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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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 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. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!

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