Dolphin sails into signage
Following its diversification move into providing tensile display awnings some three years ago, the family team behind Dolphin Sails has invested in a Blackman and White Multi-Tech laser cutter to expand this side of the business.
Monday, 19 Oct 2015 12:05 GMT
Dolphin Sails has diversified into manufacturing tensile awnings for both land and marine applications, with much of its output now ending up in sign and display applications
“We’ve already got two cutters but this is the first with the laser option. We chose to purchase from B and W, as they’d always provided an excellent service and are based just down the road,” says Matthew Vincent, son of founder parents Brian and Frances and now managing director of the firm.
The machines run special ‘form finding’ software to cope with the fact that the awnings, and any designs on them, must register correctly when put under tension. In addition the new laser cutter now reportedly enables Dolphin to produce sealed panels with no fraying.
Vincent continues: “The Multi-Tech was installed mid-July and while it’s a bit more complicated, the training was good and it comes with useful software that helps you maximise your efficiency with fabric usage.
When it comes to working with fabrics, cut quality and efficiency are key to profitability”
“As it is 3.2m wide, we can also now cut fabric and PVC outside of our traditional scope of work—supporting our expansion into more land-based awnings.”
Alex White, managing director at Blackman and White adds: “While our history is rooted in the marine industry and it remains one of our key markets, the needs of sign and display manufacturers printing textiles, are essentially the same.
The Blackman and White laser cutter
“Whichever industry or application you’re working in, when it comes to working with fabrics, cut quality and efficiency are key to profitability.”
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