49 Issue 256 - December 2024 / January 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk you can significantly reduce production time without compromising quality.” Intelligent Investment Vivid is supporting with its distribution of flatbed technology by Soyang Europe, which last year was appointed as a reseller for Vivid’s VeloBlade Volta range of digital flatbed cutting tables and Vivid’s VeloBlade Nexus wide-format digital die cutting range. “We are delighted to be able to offer the Vivid VeloBlade Volta range of digital flatbed cutting tables,” Soyang Europe business development manager Damien Martin comments, adding: “We can supply various sizes of this machine to best suit the needs of each individual customer. “With the VeloBlade Nexus range, these machines offer more advanced options, with a wide range of tooling included as standard, allowing for even more possibilities for sign-makers and wideformat printers.” On the subject of new technology, Martin says companies should take care with investment in new machinery in this sector. He offers several pointers to anyone in the market for a new flatbed cutting solution. “Firstly, UK-based support is very important,” he says, adding: “Working with a manufacturer or supplier based in the UK means you will have much easier access to parts and technical support from specialist engineers than if you were to work with someone overseas. “In terms of the actual machine, you should be focusing on speed and flexibility; which device will you get the most out of and what model will allow you to produce the most work at a high standard?” On this, Martin emphasises that flatbed technology will represent a long-term investment. As such, he says it is important to consider any future developments that may come from the manufacturer you are buying from and how this can further help you moving forward. On a similar note, he recommends looking at the software offered alongside the hardware and how this might improve the performance of the machine. “Taking vinyl cutting in house will make your operation much more efficient,” Martin says, adding: “You will save time on having to outsource work and also allow you greater control over the whole process, meaning you can produce your own work to your own high standards. “There is also the benefit of flexibility in terms of what services you can actually offer to customers, this makes you a more self-sufficient business and expands the skillset of your employees, which will put you in a stronger position moving forward. “On top of this, investing in a flatbed vinyl cutter will allow you to automate parts of production that previously may have had to have been carried out by hand.” Explore New Markets One company that can attest to the quality of the VeloBlade Nexus is The Big Ink Tank, a large-format printing business based in Coventry that took on a VeloBlade Nexus 2516 from Soyang back in January. One of four machines in the VeloBlade Nexus range, the 2516 offers users a bed size of 2,500mm x 16,00mm. Combined with a CNC router, the system enables users to work with stocks up to 25mm in thickness such as Dibond, MDF and acrylic, which the company says has opened up more opportunities for new work. Working alongside other machinery, the cutter has been put to work on a range of applications, with Ty Power founder of The Big Ink Tank, saying the machine’s automation capabilities have made life much easier for staff. “The VeloBlade Nexus fits in with our existing workflow by allowing files for cutting, routing, and creasing to be automatically uploaded with minimal input from our team,” Power says, adding: “We are really benefitting from the speed of the machine; we no longer have to change the tools as they are automatic. “The quality of the cutting is also excellent, while the fact that the vacuum keeps the cuts so clean results in a huge time saving. We are still learning about new processes that we can then launch into the market. “We are demoing the machine to our existing customers showing them all the new materials and options we can offer. It has opened up more varied work and will hopefully win us new customers. We are really excited by all the new product types we can offer and getting to learn what we can do with the machine.” Power’s comments should offer food for thought to those considering investment in a new machine in this market. Taking on a new device can help your company access work that may previously been out of reach, opening up your offering to existing customers and help you attract new clients. Careful research of the market and conversations with trusted manufacturers and distributors, including those featured here, will allow you to identify the most effective solution for your business. ▼ The Big Ink Tank purchased a VeloBlade Nexus 2516 from Soyang in January ► Soyang Europe is an approved seller of Vivid’s VeloBlade Nexus range FLATBED VINYL CUTTERS
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