A cut above the rest
Just as with smaller-format work, when it comes to wide-format print, the quality of finishing equipment used to complete these projects is of paramount importance. Any sort of mistake at this stage of a job could set sign-makers back hours, days or even weeks, depending on how long a piece of work has taken to prepare.
Flatbed vinyl cutters are among the most commonly used technologies to finish wide-format work, with such machinery playing a crucial role in completing jobs such as banners, signage and exhibition graphics.
Perhaps where the challenge may differ from smaller-format work is the array of materials that are used in wide-format print, meaning sign-makers must ensure they invest in a piece of machinery that can handle all of these materials.
Here, SignLink catches up with manufacturers and suppliers in this market to get the inside track on new developments and upgrades.
Higher quality
First up, AXYZ UK has a number of options on offer in this area. Josh Hooley, technical sales at AXYZ UK, speaks about the benefits of a CNC router/knife hybrid, saying investment in this type of kit will be one of the most important decisions a sign-maker will make.
AXYZ UK says the Trident offers signage customers “ultimate flexibility” to process any type of material
“Buying the right equipment allows the average sign-maker to become more competitive in the marketplace, and enter different revenue streams that weren’t possible before,” Hooley says, adding: “The CNC allows sign-makers to remove most of their manual processes, improving turnaround for customers and reducing human error on the shop floor.
Buying the right equipment allows the average sign-maker to become more competitive in the marketplace, and enter different revenue streams that weren’t possible before”
“A high-quality machine will be able to process a whole host of materials from paper up to aluminium. This allows sign-makers to accept more complex jobs that they didn’t previously have the skill to bid for. All of the above allows sign-makers to offer their customers higher quality products, at a better value for both parties, in a quicker timeframe than ever before.”
Hooley acknowledges that in the early stages of the buying process, the initial outlay on any CNC equipment can be quite daunting. However, he says this should not influence buyers to underinvest.
“Naturally, your CNC router/knife hybrid will be your most valuable asset, and often buying cheap means buying twice, or even spending more money in the long run,” he says, adding: “By underinvesting, you increase the risk of extended downtime, costing money and often disgruntling your loyal customers.
“My advice would be to do your research and look at the bigger picture rather than the initial outlay. Consider the supplier’s support network and the quality and availability of components, as well as how competitive your investment makes you today and in ten years’ time. High-quality CNC equipment could possibly last you for 20 years, so break down the cost over that period of time and the difference in buying cheap, or buying right is very little.”
Going further, Hooley says sign-makers should also look for versatility in their cutter, pointing out how they will be asked to process anything from paper or vinyl, to plastics, aluminium composite and even solid aluminium.
“In order to process those tougher, more traditional signage materials, sign-makers should source a machine with a solid base, robust gantry and smooth motion,” he says, adding: “It’s essential to have a high-powered spindle, dual knife units and a camera system.
“Look for additional functionality like a knife tool changer, pop-up location pins and alignment tools to ensure you can offer your customers everything they are looking for, in the most efficient way possible.”
O Factoid: The Trident from AXYZ features a triple-head configuration, which includes a 10.8HP HSD spindle, tangential and oscillating knife O
Casting an eye over the latest solutions from AXYZ, Hooley says the Trident machine is the most versatile router/knife hybrid in the world. The compact triple-head configuration includes a 10.8HP HSD spindle, tangential and oscillating knife. Coupled with AXYZ’s AVS camera for printed applications, as well as its spindle and knife tool-changer, Hooley says the Trident offers signage customers “ultimate flexibility” to process any type of material.
New opportunities
Elsewhere and Granthams also has a collection of cutting options available. Sales consultant Jamie Reader says while quality is a key factor for most businesses in the graphics industry, there can be varying standards on offer and a price to match.
“For short-term signage or far-off advertising, it’s possible to cut corners in order to work towards tighter deadlines and offer savings to the customer,” Reader explains.
“When it comes to flatbed cutting, however, quality is paramount, especially when working to a larger scale. Using the right tool for the job is the first consideration. Most established manufacturers are able to provide guidance on what tool best suits a specific application and using the incorrect blade can depreciate its lifespan while also resulting in a poor quality cut with sharp or jagged edges.
“Any discrepancy when it comes to print and cut alignment or tracking accuracy can also have a monumental impact on the finished result.”
In terms of what else sign-makers should look for in their cutting equipment, Reader says the first consideration should be how easily you are able to access ongoing support for the equipment and the software. He also says guidance is key and recommends booking a private demonstration in order to test how well the material cuts and, in some instances, identify the most efficient tool for the job.
It is also important, Reader says, to consider whether you will continue using the same applications or whether you need to future-proof yourself with something capable of doing more than the services you currently offer or plan on offering.
“Once you have the capability to offer flatbed cutting, the possibilities can be vast,” Reader says.
Looking at the options available from Granthams, Reader highlights the Graphtec FCX2000 Series, which he describes as the “ultimate solution” for prototyping, as well as small production runs for packaging on cardboard up to 1.5mm and heavy stock card or paper.
“We’ve also supplied this model to a number of companies who specialise in motocross graphics, which use a thicker protective laminate that’s hard to penetrate using a standard roll-fed cutter, but is achievable when the sheet is laid out on a hard bed, allowing for greater force to be applied,” Reader says.
“It can also be utilised for producing garment patterns on compressed foam, traffic signage on reflective film and semi-rigid industrial films such as screen protectors.”
Also available from Granthams, Reader says the Summa F Series has been built to grow with a business and works as the “perfect investment” for expanding into new markets without diving straight in.
According to Granthams, the Summa F Series is the “perfect investment” for expanding into new markets without diving straight in
“They’re designed to be equipped with a wide range of different modules, tools and accessories capable of cutting anything from self-adhesive vinyl and poster paper, up to MDF and acrylic,” Reader says.
Granthams says the Summa F Series has been built to grow with a business
“Each of these modules and tools are purchased separately to cater to your requirements and can be easily set up by the customer as and when required. This would be our go-to solution for packaging design, point-of-sale and textile applications.”
Careful investment
The Graphtec FCX2000 is available from Granthams but manufactured by Graphtec. Tom Kneale, director of Graphtec, shares the opinion that the Graphtec FCX2000 is the ultimate solution for prototyping and small production runs of rigid materials.
Graphtec bills the FCX2000 Series as the “ultimate solution” for prototyping
“The reduction in media waste/processing time with Graphtec’s precision cutting performance and dedicated software has proved to be the ideal combination for achieving the greatest productivity from the FCX2000,” Kneale says, adding: “Added offline (USB) operation enables users of all skill levels to easily process materials.
“The FXC2000 features Graphtec’s Advanced Registration Mark Sensing System for even more improved contour cutting of your pre-printed graphics for package prototyping, reflective sheeting and many other professional rigid applications — using Cutting Master 4, Graphtec Pro Studio and most industry standard cutting software.”
So, why is it so important to invest in quality machinery such as the FCX2000? Kneale says the old adage of “you get what you pay for” certainly rings true to flatbed cutters.
“There is a plethora of machines to choose from but making the right choice will reap rewards in the long-term,” Kneale says, adding: “Although price is an important factor, buying cheap can often work out more expensive in the long run.
“Poor quality manufacturing can result in poor performance resulting in a loss of repeat business in the future. Quality manufactures in the main offer good support and technical advice that can prove invaluable giving the customer peace of mind. A poorly configured machine will achieve a poor cut and can also decrease the working life of the flatbed cutter.
“Not only does Graphtec GB supply market-leading cutting machinery, we pride ourselves on our customer support and aftercare services. We have a dedicated department that is always on call to provide technical and product support across our portfolio of products. When customers purchase a machine they do so safe in the knowledge there will be support and not just remotely but on-site if required. Having that peace of mind, we feel is a vital feature when choosing which machine to buy.
“Secondly, we will advise on which is the right machine for the customers’ requirements, not just short-term but long-term too. The correct choice to begin with can save both time and money in the long run.”
These closing comments reflect a theme that has been running throughout the feature. There are plenty of options out there when it comes to flatbed vinyl cutters and it is up to the sign-maker to do their research to ensure they are investing in the best piece of kit for their business. Taking your time over this decision will help guide you to the machine that could make all the difference.
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