So I am pondering a question and would like thoughts from you guys that have been in this for a while. I'm looking to customize two machines and they are going to need new art work. I have been looking on ebay and there are used wide format printers for anywhere from 300 to 3000 dollars.
the ones I'm looking at will do sticky vinyl for cabinets and play field and clear back lit plastic for translites which is what I would need. The cartridges are available which there is no problem there. The question is, they are 600 by 600 dpi.... is that enough? and after I do the machines I want, Do you think there would be enough demand to do this as a part time gig for other people in this hobby

im looking at mostly HP design jet 500's looks like you can get software and you can get supplies and ink unless there is a better suggestion

so smeary is definitely not good
what do you think of something like this .....says it will do what I am looking for

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-imagePROGRAF-Format-Inkjet-Printer/dp/B07ZDRDJHB/ref=sr_1_9

Yes, it will print on a wide variety of Sign/Banner and Display Media
Water Resistant Matte Polypropylene 115gsm 6mil
Durable Matte Polypropylene Banner 130gsm 7mil
Adhesive Matte Vinyl 290gsm 11mil
Water Resistant Adhesive Matte Vinyl 330gsm 13mil
Water Resistant Matte Banner Vinyl 480gsm 13.8mil
Scrim Banner Vinyl 460gsm 14mil
Peel & Stick Repositionable Media 260gsm 11mil
Premium Gift Wrapping Paper 95gsm 4mil
And many other types of inkjet coated media

like to speak to someone with experience with one of these ....not looking to clear coat the play field going to go the plastic overlay route

actually the water restive adhesive adhesive matte vinyl is white , the idea is to print the play field on that and cut out the inserts and holes.....attach water slide decals on the inserts and install them and then cut a piece of PET-G plastic to overlay the whole thing