Tekcel CNC Solutions has announced the availability of a new addition to its range of CNC routers. The new Tekcel GFX model provides a comprehensive solution to the so far unanswered demand for a heavy duty CNC router that also has the capability to deliver cutting and creasing across a wide range of digitally printed sheet and roll materials.
Tekcel CNC routers are highly regarded across a broad range of industries and have become a common sight in hundreds of sign, display and exhibition companies throughout the UK over the past 10 years. The ranks of this ever increasing ‘Owners Club’ have recently expanded with the addition of a second Tekcel 3m x 2m ATC (Auto Tool Change) router for Blaze Neon; this time at its factory in Broadstairs, Kent. Following the completion of its move to substantial new premises in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, Jon Signs also installed its second Tekcel 3m x 2m ATC router. Meanwhile,
Hampshire-based manufacturer, Camberley Signs has recently replaced two old Gerber models with one high production Tekcel 3m x 2m ATC router.
The new Tekcel GFX system combines the uncompromising CNC routing capabilities necessary to machine all manner of metals, plastics, woods and composites used daily by sign, display and exhibition companies, with the cut/print registration, knife-cutting and creasing tools required to cut the materials popularly fed through large format digital printers. Unlike other systems on the market, where either the routing or knife-cutting utility is a bolt-on component often requiring manual removal and replacement, the Tekcel GFX fully integrates routing, registration and cutting tools into a comprehensive, Auto Tool Change, high production system. In addition to the ability to switch between the routing, bevelling or folding tools traditionally associated with CNC routers, the Tekcel GFX also enables the operator to choose between oscillating knife-cutting, tangential knife-cutting and steered wheel cutting or creasing – all at the touch of a button and all with the benefit of an easy-to-use, ‘cut to print’ digital camera system on board.
As with all the models in the Tekcel router range, the Tekcel GFX has been designed to deliver the precision, productivity and reliability long associated with the Tekcel name and offers it to a much broader audience. In keeping with the Tekcel manufacturing ethos of ‘only the best will do’, the new Tekcel GFX features advanced ballscrew drives on every axis, complete with digital encoded servo motors that deliver smooth, accurate, motion control at speed. Providing the cutting power for the Tekcel GFX is an equally impressive, 8kw spindle fitted with ceramic bearings and electric fan cooling to ensure a long service life. This versatile motor provides exceptional performance throughout its 6-24000 rpm range. The Tekcel GFX also benefits from automatic tool indexing that can accurately measure the length of each and every cutter, knife blade or tool for precise cutting and creasing depths, particularly essential for dealing with Point of Sale print work, inlays and folding aluminium composite trays.
According to Huw Davies, Marketing Director at Tekcel CNC Solutions, the introduction of the new Tekcel GFX is a direct response to market research and industry feedback. “The convergence of the sign, display, exhibition, shopfitting and print industries through the widespread adoption of large format digital printing has given rise to the need for a heavy duty CNC routing and cutting system that’s capable of machining anything from stainless steel to self-adhesive vinyl … and just about everything in between. The new Tekcel GFX is that system.”
Other features of the new Tekcel GFX include fully automated vacuum bed and dust extraction systems. The ‘hole and pocket’ vacuum bed design effectively provides hundreds of suction cups to hold material in place and can be skimmed to provide an absolutely level surface for accurate routing, cutting and creasing. The underlying aluminium slat profile and manifold system delivers exceptional hold down suction across all areas of the bed. A high pressure dust foot ably assists vacuum extraction systems to remove swarf efficiently when routing and can be easily removed when not required. The Tekcel router range is available in a range of popular bed sizes all the way up to 4m x 2m as standard. Tekcel CNC Solutions is also capable of delivering custom solutions for companies with specific requirements that fall outside its current model range.
