500 to $3000.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You need a way to create professional signs with your vinyl lettering equipment. Fortunately, there are a number of software programs available that can help anyone create great-looking labels. Good label lettering software programs generally cost a few hundred dollars.

If your business often needs to print signs or labels, investing in label lettering equipment is a wise choice. With this equipment, you can create effective and professional labels, signs and lettering just when you need it. To buy the right equipment, though, you need to know the differences between a vinyl cutter, a sign maker and a label printer. You'll also need to understand such options as contour cutting. With a basic knowledge of the key terms, you'll be able to make an informed investment for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Vinyl cutter or cutting plotter

A vinyl cutter, sometimes called a cutting plotter, is a machine that looks akin to a desktop printer. Instead of simply printing a document, it prints your lettering and designs on vinyl and then cuts out the designs as the vinyl comes through the feed.

I recommend: US Cutter features a selection of vinyl cutters, including models that come with stands, such as the Creation PCUT.

Contour cutting

To cut any size shape smoothly and professionally, you'll need a vinyl cutter with contour cutting capacities. Contour cutting makes cuts around curves and intricate shapes, making your lettering especially professional.

I recommend: See the VersaCAMM vinyl cutter with contour cutting capacity at Beacon Graphics.

Sign printer

In contrast to a vinyl cutter, a sign printer prints your lettering or design on vinyl or another material but doesn't cut it. Sign printers have the capacity to print large signs for indoor or outdoor use, and many specialize in accurately printing oversize font.

I recommend: Graphic Products carries the DuraLabel 9000, an extra-wide format sign printer.

Label printer

Label printers are devices the size of a desktop printer or smaller, and come in both desktop and handheld models. Many of the desktop models will work with your office's existing computers.

I recommend: See the Zeo! label printer, an affordable printer designed for small business use, at QuickLabel Systems.

Industrial label maker

An industrial label maker is a higher-performance version of a label printer. These machines offer a wider range of options, such as an industrial-grade cutter and thermal transfer technology. The labels they produce are longer lasting than those made with a regular label printer.

I recommend: See a range of GlobalMark industrial label makers at Brady and review their features.

Oracal

For the best lettering, you will need to print on high-quality vinyl. Oracal is a popular and affordable option for all types of applications.

I recommend: Browse for your lettering application on the official Oracal website.