ARC UK invests in new Zünd cutter

Print and signage provider, ARC UK, has installed a new Zünd G3 3XL-2500 digital cutter at its headquarters in Dartford, which was purchased to enhance the company’s capacity and output.

Kent-based ARC UK is part of the global ARC network, which operates more than 140 service and production centres worldwide, supporting over 65,000 customers worldwide.

While ARC already had a Zünd G3 L-2500 cutter for small-format applications, the increase in demand for wide-format textile-based signage meant a larger bed size was essential.

Ross Snell, head of operations for EMEA at ARC, says: “Our business has grown significantly in the wide-format sector over the past six years. This investment in the Zünd G3 3XL-2500 cutter supports that growth by enabling us to produce high-quality, bespoke finishes at greater speed and scale.”

The G3 line of cutters is designed to be modular, with eleven different cutter sizes available, allowing operators to select the specific machine size for their production requirements. This allows the G3 line to be adaptable regardless of the area of application or product, whether producing small runs, large runs, or prototypes.

ARC first invested in Zünd technology in 2018, using a range of the company's cutters across its US operations. “They are truly best-in-class,” according to Snell.

Speaking about the new Zünd installation, Snell continues: “Our existing cutter has served us well, but we needed the flexibility and capacity to finish bigger jobs efficiently. The 3XL-2500 gives us exactly that. The ability to interchange tools between both cutters also gives us the on-hand flexibility required to meet tight deadlines and diverse customer needs.”

The additional capacity has allowed ARC UK to dedicate its original Zünd cutter to sustainable production, particularly for display stands and point-of-sale materials made from Xanita board, a lightweight, fully recyclable substrate supplied by Antalis.

Snell says: “Our focus on bespoke, sustainable solutions has really taken off, so much so that we have created a dedicated customer experience room to showcase our capabilities using Xanita.

“This is a powerful way to inspire clients and encourage them to think creatively and sustainably about their own projects.”