Keeping up the pace with the latest developments
Keeping pace
When it comes to the use of software in a sign-making or wide-format print business, there is simply no overstating the importance of the role it plays. Whether it is a management information system giving you greater control over your business, or proofing software that allows you to check the accuracy of work, software is a key component in production.
O Factoid: CAD/CAM software can trace its early development back to the mid-1960s O
For many within our industry, this is also true of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing solutions, more commonly known as CAD/CAM software. These products can significantly help speed up work and improve the quality and consistency of output, setting you and your business up for a successful future.
Here, we look at some of the latest CAD/CAM software products available on the market and how they can help sign-making or wide-format print companies enhance their offering to customers.
Optimised functionality
Graphtec GB provides a range of CAD/CAM software products alongside its selection of hardware solutions. Director Phil Kneale says that as software is the ‘intelligence’ on any computerised production equipment, it should always be prioritised in the specification and purchasing process.
“By ensuring the chosen software is the most appropriate and capable of seamless installation of future upgrades, the performance of the machine will be optimised and function reliably for its entire working life,” Kneale explains.
“To support the wide range of digital cutting and finishing systems it supplies to the sign and graphics and digital printing industries, Graphtec GB offers its own-brand Graphtec Pro Studio and Pro Studio PLUS design and production software programs. These are based on the FlexiSIGN family of software developed by leading global software specialist SAi, for which Graphtec GB is a preferred business partner and exclusive UK and Ireland distributor.”
Graphtec Pro Studio features more advanced functions such as shape editing and auto trace and weld, automatic registration mark creation and tiling
Focusing in on these products, Graphtec Pro Studio and Pro Studio PLUS for Windows OS support Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW programs, while Pro Studio Plus is compatible with Graphtec cutters that include the CE7000 and the FCX2000, FC8600 and FC4500 models.
Graphtec Pro Studio features basic tools and more advanced functions such as shape editing and auto trace and weld, automatic registration mark creation and tiling. Kneale explains that these are supplemented with the software’s ability to create multiple copies of the same object for cutting, and the creation of weed and border cut lines, and tool management and condition settings and tool assignment, including cutting force and speed.
Graphtec Pro Studio also supports the latest version of Graphtec’s proprietary Advanced Registration Mark Sensing system on selected Graphtec cutters, but, as its name might suggest, provides additional enhanced functions for users.
“These include, for example, the ability to transform graphics and characters and enablement of automatic sequence numbering, barcode, QR and serialised numbering creation, power nesting and template creation for rhinestone production,” Kneale says.
Graphtec GB also supplies EnRoute software developed for the routing, cutting, milling and engraving of a wide range of disparate materials. The product is available in four different models – Basic, Complete, Design and Fabrication – with Kneale saying the latter is ideal for plasma and waterjet cutting machines.
Additional options
Elsewhere and Axyz Automation Group also supplies CAD/CAM software options as part of a package as an option to customers purchasing its hardware.
Theresa Scarth, UK general manager for Axyz Automation Group, says both the VCarve Pro and optional Aspire design and production software programs developed by Vectric provide all of the necessary tools for 2D and more complex 3D applications.
VCarve Pro from Axyz Automation Group incorporates a number of advanced design and production tools
Scarth says VCarve Pro is the complete solution for 2D work, incorporating a number of advanced design and production tools. The program enables users to import and toolpath a single 3D model as well as providing support to import multiple Vectric Clipart 3D models to enable more advanced 3D work to be undertaken.
“Key features of the software include the ability to process parts in excess of 600mm x 600mm in size, a toolpath preview function that allows operatives to see how the parts will look when the routing/cutting process has been completed and true shape nesting for material optimisation,” Scarth explains.
Turning to Aspire and Scarth says this product is the easiest route by which customers can progress from a 2D drawing to a high-definition 3D design and the subsequent creation of machine toolpaths.
In addition to all of the design and production tools provided with VCarve Pro, Aspire incorporates unique 3D construction tools that enable engagement with a wide range of applications beyond sign-making.
“These include, for example, woodworking, solid surface panel processing, engraving, milling and model-making, thereby enabling machine owners to maximise new market opportunities and increase profitability,” Scarth says.
Grow and succeed
For sign-makers and wide-format print companies looking to expand outside of their usual remit, Arden Software may have solutions to help support such a move. Arden Software specialises in CAD/CAM software for the packaging industry, while its Impact CAD/CAM software is used all over the world by packaging designers and die-makers.
Matthew Hewitt, business development manager at Arden Software, says that investing in quality CAD/CAM software is crucial for businesses if they are to succeed and keep pace in the modern market.
Matthew Hewitt, business development manager at Arden Software, says investing in quality CAD/CAM software is crucial for businesses if they are to keep pace in the modern market
“New customers very rarely come from nothing or manual drafting processes’ typically they have outgrown an existing software-based solution – though not necessarily a dedicated CAD/CAM solution,” Hewitt says, adding: “They’re usually looking to upgrade to a solution that can speed up their work and improve their quality and consistency of output.
“When considering any new software, businesses must think about future proofing and consider where they want to end up, ensuring their software has the capacity to grow alongside the business.
“They also need to think about the eventual need to generate 3D mock-ups to help convey ideas to clients, consider driving samples and cutting tables, and generally tighter integration with other parts of their business and that of their suppliers and customers, for example, being able to exchange a range of common industry file formats.”
Hewitt goes on to explain that failure to keep up-to-date with the latest software could place your business at a major disadvantage, saying you risk missing out on the new processes and tools that could make all the difference with CAD/CAM work.
“Updating to the latest software version can be critical to a company’s successful workflow and processes,” Hewitt says, adding: “Even if a user’s hardware doesn’t change, Windows updates and similar can and often do come along and force the need to upgrade various software packages just to stay compatible.”
Updating to the latest software version can be critical to a company’s successful workflow and processes”
With this, Hewitt draws attention to the latest developments at Arden Software, including a minor software release for Impact at the start of this year, which he says delivered tighter integration with Adobe Illustrator and general improvements to graphics and handling and 3D visuals. The team is now working towards the release of a major update for later this year.
Arden Software says a minor software release for its Impact software has alloawed for tighter integration with Adobe Illustrator and improvements to graphics and handling and 3D visuals
This will bring with it, amongst other things, greater control over PDF export, with various options for securing designs to stop misuse/redistribution, improvements to 2D drafting tools for faster more accurate design, 3D scene improvements for more fluid navigation, and native support for importing Cimex files.
“For die-makers, the pending release will bring more intelligent automating rubber spitting to improve efficiency and reduce sheet waste, as well as more flexible support for a range of dynamic stripping components, for example Speedpin – the range of which is ever increasing due to more effective waste removal and greater durability,” Hewitt says.
While some regard software as something of an afterthought when it comes to investing in new kit, from speaking with developers and suppliers here, it is clear that sign-makers should look to invest properly in these products in order to get the most out of their hardware.
Your text here...
