57 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 360 - May | June 2026 cision and reliability should be critical, highlighting features such as consistent tracking, accurate cornering, and repeatable results as fundamental attributes that make a real difference. “Material compatibility is also a key factor, and higher cutting force achieved by the latest plotters enables users to work confidently across a wider range of media, from standard vinyl through to thicker or more specialist substrates,” he says, adding: “Efficient workflow integration should also be considered, with features that support accurate and integrated print-and-cut.” As to what Hybrid Services has on offer, Edwards points to Mimaki’s latest small-format vinyl cutter in the form of the CG-60AR. This offers a 600mm cutting width, which is what he describes as a “class-leading” 550g maximum cutting pressure, and the level of precision historically expected from Mimaki’s cutting technology. Meanwhile, an optional Craft Kit, means the CG-60AR can extend beyond vinyl into light card and packaging samples. “The CG-60AR is built for consistent, everyday production,” Edwards says, adding: “It’s an accurate, powerful, and dependable workhorse that delivers day in, day out, which is exactly what most production environments require.” Enabling New Applications Up next is Lewis Evans, commercial director of Vivid Laminating Technologies, who explains printers should be considering an upgrade when their finishing department starts to limit productivity rather than support it. He says this often becomes apparent through slower turnaround times, increased manual handling, or inconsistencies in quality. “Another clear indicator is when a business is unable to take on certain types of work, such as short-run packaging or intricate custom jobs, or is forced to outsource them,” Evans says, continuing: “If customer expectations around speed, flexibility, and personalisation are increasing, older cutting systems can quickly become a constraint. “Modern digital cutting technology is not simply about replacing existing equipment; it is about enabling new applications, improving efficiency, and removing bottlenecks from the production process.” When investing in small-format cutting equipment, Evans recommends that PSPs prioritise precision and consistency above all else, particularly for detailed applications such as labels, packaging, and speciality print. He goes on to say that ease of use is equally important, as intuitive systems reduce training time and allow operators to work more efficiently from day one. “Versatility is another key consideration,” Evans comments, adding: “A system that can cut, crease, and perforate a wide range of substrates opens up new revenue opportunities and allows printers to diversify their offering. It is also essential that any new equipment integrates smoothly into existing workflows and software environments. “Finally, reliability and long-term performIndustry analysts such as Smithers and Keypoint Intelligence say shorter run lengths and increased job variety are placing greater demands on finishing processes Factoid A small-format cutting plotter is often one of the most heavily used machines on site, but not always the one that gets reviewed when equipment is being upgraded SMALL-FORMAT CUTTERS | ROB FLETCHER ▲ Available from Hybrid Services, the CG-60AR is Mimaki’s latest small-format vinyl cutter
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