It was then that Lee started to investigate the systems available on the market.
Extensive internet searches showed that a large-format cutter was necessary,
both from a size and a throughput perspective. One solution which came up
repeatedly was a large-format cutter, a V-Smart Vinyl Cutter from Advanced
Machinery in Johannesburg. This particular cutter handles rolls of vinyl or
flocking material in a range of widths up to 1.3m and of any length depending
on the size requirement.
Lee added, ‘The majority of the cutting we do is smaller in size but can be very
intricate. Also, we handle short to medium runs where we have the ability to
nest multiple items next to each other for a single cutting session. This saves
time and material with the result that it is more cost-effective.’
Flocking is available in a range of colours and thicknesses for the creation of
different effects on clothing. Once the flocking has been cut it can be applied
to most materials using a heat press. Some heat sensitive materials will not
work, but the heat is generally not intense enough to burn the majority of
clothing materials.
The machine is versatile and can handle designs of all levels of detail from very
basic outline cuts through to highly intricate designs which require hundreds of
cuts. Lee commented, ‘Not only is the machine capable of intricate designs it is
also very fast. Very often when you read the specifications of a machine you
know that you need to reduce the stated speed because that is based on
optimal conditions in a lab environment. This cutter has impressed me every
time I use it. I am often surprised that a job is finished so quickly. It far exceeds
my expectations and is many times faster than my small machine. I initially
believed that I would rely on the small machine and only use the big cutter
when I had larger jobs. In five months I have not had to turn on the small
machine even once, irrespective of the size of the job which needs to
be handled.’
The process of creating multi-colour images using flocking is a composite one
where sections of the image are laid down and heat set one after another.
Although this can be a lengthy process, the effects can be effective. However,
the longest part of the process is removal of the non-image areas which have
been cut out.
Lee stated, ‘This is the reason why we have set a limit, at this time, for the
number of items we are prepared to handle. We currently have a maximum
quantity of 60 items, thereafter, with the cost of the labour involved in picking
out non-image areas, it actually becomes more cost effective to recommend
that our customers consider the higher capacity capability of silkscreening.
‘However, the majority of our work is runs ranging from a single item through
to around 50 and this means that we can handle it very easily. Flocking creates
an outstanding effect and is also resilient and completely washable. As we
continue to attract more customers we will expand our heat sealing and picking
sections to allow us to handle the bigger volumes more speedily and with
faster turnarounds.’
He added, ‘This cutter from Advanced Machinery has done everything we have
asked of it. Not only that but it also has the ability to be fitted with a range of
knife blades for different cutting variations. It can also be fitted with a pen
facility for drawing, drafting and sketching functions, although we have not
had any need to use this feature as yet.’
Lanford agencies will gradually grow its business to make full use of the cutter
and to create a strong business from the promotional clothing market.
For more information on Lanford Agencies contact Lee on
011 394 3052
.
For more information on Advanced Machinery and its wide range of vinyl
cutters, CNC routers and laser engravers call
072 222 2211
or visit the
informative website
Above: Lee Ashford, owner of Lanford Agencies
with Eric Yin of Advanced Machinery.
Below: The V-Smart Vinyl Cutter with an example
of the level of detail it can produce.
Printed on supplied by
I
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