Hardware - Print Finishing

Summa has launched the Summa S Class 2nd Generation (S2) cutter which it says is more versatile and competitive than the previous model.  Based on the proven concept of the former S Class series, the S2 improves performance substantially due to a new faster processor. The standard Ethernet connection enables faster communication and means longer distances between computer and unit are now possible.

Other enhancements include improved media flanges with more grip in order to better handle wide heavy rolls and a reorganised, colourful and user-friendly new menu screen.

On the introduction of the new machine, Erwin Vandousselaere, General Manager of Summa, comments, "The new S2 makes use of the latest technologies and is ready to meet new requirements of the Signmaking market."

For more information, please visit www.summa.eu

Hampshire Flag Company has recently purchased a new Zund G3 XL3200 cutter through i-Sub Digital which has been installed at the company's Waterlooville factory near Portsmouth.

Established over 30 years ago, Hampshire Flag started trading as a traditional flag manufacturer producing hand-sewn flags.  In the past seven years the company has invested in digital printing technology, revolutionising the business by bringing down production costs and increasing sales.

Despite this investment in new technologies, Hampshire Flag was still cutting all textile banners and flags it produced at its factory in the traditional manner using a hand guided machine.  It was a time consuming and laborious task and the company realised that the next phase of development required a new digital cutter.

Graham Wilkinson, managing director at Hampshire Flag, explains, “We looked at a few competitor machines and the Zund G3 XL3200 stood out as a robust and adaptable machine.  Zund also allowed us to carry out thorough testing of the machine before we made a decision to purchase. The service we received was exceptional at all times.”

Installation and training were provided by the Zund UK team, including setting up the new Zund G3 XL3200 for optimum performance taking into account the particular production needs and tasks of Hampshire Flag.

As soon as the Zund G3 XL3200 was installed, Hampshire Flag noticed an improvement in work flow through its factory.  The bottleneck in the finishing department was removed, allowing Hampshire Flag to take on more work without having to increase staffing levels.

Wilkinson continues, “We have calculated that we would need to employ three more members of staff to cut textiles to replace the Zund machine when it is operating at maximum output.”

Not only are customers benefiting from a quicker turnaround, but Hampshire Flag is now able to produce more intricate and accurate finishes and there is also less wastage, as the Zund G3 XL3200 is so accurate.  Some of the products that Hampshire Flag produces previously needed to be 'cold cut' - a technique that means a lengthy and highly accurate hand cut finish - but now the new Zund G3 XL3200 can complete the same task in a matter of seconds.

Wilkinson is very happy with his new Zund G3 XL3200 cutter and sees the machine as vital to the future success of Hampshire Flag in a rapidly changing industry.  “Over the last decade companies that have not adapted to new technology haven’t been able to deliver the same service levels and many have had to close their doors. The new Zund G3 XL3200 will help us keep on delivering excellent service to our customers in this competitive marketplace.  We are able to provide more complex items that we simply couldn’t have delivered before installation and our production times on simple tasks has fallen dramatically.  I have no doubt this machine will pay for itself many times over.”

Peter Giddings, managing director of Zund UK, adds, "It’s great when we see a Zund cutter having such a positive and immediate impact upon a business.  Zund UK will be here to support Hampshire Flag Company with all aspects of their new Zund G3 XL3200 and we have enjoyed working with them on installation and training.”

For more information or to book a demonstration of Zund's cutters, please visit www.i-subdigital.com or email sales@zund.co.uk.

Josero is now offering Trimalco's range of high end cutters which were launched at FESPA 2010.  The cutters are designed and manufactured in the UK using the latest in CNC technology and have been specifically designed for the large format sign and graphics markets.

Cutters in the Trimalco range include:

• Artemis – this straight edge cutter is ideal for cutting, scoring and pen lining and is available in six lengths. It has been engineered in extruded aluminium and anodised for lasting protection.
• Europa – this large format cutting system comprises a number of interacting products which together offer a high degree of performance and accuracy at a price unmatched by any other.
• Kronos - a general purpose cutter available in six standard sizes from 60cm (24”) to 300cm (120”). The strong and stable anodised aluminium base incorporates a narrow groove that safely accepts the blade tip during cutting.

Loic Delor, managing director of Josero comments, “We have chosen to work with Trimalco as their products are outstanding in terms of quality and also the ethos of the company is akin to ours. Their level of service and customer care is exceptional and the team really is passionate about its products. The cost saving over similar products in the market is around 50%, yet the products are of the same, if not of a better standard, so we can provide our customers with excellent value for money cutters.”

For further information, please visit www.josero.com

Spandex has announced a new 'Sign in a Box’ range of ready-made modular sign systems, based on the company's Infopanel solution.  The new range will be displayed for the first time at the Spandex Open House scheduled to take place at the company's Bristol headquarters on 7th and 8th November 2012.

Sign in a Box offers sign makers the opportunity to order off-the-shelf signs in standard height, width and panel combinations. The range is ideal for external directories, corporate identity and generic signage and is available in three formats – Freestanding, Wall-mounted and Deep Panel. The selection of finishes include mill, silver anodized, white and colour powder coated.

“Sign in a Box is designed to save construction time as all elements needed to build a sign are included in the box. It’s just so easy to assemble”, says Leon Watson, Spandex UK's general manager.

Many sign makers that are not used to dealing with modular signs systems can now access Spandex’s exclusive Infopanel range through Sign in a Box. Other differentiators of the Spandex range are that customers can buy the signs on their credit account and orders can be delivered next day depending on the finish.

“As usual with all Spandex sign and display systems, the quality of the product and level of service and support is excellent,” continues Leon.

He concludes, “The Spandex Open house is designed to offer ideas and demonstrate products that will help widen the service capabilities of our visitors. The possibilities that the Sign in a Box range opens up for sign makers are huge and the Open House is the perfect platform to launch this innovative range. The fact that the products are made in the UK is an added benefit.”

The Open house will offer conferences, workshops, demonstrations, promotions, prize draws, giveaways and much more. Spaces are limited so visitors are encouraged to register by visiting www.spandex.co.uk

 

The ROLLSROLLER Flatbed Applicator has been the subject of a market survey conducted by William Smith, the machine’s first exclusive and longest serving UK and Ireland distributor. Involving some of its most successful owners, it confirmed the ROLLSROLLER as the most cost-effective and accurate method of applying a vast range of materials to virtually any substrate. The survey also confirmed a faster than normal return on investment achieved via greatly reduced production time and running costs, a significant reduction in material wastage and a much superior finish by comparison with other methods of application previously the machine’s owners.

Typical responses came from Gary Phipps, Commercial Sales Manager at Nuneaton Signs, who comments, "The machine represents the perfect middle ground between time-consuming and costly manual application and equally expensive direct-to-substrate printing."

Richard Monk, Founder and Director of Blueprint Nottingham, adds, "The ROLLSROLLER is much easier to use, less prone to failure due to its compact design, with a single-operator capability that enables huge savings in running costs."

Mike Stephenson, Managing Director of Paramount Imagination & Creation, continues, "We have achieved savings in production time of up to 50 per cent, coupled with a much higher standard of output and less wastage. The ROLLSROLLER has made a huge contribution to our overall efficiency and profitability."

Vaughan Allcock, Founder and Director of EVENTSIGNS, concludes, "Using the ROLLSROLLER, we have significantly reduced the time it takes to mount large-format graphics as well as eliminating air bubbles, creases and other imperfections frequently experienced with alternative methods of application."

The high level of service and technical support, five-year ‘no-quibble’ performance guarantee and choice of finance packages provided by William Smith also rated highly in the survey.

For further information, please visit www.rollsroller.co.uk

The first installations of Summa’s F1612 flatbed with the new router module have just been deployed and have been 'welcomed with great enthusiasm.'

The new module has a 1 kW motor and is capable of handling most used solid boards in the Graphic and Sign Industry including hard foam PVC, acrylic and aluminium covered foam boards.  The module is compatible with the F1612’s existing installations and fits on the modular head. It can easily be mounted when required or dismounted when other modules or tools need to be installed.

The user-friendly software, SummaFlex, integrates the Summa table perfectly into the print&cut workflow with camera support.  Media libraries can keep track of the settings for the different materials.

The new tool has already been exhibited throughout Europe at Sign UK, Viscom Milan, Viscom Paris and will shortly be displayed at Viscom Germany and in Istanbul.