FLATBED VINYL CUTTERS | ROB FLETCHER An important part of production for many sign companies and wide-format printers, Rob Fletcher casts an eye over the flatbed vinyl cutter market and analyses the benefits of businesses upgrading their kit CUTTING TO THE CHASE Printers and sign-makers can have the highest quality printing machines in place, but if they do not have the finishing kit to match, then they run the risk of undoing all their hard print work with sub-standard finishing. Flatbed vinyl cutters are among the most popular finishing technologies in the signage and wide-format print markets, providing users with a flexible solution to finish a wide range of applications. With new solutions coming to market at a solid rate, the onus is on companies to ensure they are running the highest quality equipment that offers the latest technological features. In this article, we speak with some of the key manufacturers in this sector to find out more about their freshest offerings and how print and signage companies can reduce turnaround time and overall costs by switching to a newer model of cutter. Indispensable Solutions First up is Vivid Laminating Technologies, a brand that has become synonymous with finishing in the wide-format market. Commercial director Lewis Evans explains that quality flatbed cutters are essential in modern print finishing as they combine versatility with precision. “These systems can handle both flexible and rigid materials, such as cardboard, acrylic, and textiles, while also performing tasks like routing, engraving, and polishing,” Evans explains, continuing: “This makes them indispensable for applications in signage, packaging, and custom products. “High-quality flatbed cutters ensure consistent accuracy, allowing printers to produce intricate designs and maintain high-volume output, which is crucial for meeting tight deadlines and delivering professional results.” Evans goes on to issue a warning over underinvestment, saying not committing enough to flatbed cutting equipment can lead to significant risks for business. For example, he says slower systems or those with limited capabilities can create bottlenecks in production workflows, while inconsistent cutting accuracy may lead to material waste, reprints, and dissatisfied customers. He continues: “Shops using substandard equipment may also struggle to handle diverse materials or complex designs, limiting their business opportunities. Additionally, frequent maintenance and unexpected breakdowns can increase operational costs, undermining any savings from cheaper machinery.” With this in mind, Evans offers some expert words of advice on what to look for if you are in the market for a new flatbed vinyl cutter. Above all, buyers should focus 52 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 262 - December 2025 | January 2026
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