When Should I Choose A Flatbed Plotter?

You may be wondering how to determine if you should really consider buying a flatbed plotter. These machines are an effective solution to the five basic needs of graphic, packaging, and printing companies.

 

If you recognize that you have these types of needs, you should probably carefully consider purchasing a flatbed plotter.

 

1) Rapid Prototyping

This is essential to help you get projects approved by your clients, as you will be able to quickly see what the finished project will look like and can show the final version to the client immediately.

 

2) Outsource less work

By outsourcing less, you will be able to speed up the production process and better control quality and costs. From an organizational perspective, in-house production is less risky and you can better manage time and workflow with everything under control.

  Vinyl Plotter

 

3) Eliminate start-up cost issues

With a flatbed plotter, you will be able to produce the quantities and minimum production runs required by your customers without restrictions. You will no longer be forced to produce large quantities to reduce start-up costs.

 

4) Create original projects independently

Without a plotter, you would normally have to rely on external suppliers and adapt pre-made cutting dies: essentially, you would find yourself performing work that others have already done. With a flatbed plotter, on the other hand, you will always be able to design and produce original projects on your own.

 

5) Just in time - better response to customer deadlines

With a flatbed plotter, you will be able to respond better to the timescales required by your clients. With this type of machine you make it possible for yourself to pre-deliver in a much shorter time, without having to manufacture entire batches in one production process.

 

 Vinyl Plotter

Flatbed plotters vs conventional die-cutting machines

What we have just listed are the main advantages guaranteed by flatbed plotters. Compared to conventional die-cutting machines, this type of machinery is less suitable for cutting large quantities of material. The reason for this is that conventional die-cutting machines are able to complete these processes much faster.

 

However, comparing the flatbed plotter die-cutting process with a conventional die-cutting process is a mistake to be avoided. This is because the processes are completely different, both in terms of method and concept. When choosing a machine, it is necessary to consider the output we want to achieve. It is the quantity that determines the choice.

 

You may be wondering if there are two solutions to choose from. Well, it may be absolutely right to choose both solutions, as it allows you to respond to two different needs that may arise in your company and integrate them with each other.

 

Whereas traditional die-cutting guarantees high volume performance, flatbed plotters offer the flexibility to choose when to produce one way and when to produce the other, depending on cost convenience and the number of machine designs and options available to the company.

 

Are you interested in learning more about flatbed plotters and how they can benefit you? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

How Much Do You Know About Flatbed Cutters?

The digital printing environment benefits from workflow automation. Flatbed cutters are an important piece of machinery to increase productivity through automation. However, these machines often require significant investment and print service providers (PSPs) sometimes close down due to the price tag.

 

Price should be weighed against the important features and benefits offered by flatbed cutters to determine if the investment makes sense. An all-capital expenditure, evaluating your estimated return on investment (ROI) is a smart business.

 

Flatbed cutters have come a long way since they first entered the market. As large format printing capabilities have expanded to support more materials, cutters have had to keep pace with faster knife cutting, improved vibratory cutting, drive wheels and lasers, and digital printing of fabrics. This complements the tools required to cut thicker materials using routers and milling machines. Modular cutting systems allow these tools to be configured to the job, but can also be supplied in a variety of sizes on static or transfer platforms.

 

Flatbed cutters are often equipped with a range of options to meet all digital cutting requirements. With a wide choice of cutting heads, a range of materials such as rigid materials, corrugated paper, fabric, and vinyl can be cut.

 

Most tables are supplied with a basic set of cutting tools such as oscillating knives, non-oscillating knives, scoring wheels, and kiss-cutting knives. Sometimes AV cutting tools are optional, as are spindle routers.

 

In addition to creasing, piercing, milling, and V-grooving, good digital tables offer cutting capabilities.

 

      

Many digital flatbed cutters use modular tooling systems, including routers, tangential cutters, and electric oscillating tools. While automatic router bit changes have become standard, some add automatic tool changes to further speed up manufacturing times. This also reduces the risk of operator error.

 

To make effective use of all these options, digital workflows help to automate the changeover between machining methods as well as tool and bit changes. Job and document retrieval can also be automated by means of barcode scanners or camera systems. Material handling can be automated through conveyor systems with reel feeders and spreaders, automatic sheet feeders, cardboard handling systems, and robotic unloading devices.

 

Other features that should be evaluated include tool calibration, vacuum strength, zones, and registration systems. The vacuum table holds the material in place, while the alignment system (laser or camera) ensures correct alignment.

 

Flatbed cutters can also provide pallet-to-pallet automation and roll-to-roll automation. With the help of camera positioning marks, they also ensure alignment and compensate for printing or lamination distortion, so the material remains perfectly finished.

 

Many of the tools are equipped with fully integrated registration software, enabling users to streamline the finishing process without having to switch back and forth between registration and tool production software.

 

CCD cameras and associated kits are essential to ensure that print marks can be recognized and cut. Better tables also ensure easy access to the work area and easy maintenance.

 

In addition to the standard features, many automatic flatbed cutting systems have optional add-on modules.

 

If there is interest in adding tooling options, the cost and difficulty of implementing them will depend on the existing system and the options they intend to add. Many automatic flatbed cutting machines are designed to meet the requirement to add tooling throughout the life of the machine as shop floor requirements evolve.

 

Most tooling options are easy to add, as long as the system is pre-wired for the feature and the tool heads allow interchangeability. For example, some routers and lasers require liquid cooling and it should be known whether these can be easily added to the field or require the help of a technician.

 

Most companies have similar prices for their tools. This can be determined before the tool is purchased. Ease of use may depend on the new substrate they will be cutting or routing. The automatic tool change and tool change function also determines the ease of use. This automation is important to reduce operator error.

 

Overall, the modular tooling options are usually straightforward. "Implementing them can be done in a matter of hours.

Why Purchasing A Flatbed Plotter?

A flatbed plotter is a device that uses a pen to draw graphics and pictures rather than the print head, nozzles, and cartridges used in a typical printer. The plotter is mainly used for producing architectural and engineering drawings and has a flat vacuum bed or table and a mobile arm to hold the pen. In addition to the pen cartridge and spare pens, the main pen is included. The flatbed plotter uses vector graphics for plotting and can be up to 50 feet (15.24 m) wide. A special winding mechanism feeds the paper into the machine, while another winding mechanism rolls up the paper after it has been pulled on.

 

The movement is controlled by a mechanical arm, or several of them to accommodate more complex drawings. The paper can be held in place with clips but is usually fixed to the surface by the electrostatic charge generated by the system. On large plotter machines, a vacuum system is used and the paper is opened after it has been placed on top of the machine. The crossbar sits on top of the table, the pen moves along the length of the table and the crossbar moves along the length of the flat plotter, allowing for X and Y axis movement.

 Digital Print And Cut

The flatbed pen plotter is not designed to print text but can be combined with an inkjet head if text or annotation is required on the printout. It is also possible to modify the machine to be a flatbed cutter by attaching a cabling and milling tool to the arm. Materials ranging from cardboard to metal can be cut using this configuration.

 

You may be wondering how to determine if you should really consider buying a flatbed plotter. These machines are an effective solution to the five basic needs of graphic, packaging, and printing companies.

 

If you recognize that you have these types of needs, you should probably carefully consider purchasing a flatbed plotter.

  Vinyl Plotter

 

1) Eliminate start-up cost issues

With a flatbed plotter, you will be able to produce the quantities required by your customers without limitations and minimum production quantities. You will no longer be forced to produce large quantities to reduce start-up costs.

 

2) Outsource less work

By outsourcing less, you will be able to speed up the production process and better control quality and costs. From an organizational perspective, in-house production is less risky, and with everything under control, you can better manage time and workflow.

 Vinyl Plotter

 

3) Rapid Prototyping

This is essential to help you get projects approved by your clients, as you will be able to quickly see what the finished project will look like and can show the final version to the client immediately.

 

4) Create original projects independently

Without a plotter, you would normally have to rely on external suppliers and adapt pre-made cutting molds: in essence, you would find yourself performing work that others have already done. With a flatbed plotter, on the other hand, you will always be able to design and produce original projects on your own.

 

5) Just in time - better response to customer deadlines

With a flatbed plotter, you will be able to respond better to the timescales required by your clients. With this type of machine, you make it possible for yourself to pre-deliver in a much shorter time, without having to manufacture entire batches in one production process.

 

For more information and consultation, contact us here! 

Why Choose A Flatbed Cutter?

The flatbed cutter is ideal for designer and prototyping in offset printing, digital printing, packaging industry, road sign production, stone and glass sandblasting and etching, etc. Flatbed cutters use large, flat work surfaces and XY cutting heads to cut, crease, emboss, scrap peel, and blank off materials such as paper, vinyl, cardboard, textiles, glass, and other materials.

First, choose your bed size, then choose your tool. You buy what you need when you need it. Bed sizes range from 64 in. x 48 in. to 10 ft. by 10 ft. You can choose the bed size that fits your business and budget. If you add new materials that need to be cut in the future, don't worry you can always add more cutting tools.

 

There are literally dozens of cutting tools available for cutting almost any material. You name it! Film, wood, plastic, metal, cardboard, and even fabric are just a few of the items that are cut every day with the Gunner flatbed cutters. The result is the ultimate versatility for cutting parts or products, cutting custom or short-term packaging, and even cutting odds and ends, such as custom business cards for sales teams.

 Flatbed Cutter

Benefits of flatbed cutting machines

Gunner flatbed cutting machines for prototyping or for packaging, display, signage, or textile production offer a wide range of unique benefits.

 

Ideal for short production runs

Very short setup times, you don't have to wait for molds

Extraordinary throughput and speed

A wide range of versatile tools allows you to expand your product

 

Why choose a Gunner flatbed cutter?

 

1. Fully configurable

First, choose your bed size, then choose your tool. You buy what you need when you need it. Bed sizes range from 64 in. x 48 in. to 10 ft. by 10 ft. You can choose the bed size that fits your business and budget. Cutting tools are sold "a la carte". Buy what you need. Don't buy the ones you don't buy. If you add new materials that need to be cut in the future, don't worry you can always add more cutting tools. 

Flatbed Digital Cutter

2. Versatile

There are literally dozens of cutting tools available for cutting almost any material. You name it! Film, wood, plastic, metal, cardboard, and even fabric are just a few of the items that are cut every day with the Gunner Series cutters. The result is the ultimate versatility for cutting parts or products, cutting custom or short-term packaging, and even cutting odds and ends, such as custom business cards for sales teams.

3. Top Quality

With years of manufacturing experience and cutting expertise, you can count on Gunner's quality. gunner's rugged design and industrial-grade materials and components are used to ensure that your tool becomes an efficient tool in your business for years to come.

 

4. Great value for money

Quality and versatility don't mean you need to go broke. Gunner's configurable approach and reasonable pricing will help you get the right tool at a price that's within your budget. Match that with excellent service and support and you'll get the best value in the industry.

 

Quality and versatility don't mean you need to go broke. Gunner's configurable approach and reasonable pricing will help you get the right tool at a price that's within your budget. Match that with excellent service and support and you'll get the best value in the industry.

 

With the many industrial cutting solutions available, you'll see why we think the Gunner brand is truly the choice of printing professionals. Please call or email us to get in touch with the experts. We'd be happy to discuss your cutting application and create custom configurations to suit your needs.

Die Cutter vs Digital Cutter: Which One to Choose?

One of the most common questions in this period of our lives is whether it is more convenient to use a die-cutting machine or a digital cutting machine. Large companies offer both die-cutting and digital cutting to help their customers create unique shapes, but what the difference is between them is not clear to everyone.

 

For most small companies without such solutions, it's not even clear which solution they should purchase first. As experts, we often find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of having to answer this question and provide advice. Let's first try to clarify the meaning of the terms "die-cutting" and "digital cutting".

 

What is die-cutting?

In printing, die-cutting provides a quick and inexpensive way to cut large quantities of print into the same shape. Artwork is printed on square or rectangular material (usually paper or card stock) and then placed in a machine with a custom "die" or "punch block" (a wooden block with a metal blade) that is bent and folded into the desired shape). As the machine presses the sheet and dies together, it cuts the shape of the blade into the material.

 Flatbed Digital Cutter

 

What is digital cutting?

Unlike die cutting, which uses a physical die to create a shape, digital cutting uses a blade that follows a computer-programmed path to creating the shape. A digital cutter consists of a flat table area and a set of cutting, milling, and scoring attachments mounted on an arm. The arm allows the cutter to move to the left, right, forward and backward. A printed sheet is placed on the table and the cutter follows a programmed path through the sheet to cut out the shape.

 

Which is the better option?

How do you choose between two cutting solutions? The simplest answer is, "It all depends on the type of job. If you want to cut a large number of small items printed on paper or card stock, die cutting is the more cost-effective and time-saving option. Once the die is assembled, it can be used over and over again to create a large number of the same shapes - all in a fraction of the time of a digital cutting machine. This means that the cost of assembling a custom die can be offset by using it on a large number of items (and/or reusing it in the future for additional print runs).

 

However, if you are looking to cut a small number of large format items (especially items printed on thicker, tougher materials), a digital cutter is a better choice. There's no need to pay for custom tooling; plus, you can create more complex shapes with digital cutting.

Flatbed Digital Cutter

 

According to market research and industry journals, the printing market is experiencing a period of high growth in the digital sector. This is mainly due to a sharp decrease in the number of orders, but a significant increase in the variety of demand.

 

Typesetting is increasingly faced with the demand for small quantities, custom jobs, fast delivery, and competitive prices, which are not suitable for offset printing and die-cutting processes.

From this assumption, we come to the question, what should be done to meet this demand? My personal interpretation is to equip yourself with a "smart" product that can meet quality, versatility, and fair productivity.

Print Media

 

Every manufacturer claims to have the highest quality products, so the next question is, what are the parameters that guide our judgment? Reputation in the marketplace is certainly an important factor, as is value for money, but I suggest considering other aspects: the actual cost of use, available support, additional services, warranty terms, ease of use, and installation and training time.

 

Versatility is another important aspect that determines the range of work that can be performed, the types of materials that can be processed, and the longevity of the investment. This last aspect is important because, given the hypothetical lease, the machine must meet its needs for a period of at least as long as the lease.

 

Finally, your new equipment should have a fair production capacity that can meet the actual demand - not just expectations.

 

What Drive Motor Should Your Cutter Have?

Choosing your first vinyl cutter is one of the most important decisions facing an aspiring sign maker. A professional quality plotter can make your dream come true.

 

The wrong equipment decision can lead to frustration and failure. The most common startup sign store mistake is to buy based on speed, strength, and price alone.

 

So what are the criteria for making this important decision? What drive motor should your cutter have? How important is tracking? Do you need contour cutting of the printed image? What other features do you need? What about technical support?

 

To provide these and other answers, we humbly present this guide to choosing your first vinyl cutting machine.

Vinyl Cutter

 

 

Drive Motor: Stepper or Servo

The engine of a vinyl cutter is its drive motor. The drive motor powers the grinding wheel, which advances and retracts the media, and moves the blade across the platen. The two types of drive motors used are mechanical stepper motors and digital servo motors. As the name implies, mechanical stepper motors are driven by physical gears and move in small increments or steps. This is an old and familiar technology whose main advantage is economy. The disadvantages are mechanical noise - which can sometimes be very harsh - and a very small loss of accuracy in the graphics. Large images can be cut precisely, but for characters smaller than half an inch, the physical size of the gears can prevent the machine from drawing a smooth path. This can result in jagged lines that look pixelated, rather than smoothly curved.

 

Stepper motors are more economical, allowing manufacturers to produce usable vinyl cutters in a more economical manner. Most entry-level plotters use this older, simpler mechanical drive system, and as in most cases, there are differences in the quality of stepper-driven tools. Some are quieter and more precise than others.

 

In tools driven by digital servo motors, the digital encoder converts the software's commands to 1 and 0. The result is the smooth, precise motion of the drive motor and cutting head. This provides three advantages. The lack of mechanical gears makes these machines quieter in operation. More importantly, the digital directional motion allows the tool to turn and pivot precisely along a smaller path. Letters as small as 1/8"* can be cut with the same accuracy as larger characters. Attempting to cut characters that small with a stepper-driven cutter can result in rough edges, which often does not satisfy the requirements of discerning customers.

 

Another benefit of digital servo motors is superior tracking. Tracking is the ability of the cutter to maintain a straight path along the length of the vinyl. Digital servo-driven cutters typically track ten times better than stepper cutters, so digital servo cutters are a better choice for both very large and very small graphics.

 

Looking for an affordable vinyl cutter? Whether you’re looking for a vinyl printer cutter package, a commercial vinyl cutting machine, or an entry-level vinyl graphics cutter, we have it for sale! We will be happy to help you out!

 

Benefits of Digital Flatbed Cutters

This digital flatbed cutter uses high-frequency vibration cutting up and down the blade, back and forth, left and right CNC movement, tens of thousands of vibrations per minute to achieve the cutting effect, fast cutting speed, environmentally friendly processing, suitable for carbon fiber, glass fiber, fiber wool, prepreg, aramid, ceramic fiber, cloth, silk circle, leather, felt, carpet, acoustic cotton, silicone, rubber, KT board, and other non-metallic flexible materials.

 

The finished product cut by a flatbed digital display cutting machine is also clean and smooth at the edges, and the cut sheet is accurate in size, odorless, and more environmentally friendly, with a full range of soft and hard materials. Its cutting speed is twice as fast as the rotary knife, and the equipment is widely used, such as the garment industry and advertising industry. It is also the first choice of many enterprises.

 

The Digital Flatbed Cutter is the perfect solution for prototyping and low-volume production of rigid materials without the use of cutting dies. It eliminates media waste for rigid materials and also reduces handling time with Graphtec's precision cutting and commitment software. USB operation also makes it easy for users of all skill levels to handle materials.

Now, will discuss the main benefits of the Digital Flatbed Cutter!

 

Perfect for short-run production

Very short set-up time and you don’t need to wait for a die

Extraordinary throughput and speed

A wide range of versatile tools allows you to expand your offerings

 

The flatbed tool is designed to provide a solution for high-speed precision cutting. It allows us to serve our customers with faster and more professional output. The following are just a few of the many custom products we cut with our flatbed cutters.

 

 

Here we will guide you through two market segments and explain how to choose the right felt conveyor.

 

Cutting pads

Signs and displays

 

If you're running an advertising sign and display manufacturing business, flatbed digital cutters are now an inevitable productivity tool for getting your job done. There is a large amount of material with print that needs to be cut and routed, such as vinyl, magnetic, PET film, PVC film, PVC foam of different densities (e.g. Forex), plastic and aluminum sandwich panels (e.g. Dibond), acrylic and soon. Some are rolls, some are paper, some print precisely, and some are simple. The surface of the bed is sure to be touched and harmed as the blade cuts through most of the material pressed into the bed by the vacuum system. This requires a flat surface and has

 

- Minimal thickness error

- Perfect flatness

- Cut resistance

- Good abrasion resistance - Good

good air permeability

- Flexible enough to accommodate different turning radii

- Virtually slag-free

 

To order these flatbed digital cutters, all you have to do is visit gunner-cnc.com, where we not only offer a wide range of flatbed digital cutters but also sell a variety of vinyl cutters and plotters. This one-stop store gives you everything you need to upgrade your store with efficient, reliable flatbed digital cutters. Contact Gunner today to learn more about the best flatbed digital cutter for 2022.