Hardware - Print Finishing

AXYZ International has launched a hybrid digital finishing solution that is said to be the most innovative and versatile combined CNC routing and knife-cutting solution currently available. Called the AXYZ Trident, it provides a three-pronged processing capability (router spindle plus oscillating and tangential knife units) within a single powerful production workhorse.

Trident has been developed to resolve issues frequently encountered by digital print finishers and in particular those that relate to the need to process an ever-increasing range of different flexible and rigid substrates that require a wider, longer and deeper processing capability in addition to having to purchase at least two different types of machine to carry out all of the routing and cutting requirements of digital print finishing. The routing spindle/oscillating/tangential knife-cutting combination works efficiently and harmoniously to handle materials that might prove challenging for traditional routers, whilst increasing throughput by as much as 50 per cent by comparison with other AXYZ machines. Due to the triple-head configuration of Trident, it is now possible to process virtually any flexible and/or rigid substrate, including materials as diverse as aluminium and other non-ferrous metals, aluminium composites (ACM), acrylic and plastics, foamed and corrugated board, vinyl, cardboard and paper.

Standard processing areas of the machine range from 1524 x 1219 to 2159 x 3048mm, with virtually any length of material accommodated, while the narrower carriage construction contributes to a 12 per cent smaller footprint by comparison with other AXYZ machines. The Trident also incorporates readily interchangeable blade attachments that can be as long as 120mm to enable the more efficient processing of harder, heavier and thicker materials.

In addition to the narrower three-head processing configuration, other key design benefits of Trident include a rigid steel frame construction to better accommodate more vigorous machine operation, an exclusive live vacuum deck that provides a maximum material hold-down capability and an integrated latest helical rack and pinion system for enhanced routing/cutting precision. These benefits are supplemented by servo-drive motors for high-speed performance and up to 10hp routing spindles to deliver an increased power capability for the more demanding projects. Optional machine enhancements include a radically expanded Automatic Tool Change (ATC) facility for multiple job processing and the AXYZ Vision System (AVS) that ensures fast and precise media registration mark location whilst automatically altering the cutting path to guarantee 100 per cent accuracy.

For digital print finishers, AXYZ Trident represents a “best in class” production solution that offers greater flexibility, versatility and a more powerful performance capability by comparison with any other digital print finishing alternative solution on the market.

For further information, visit www.axyz.com/en/trident-series

Constructional packaging design and development is at the heart of Yorkshire-based Concept Packaging, headed up since its opening 20 years ago by managing director Chris Hallam. A multi-dimensional team that works in global partnership with a number of blue chip packaging manufacturers to deliver its patented and innovative solutions, Concept embraced its investment in a Mimaki flatbed cutter many years ago which rapidly became an integral part of its design and prototyping provision. The team at Concept - which operates from recently acquired new premises in the Saltaire World Heritage Site in Shipley - specialises in unravelling global packaging challenges and subsequently patents packaging design solutions that are then licensed to manufacturers who bring the concepts to a manufacturing reality around the world.

“Research and development is a key part of what we do here at Concept,” describes Hallam. “We are a small team, but over the last 20 years have developed robust partnerships with packaging manufacturers, engineers, contract packers and plastic moulding companies (amongst others) to enable us to deliver multi-component packaging with multiple elements, such as cardboard, plastic and tin.”

The company has recently invested in a dedicated sales capability with which to engage its end-users in order to evolve its portfolio further. “One of the benefits of being free from having an in-house manufacturing arm is that we have more freedom to develop ideas along more pioneering lines and the intention is that working in closer consultation with end users will lead to greater uptake of our products and services,” says Hallam.

An important part of the process is Concept’s full sampling service, which has been borne of the desire to create ‘true’ prototypes and quality samples leaving nothing to the imagination. A key part of the prototyping development involves the company’s trusty Mimaki CF2-0912, a flatbed cutting table that cuts a variety of materials and has been resident at the company for over 15 years. The CF2 has made possible the development of systems such as Concept’s patented rigid boxes, which (despite being rigid) have components that fold flat for shipping but come together to create something that far exceeds the original.

“The CF2 embodies Mimaki’s long heritage in the industrial cutting arena,” says Hybrid’s national sales manager – Industrial Products, Stuart Cole. “Seeing how central the Mimaki CF2 has been to Concept’s business for so many years is testament not only to its accuracy and productivity, but also its industrial build quality. Mimaki is world renowned for its inkjet prowess, so it’s easy to forget it was one of the pioneers of digital cutting and plotting equipment and the current crop of Mimaki flatbed cutters, such as the recently launched CFL-605RT compact flatbed cutter and creaser, are based on the same, proven technology.”

“Concept Packaging’s innovative use of the Mimaki CF2 strikes a chord with us at Hybrid,” continues Cole. “As Mimaki continues to bring original, inventive and powerful technology to the market, it’s incredibly satisfying to see companies like Concept making such use of it. Taking smart solutions to a global audience and leveraging this technology is an industrial success to be justifiably proud of.”

For further information on Concept Packaging, please telephone +44 (0)1274 592108.

For all Mimaki’s latest products and consumables, visit UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd’s website www.hybridservices.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1270 501900.

[Picture caption: Concept Packaging's Mimaki flatbed cutter enables them to engineer 'true' packaging prototypes for global brands.]

Kala has announced a deal with FASTSIGNS International, Inc. following an extensive evaluation of the Kala Mistral and have selected the solution as its laminator of choice. All new FASTSIGNS® store locations will now have a Kala Mistral 1650 with LED lights and antistatic wire in their starting franchise package, which will be supplied and installed by Kala's UK distributor, Colourgen.
 
Melanie Enser, Colourgen's product marketing manager, comments: "The Kala Mistral 1650 is the most popular model in the Kala range in the UK and fits the application requirements of FASTSIGNS franchises perfectly. This also creates a significant opportunity to increase brand awareness of a brand which is becoming more and more popular here and also build a relationship with one of the world's largest visual communication organisations."
 
Laurent Bouchard, general manager of Kala, adds: "FASTSIGNS evaluation process concluded that the new generation of Mistral laminators offered unbeaten performance at the price point. Designed and produced in France, this laminator will fit perfectly in FASTSIGNS centres with its technology and design. FASTSIGNS International was also particularly impressed with its ease of use (especially for beginners), as well as features such as reduced failure rates and wastage, and the unit's ability to evolve with the franchise in terms of volume."
 
The Kala Mistral is a 65" wide laminator that has a take up reel for roll-to-roll lamination and has an auto-calibrate roller pressure feature for consistent finishing results. A host of other features, including LED lights to illuminate the working area, heat assist, foot pedal and anti-static wire, at a very competitive price, positions the Kala at the forefront of the wide format laminator market.
 
Bouchard concludes: "This deal (which was initially brokered with FASTSIGNS International in the US) is a huge endorsement of our company and products. Throughout the evaluation there were comments about the laminator's quality, reliability and ease of use. In the context of delivering this within a starter package for a new s franchise, Kala was seen by FASTSIGNS International as the clear winner. Coupled with its great value, we are seeing the decision to install a Kala laminator becoming a more and more popular one with many wide format print providers."

Zünd UK received an order for a digital cutting system on the very first morning of Sign and Digital UK, which took place at Birmingham's NEC last month.

Vehicle wrapping and display specialist Raccoon made enquiries about upgrading to the Zünd G3 3XL1600CVE16 digital cutting table prior to the show, with Managing Director Richard Clark seeing it in action at Zünd UK's St Albans demonstration suite. Members of the Raccoon team then attended the first morning of Sign and Digital UK before placing an official order.

The Zünd G3 3XL1600CVE16, measuring 3200mm wide x 1600mm long, will be installed at Raccoon's Edenbridge, Kent premises with PackZ software and all the tools unique to the user's needs. Thanks to the modular construction of Zünd cutting equipment, tools can be changed easily and the machine's capabilities extended to cater for new applications.

While the company may be known to Sign UK visitors for having won the prestigious Sign and Digital UK Awards Vehicle Project of the Year title in 2011 for its innovative X-ray-effect wrapped Mini, Raccoon will use the Zünd G3 to deliver a wealth of applications to its clients beside vehicle graphics.

"Upgrading to a newer Zünd cutter will not only give us more capacity, it will give us more flexibility in what we produce," says Richard Clark, Managing Director of Raccoon. "We needed a machine that's productive and easy to use and, particularly, makes it easy to switch between materials, for instance from rigid to softer substrates.

"We're looking especially at offering more three-dimensional displays for use as POS and exhibition graphics so chose the Zünd G3 for its V-cut tooling for use with substrates like Dibond. We'll be doing some very clever construction."

Raccoon had used a Zünd cutter for ten years before decided to upgrade to a newer model, Richard Clark explains, and chose Zünd UK again over the competition for its build quality and support. "We know that if, in five years' time, there are any problems Zünd will still be around to support us."

Zünd UK showcased its digital cutting equipment at Sign and Digital UK 2015 as a guest on the stands of its authorised distributors i-Sub Digital, Canon and CMYUK.

"It was brilliant to start Sign and Digital UK with an order from such an inventive and creative company as Raccoon," comments Peter Giddings, Sales Director, Zünd Plotting Systems (UK) Ltd. "The Zünd G3 is ideal for Raccoon's needs now and will grow with them as they offer new applications to their customers."

Later this year, Zünd UK will be also be exhibiting its digital cutting equipment at the Composites Engineering Show. For further information, to organise a meeting or to book a visit to Zünd UK's recently renovated demonstration suite, please email sales@zund.co.uk or call 01727 833003.

UK-based specialist manufacturer Blackman & White (B&W) showcased its flagship 3.2m wide Versa Tech cutter at Sign & Digital UK 2015, demonstrating the best of British innovation and engineering.

This was the official launch in the UK for the Versa Tech, designed and manufactured by B&W from its base in Essex.

The Versa Tech is the most recent addition to its MasterCut range, and it offers the ultimate in tool versatility and accuracy, with crease, kiss cut, router, drag knife, oscillating knife and driven rotary knife and laser all available on a single conveyorised or flatbed heavy-duty table.

Explaining the company’s history, Managing Director Alex White said: “We’ve been supplying cutters to the marine and boating industry for more than 50 years now, and we moved into sign and display around 10 years ago when a sign company approached us to develop a laser cutter for use on textiles, and we’ve never looked back,”

“Over the last few years, Blackman & White has developed from being a company that manufactured bespoke cutters for individual client needs, to developing and manufacturing cutters that are still tailored to the industry, but built in much higher numbers.”

“British manufacturing is alive with innovation, and our team has shown talent and dedication in developing the Versa Tech.”

B&W is the only UK manufacturer of large format cutters for the sign and display industry, and British companies in particular see the benefit of getting service and support direct from the manufacturer, who is – in global terms – just on their doorstep.

However, while B&W is a UK manufacturer, around 60% of their machines last year were manufactured for the export market, and they now have around 800 machines installed worldwide.

“The textile print market is continuing to grow at a faster pace than any other media in the sign and display market, and that’s where our laser cutting option really comes into its own,” added Alex.

“In such a diverse and innovative industry, you need great creative thinkers with fresh new ideas, and we’re always looking for ways of bringing in new blood, often taking on people directly from leaving university and into apprenticeships.

“We believe that growing our industry and growing the next generation of engineers, electricians and designers should go hand in hand, and we hope that by welcoming young minds into our established teams and supporting them to develop, we will guarantee a sustainable, exciting future for us all.”

About the Versa Tech
The Versa Tech is modular, and customers are able to purchase one tool initially, then add others over time to meet increasingly varied production needs and spread the cost. Dual driven tooling with interchangeable ‘drop-in’ tools, both oscillating head and driven wheel, allows for easy and quick change of cutting technique.

The Versa Tech is able to cut widths up to 3.2m, and to carry out long production runs on heavy duty materials such as acrylics and DIBOND, thanks to the addition of a 2.5kW water-cooled router. The 100w laser is an invaluable option for textile cutting.

It offers high-precision, top quality output with a fast return on investment. The machine runs on a linear rack, keeping costs down as no belt replacement is needed, and ensuring accuracy is maintained over time.

Prior to the official UK launch scheduled for later this year, Roland DG will offer visitors to Sign & Digital UK 2015 an exclusive preview of its new heat transfer finishing solution - the Texart CS-64 calender press.

The new Texart CS-64 is the perfect finishing partner for Roland’s recently launched dye sublimation printer, the Texart RT-640. The CS-64 will transfer sublimation print produced by the RT-640 at high speed onto a variety of polyester-based materials used for flags, banners, soft signage displays, fabric for fashion, sports apparel and many other promotional applications. Built to meet high production demands and designed for ease of use, the CS-64 will appeal to both seasoned professionals and companies new to the dye sublimation print process.

Brett Newman, Sales Director Roland DG (UK) Ltd: “Working seamlessly with our RT-640 dye sublimation printer and Texart inks, the new CS-64 delivers a finishing solution that’s fast, affordable and easy to use. At just £12,999 plus VAT, the addition of the CS-64 to the Texart range allows us to offer the industry a complete textile ‘print to finish’ package – software, printer and calender - for just £25,998 plus VAT. This represents a very accessible investment opportunity for any company looking to profit from the growth in demand for printed textile products. “

Simple to use, the control panel of the CS-64 can be mastered in seconds. Loading and unloading materials is equally straight forward. The CS-64 uses a precision roller feed system and digitally regulated, infra-red heat to transfer dye sublimation print onto fabrics. With production speeds of 50 m²/hr and the option of an in-feed table, the CS-64 has the versatility to handle large roll volumes and small pre-cut fabric jobs with equal finesse.

Safety is also an important consideration and there are several built-in features, including sensor controlled covers, which protect the operator from heat and harm. Another key component of the CS-64 is the heat resistant Nomex® feed belt that’s Kevlar-reinforced to deliver consistently high transfer quality and a long service life. To prevent costly ‘image ghosting’ errors on the fabric, the CS-64 has an ingenious tension bar system that separates the textile from the transfer paper after sublimation and rewinds them onto their own take-up rollers.

Newman concludes: “We look forward to welcoming visitors to our dedicated soft signage and textile printing stand at Sign & Digital UK. It will be a fantastic opportunity to discover how to profit from our textile print to finish solutions, learn more about the processes and technologies involved and get inspired by our superb display of printed textile applications.”

Visitors to Sign and Digital UK 2015 can see the new Texart range on Roland’s dedicated soft signage and textile printing stand – F34. The Sign and Digital UK exhibition runs between the 24th and 26th March 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham.

For more information, please contact Roland DG on 01275 335540.