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Flatbed cutters are explained in this article in detail, including how they are used in sign making, and the essential components of the machine.
Signs are a necessary part of almost every business. They are used for advertising sales, promoting products, and letting customers know where a business is located. Many different machines and equipment are used to produce signs. This article discusses one piece of equipment, the flatbed cutter, and how it is used in sign-making.
What is a Flatbed Cutter?
A flatbed cutter is a computer-controlled machine which uses a blade to cut shapes from a sheet of material. The most common type of flatbed cutter is called a vinyl cutter, which is used to cut out vinyl lettering and graphics.
Flatbed cutters, also known as plotters, come in a variety of sizes. The cutter's size determines the sign's maximum width and height.
How does a Flatbed Cutter Work?
The cutter is connected to a computer, which is used to create the sign's design. The computer sends instructions to the cutter, telling it where to start and stop cutting. The cutter uses a blade to cut the design from the vinyl. The blade is mounted on a carriage which moves back and forth across the width of the vinyl.
Components of a Flatbed Cutter
The feeder uses suction to pull the substrate sheets into the machine.
The in-feed system pulls the sheets into the cutting area one at a time and uses registration marks to ensure each sheet is correctly positioned.
A platen section is used to clamp the substrate sheets in place. The cutting die and the cutting plate are brought together under pressure in this section. The sheet is held between them; it may be die-cut, creased, or embossed, depending on the application or substrate.
The stripping section removes internal waste and the side and rear trim with an upper stripping tool, a central stripping board, and lower stripping pins.
How We Use Flatbed Cutters at FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento/Natomas Airport Area, CA
As a sign company, we use flatbed cutters to produce a variety of signs for our clients, including vinyl lettering, graphics, and banners.
We start by creating a design for the sign with our graphic design programs. Once the design is complete, we send the file to the cutter. The cutter reads the file and starts cutting the design from a vinyl sheet.
After the sign is cut, we remove the excess vinyl material. We then use a heat press to adhere the vinyl to the substrate. Once the sign is cooled, we remove any remaining vinyl film and apply a layer of protection called an over-laminate.
If you need a custom sign package for your business, our team at FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento/Natomas Airport Area, CA, will make it happen. We are located on Arena Blvd across the street from TownePlace Suites by Marriott Sacramento Airport Natomas. Call today or stop by our sign shop to get started.