Graphic Wizard PT 33SC or 331SCC

[GVG]

Looking for input concerning Graphic Wizard PT 33SC and/or 331SCC for short run business card, postcard, invitation cutting and possibly creasing.
Perhaps someone has a suggestion for something similar...

 

[jwheeler]

Unless you're doing only a few sheets at a time, I'd stay away from both units because they are manual feeding only (meaning you have to put in one sheet at a time). At the very least, step up to the PT 331SCC Air model. This has an automatic vacuum feeding system so you can put in a stack and walk away.

Other popular and reliable brands to consider in your search include Duplo and AeroCut.

 

[GVG]

How does the PT331SCC Air compare to the Duplo and AeroCut models - ease of use and pricing?

 

[namelessentity]

This was a couple years back, so grain of salt, but a sales guy told me he tries not to sell the Graphic whizards because they're Chinese, so parts often don't arrive in a timely manner.

 

[GVG]

I have also gotten information on the Formax Flashcard X, that seems fairly simple to use and doesn't rob the bank so to speak.
We would mainly use it for business cards and less often for postcards/invitations. The cassettes are somewhat limiting and could get expensive quickly if you try to do too much with this machine, I think.
Does anyone have experience with the Formax Flashcard XL?

 

[TJPrinter]

I have a Duplo DC618 and it's a great little machine. Looking at just the specs on the PT 331scc air, it looks like Duplo is a bit better on everything. Job storage is kind of low on the GW, Duplo can store 250 jobs. I believe I have a bit over 100 jobs created and stored now. I like that the Duplo goes down to 3mm for the gutter slits. You can go wrong with the Duplo but I don't know where GW falls for pricing.

 

[TJPrinter]

I have also gotten information on the Formax Flashcard X, that seems fairly simple to use and doesn't rob the bank so to speak.
We would mainly use it for business cards and less often for postcards/invitations. The cassettes are somewhat limiting and could get expensive quickly if you try to do too much with this machine, I think.
Does anyone have experience with the Formax Flashcard XL?

I have a used CT620 Exa sitting in my shop that has been covered for a few years now. It only has the business card slitters though, but if you're interested I'd sell it for $2,500.

 

[jwheeler]

I have also gotten information on the Formax Flashcard X, that seems fairly simple to use and doesn't rob the bank so to speak.
We would mainly use it for business cards and less often for postcards/invitations. The cassettes are somewhat limiting and could get expensive quickly if you try to do too much with this machine, I think.
Does anyone have experience with the Formax Flashcard XL?

The Formax Flashcard XL looks to be a slight step up from the Graphic Whizard PT 33SC only because it has automatic feeding. However, it is friction-fed and does not have blown air to separate the sheets. Prints from digital presses tend to have static, and are also quite slick from the toner, so the friction feed wheels tend to start slipping after a short period of time. I think you'll get frustrated with it rather quickly when it keeps miss-feeding. Also, if you do decide to get this machine, definitely get the cabinet with the larger waste bin because that little tray built in to the machine will fill up really quick. The 18" long side strips are especially problematic in small spaces because they will catch on the other scraps and bunch up.

How does the PT331SCC Air compare to the Duplo and AeroCut models - ease of use and pricing?

I haven't personally used any graphic whizard (GW) equipment, but the dealer out here who sells multiple brands of finishing equipment says they carry them for the more budget-concerned customers. Based on the units you're looking at, it seems like you're a smaller operation, and the GW PT331SCC Air will probably do fine for your operation. I can't imagine it being any more difficult to operate than other brands - just a different interface to learn. If you search around on printplanet, you'll note from other discussions on this topic that many shops have the Duplo line, particularly their newest 618 model, and are quite happy with it. You can do a nearly unlimited variety of jobs, you won't be limited to any cassettes, you get vacuum feed with air-assist, it connects to your Fiery to sync the templates, and it's fast. I ran the older Duplo 616 for about 5 years at my last job, and it was very reliable and easy to use. At my current shop, we've had the MBM AeroCut Velocity for about 5 years (which is now sold under the new model named AeroCut X). It's been a great machine, and easy to use, but there are some minor things I liked better on the Duplo line.

In summary, you get what you pay for. I'd hate for you to invest $6,000-$9,000 to get one of those smaller units only for it to end up sitting covered in a corner collecting dust, and then having to spend more money to buy one of these nicer units in the end. I'm all for buying units cash, but remember that you can finance the machine too. You may be able to justify the monthly payment by considering how much time it will save having an employee standing at a guillotine cutter, and re-prints due to bad cuts.

 

[GVG]

Duplo seems a bit much for our needs at present, though you make some very good points.
What are your thoughts on the AeroCut NanoMax?
It is airfeed, has several cutting options (but no creasing - we have a creaser), seems to have several adjustments for position correction, and uses a bar alignment system for slitter positions without the need to buy several slitting cassettes. Also has a wider range for stock 120-400 gsm.

 

[Shawnd]

I have had GW SCC's for about 10 years now, they work well for us. I am talking about the 335 and the updated 8336 in general, not used the lower end units.

Parts come from Canada, but they are working on putting in a warehouse in the USA. When I need a part they have the ability to Next Day Air from Canada, but most of the time I just use ground and I get it in 2-3 business days.

Check to see if you have a GW dealer in your area and if they can provide references to check on service, if you will not be doing the service you will want to have Dealer Service on it, especially if you have volume going through it.

 

[jwheeler]

What are your thoughts on the AeroCut NanoMax?

Looks like a solid machine. But at this point, I would suggest doing a demo on any of the machines you are considering. When using it in person, you may start to discover things you like better about one vs another. I'd also highly suggest bringing a big box of your own prints on the paper(s) you commonly use...especially the heavier stocks that you're concerned about. Even if your layout doesn't match their pre-set cut patterns, you'll be able to test if your prints run consistently. They will have their own prints to show you the cutting accuracy.

Another thing you'll really want to test is the ease of setting up a custom job (on both the touch panel and from your computer) and what is involved with switching between jobs. I noticed that the NanoMax comes with a 1yr license of Intellicut. This is a very easy-to-use software to make impositions of your PDF's from your PC, and it links to your machine so you can quickly export new cutting templates. Duplo has something similar. I don't know about GW...perhaps @Shawnd can give insight on that.

 

[Shawnd]

GW has software, but you can also use Fiery Impose and use templates for the SCC's.

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