Copyright Silhouette School 2016. Powered by Blogger.


5 Reasons to Consider the Roland BN-20A (And an Epic Giveaway)

If you're considering getting a Roland printer and cutter, there are plenty of arguments to jump straight to the BN2-20A vs the BN-20A. But there are also a handful of good reasons the BN-20A may actually be a better option for YOU! 

Roland,roland contour cut lines,Print and Cut,t shirt transfers,Printer

When the newer model BN2 was released in 2023, Roland kept the BN-20 and BN-20A ecosolvent printers and cutters around and I'm so glad they did..and you should be too because it's a much more affordable option for many people. 

I love the Roland BN-20A so much that I've partnered up with Roland and Swing Design to GIVE AWAY a BN-20A! 

Read on for 5 reasons where the BN-20A edges out the BN2-20A and may actually be the better 20" Roland printer and cutter for you..plus details on how to enter to win one! 

Differences Between BN-20A and BN2-20A

Just to emphasize before we get into the details, both the BN-20A and the BN2-20A can print and cut on all the same materials so you can make vinyl stickers, sticker sets, heat transfers, wall graphics and much much more with both machines! 

At a glance there are five big reasons to consider the Roland BN-20A over the BN2-20A and I have highlighted them here. 

roland bn-20a, roland bn2-20a, print and cut, ecosolvent printer

For a full side by side comparison of the two Roland ecosolvent printers and cutters, check out this video and the full BN2-20A vs BN-20A comparison chart further down this page. 

Significant Cost Savings 

The Roland BN-20A is significantly less expensive than the newer model...as in you will save AT LEAST $2600 when comparing the exact same bundles.  

The 20" Roland BN-20A starts just under $4k now, but that does not include ink (another $150 or so for the set) which you obviously will need. The Roland BN2-20A starts at $6495 without ink. 

Roland printer, bn20a, bn220a, ecosolvent printer, print and cut

If you are just getting started or jumping up from a small craft or vinyl cutter into ecosolvent so you can print and cut with one machine, the cost savings alone of the BN-20A will allow you to buy a ton of materials, ink, and even a stand all for less than the start up cost of the BN2-20A. 

Roland,roland contour cut lines,Print and Cut,t shirt transfers,Printer

If you're looking for a low cost option to jump into ecosolvent printing and cutting, the BN-20A is the lowest price machine on the market.

Roland BN-20A Stand 

There is a stand available for the Roland BN-20A, where there is not for the BN2. The ability to get a wheeled stand, designed specifically for the BN-20A is a big advantage over the BN2 which does not have stand designed for it. 

Roland contour cut lines,Print and Cut,t shirt transfers,Printer

Smaller Foot Print

The dimensions of the Roland BN-20A footprint are smaller so if you need to put the ecosolvent printer and cutter on a desktop it not only takes up less desktop space, it has a lower profile. 

It is important to know, however, that the BN-20A loads from the back and it's ink cartridges stick out to the side so you will need clearance behind and on the right side.  

roland printer, roland bn20a, print and cut

The BN2-20A was completely redesigned for full working access from the front which means it can be pushed up against the wall, while the BN-20A can not. 

Larger Ink Capability

Because the position of the Roland BN-20A ink is to the side rather than enclosed in the front like the BN2 model, it is compatible with 440 ml ink cartridges which can represent a cost savings for ink. As long as you have room to the side, the length of the cartridge is irrelevant. 

The BN2-20A, on the other hand, is limited to the smaller, 220 ml ink cartridges because the inks are loaded behind a closed door and the print head must pass in front of them. 

roland printer, roland bn220a, print and cut

Connection Type

The Roland BN-20A requires a USB or Ethernet connection while the BN2-20A is Ethernet only.  The limitation to only Ethernet represents a challenge to some users so having the flexibility of the USB option is nice, even if it does make sending data between the computer and printer slower at times. 

So why is the Roland BN2-20A so much more expensive? 

The BN2-20A is packed with features and upgrades, but obviously at a cost. The newer model includes FlexiDesigner Versaworks Edition which addresses one of the biggest pain points for BN-20A users: cut line creation. Flexi does this with the click of a button...and the software is NOT available for BN-20A users.  

There are several other options for creating Roland contour cut lines for the BN-20A, but all of them are more time consuming and have a larger learning curve. I do, however, have tutorials and videos on the most popular methods.

The BN2 models are faster than the BN-20A and BN-20. It's just a fact that is evident in this side by side print speed test.

Given all of that is price is one of your main concerns, if you want a stand and if you want to be able to use larger ink cartridges - the BN-20A is definitely one you should consider.  Here's a quick decision tree to also help you figure out which Roland print and cut machine is best for you. 

roland printer, roland bn20a, print and cut, roland bn220a



Roland BN-20A Giveaway


Now for the good stuff...we're GIVING away a Roland BN-20A to one lucky winner. This is really an unprecidented giveaway open to US residents. It's definitely the biggest single prize I've ever given away on Silhouette School blog and I'm really excited for you to have this chance! 

You can win a Roland BN-20A with ink and a starter roll of material - a value of more than $4400!!  

So here's how this giveaway works....

I've teamed up with Roland and Swing Design so one lucky winner can win a Roland BN-20A and grow or start their business!  There is only one entry type that's required, but you can earn extra chances to win by doing the other entry options as well. 

roland printer, roland bn20a, print and cut

Having trouble getting the giveaway widget to load? Enter here.

The giveaway closes on March 31, 2024 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be notified within 48 hours by email and will have 48 hours to confirm their prize otherwise a new winner will be selected.


Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!







63 comments

  1. Thanks for the information and a chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It wouldn't let me comment, so I am replying to someone else's comment. I would love this because it can do so much. What a workhorse!!!

      Delete
  2. Ohh the Roland sounds like such a great machine! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This would be such a game changer for my small business! How amazing is this machine!? Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank You so much for the opportunity to win this machine that can help me get a boost on my small business that is much needed at this time. I have been doing this for many years and have followed since the beginning!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This seems really cool! Definitely something I'm saving up for! I always love growing the way I can do my crafts.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This Roland is at the top of my wishlist! It would be a DREAM to win one! I'm just dreaming of the amazing ways I could use it for my classroom!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Roland is one I have been researching and looking to purchase but haven't taken the plunge yet. This machine would help me and my business so much and I would be so grateful to win it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. such an amazing give away.. good luck to all!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Winning this machine would further my ability to serve clients with customized products! Fingers crossed I will win!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This would be a game changer for my side business. I would be so blessed to win this.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This giveaway is perfect timing! I have been looking in to these, you saved me the trouble. We have a print shop in a tiny town. We have printing, vinyl cutting for decals snd signs, Etc. This will add a whole new branch to our little business.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you for all your teaching! And the opportunity to win a dream.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I absolutely am thankful for you and your teachings! Winning this would be a dream come true!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I would love to win! This looks the the machine of my dreams!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This looks like what I need. Thanks for the great info.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, an amazing giveaway. I have always struggled with stickers. This would be a dream. Very informative post. Exactly would up my game with one of these. Crossing my fingers!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The BN 20A looks to be a dream to work with! Thank you for the descriptive comparison!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I would love to win one of these! That would be amazing! My very old Silhouette is wearing out, and I would love to be able to cut larger items. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  19. This machine is amazing and would definitely take my small craft biz to the next level!! Thank you for offering such an amazing prize and I wish best of luck to everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow! What a machine. Thanks for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I already do vinyl decals and HTV, but would love to get into full color decals and even be able to print on HTV! Good luck to all!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great information on both machines. Can't wait to expand my services

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am always struggling with print and cut on my silhouette Cameo 4! Having the option to do it all in one machine is EPIC!!!! THANK YOU for this giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great giveaway! is it able to print magnets?

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have wanted one of these for so long and have been saving. These machines look awesome. Thank you, Swing!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm just starting to get my home business up and running. This would be such a great boost!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow, what an awesome machine! I feel like I'm kind of old school, still using my original Silhouette for all my crafting and small business needs. Something like this would be an awesome jump into a little modernization! Thank you so much for the information and the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this printer/cutter. Decals are one of the only things I still have to sub out. Would love to bring them in house!<3

    ReplyDelete
  29. Best of luck to everyone. This is a great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for the opportunity and the great information!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I am so excited. this is a fantastic idea. I have always loved Roland

    ReplyDelete
  32. This would an amazing addition to our small printing business!

    ReplyDelete
  33. This would be a game changer for my crafting

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thank you for doing the comparison, the information was extremely helpful and thank you for such a great giveaway!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for all the info! This thing sounds amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great comparisons and information. Now I have to figure out which route is best for our business.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks so much for this opportunity! A Roland printer has been on my wish list for a long while now. Having the ability to print and cut larger items would help my small business grow. I offer stickers and vinyl decals now but I am limited to what I can do with my original model silhouette cameo. A Roland just opens so many more avenues for creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  38. This giveaway (and your comparisons between the two models) are perfect timing. I have been doing the logos for my company with just my Cameo, but not having to layer vinyl over large decals would be a fantastic time saver.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This would be amazing to win to be able to create things for my kids, their school, sports leagues, etc!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wow!! This is awesome what this machine can do!! Love it! I definitely know that this could step up all my future projects.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This would be totally awesome!!!! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  42. This machine is amazing and I would love to win one of these machine especially after my cricut maker stop working. This machine would be great so I can get back to making things. Thank you for the chance to enter and good luck everyone

    ReplyDelete
  43. This would take my craft life to the next level! Thank you for giving us a chance to win and good luck to everybody.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Would love to win this. Thanks for the chance to win this

    ReplyDelete
  45. This is amazing! Thanks for the opportunity of owning one!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I can see so many ways to use this awesome machine to make money! First thought is the printable tumbler wraps!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I am amazed by the versatility of this machine! A machine like this might push me into finally starting a business. I've been a hobby silhouette user for YEARS and am looking for the next steps. :) Thanks for an amazing give-away!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Wow! I've been wanting to start a small business and this machine is perfect to help me reach that goal. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing machine.

    ReplyDelete
  49. The opportunity to potentially create a successful home business is much appreciated,especially when income doesn't afford such a luxury! Love my Cameo4Pro but this!!!!! Thank U

    ReplyDelete
  50. Wow! This printer looks freaking amazing! Ps... I said my handle was going to be Shannon1 but looks like it's just Shannon lol! I am #1 though 😉

    ReplyDelete
  51. This review is SO informative! Thanks so much for the detailed comparison and for the chance to win. Appreciate your content :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love this machine! Wanted to buy it for the longest time, such a game changer!

    ReplyDelete
  53. What an amazing machine and a more amazing giveaway! I would love to try this machine. Thank you for a chance!

    ReplyDelete
  54. This would really help my small business grow to the next level. I have been saving to buy one. So wining one would be amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  55. This would help my small business boost to the next level. I have actually been saving up for one hoping soon I can buy it so winning it would be amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  56. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  57. On my wish list... someday I will get one. So many projects that I would love to try.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I would absolutely love to add the 20 " Roland BN-20A Printer and Cutter to my craft studio. This print and cut combo would be beneficial for my small home-based business; no more printing from one machine and cutting with another. Moreover, productivity would definitely increase with this addition. Thank you so much for this opportunity Roland, Swing Design, and Melissa!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving a comment! We get several hundred comments a day. While we appreciate every single one of them it's nearly impossible to respond back to all of them, all the time. So... if you could help me by treating these comments like a forum where readers help readers.

In addition, don't forget to look for specific answers by using the Search Box on the blog. If you're still not having any luck, feel free to email me with your question.