The company commissioned the 3.2m x 8m device in its plant in Skelmersdale, Lancashire last week. It incorporates a multi-tool head enabling the user to employ laser and blade cutters on a single machine.

Service Graphics prints on to canvas, mesh, vinyl, polyester textiles, paper and card and wanted a piece of kit that would cope with all of its digital print substrates. Before installing the new device, staff had previously finished large-format prints by hand. 

Manufacturer Blackman and White claims its multi-functional tool heads reduce footprint and eliminate need for a separate machine for each function. 

As the laser on the Mastercut Multi-Tech simultaneously seals the edges of the vinyl and polyester textiles used by Service Graphics for many of its large banners, they can be completed without hemming or sewing, further speeding up production time, said Blackman and White maanging director Alex White.

“The machine usually replaces at least four people and payback takes around 12 months,” he said. “The equipment is unique in that it's a laser and knife cutter and a good feature for printers is its ability to cut vinyl with a polished edge.”

Technical sales manager John Ichikawa said: “The Mastercut is the first automated laser cutter Service Graphics has purchased, and the 3.2m x 8m flatbed means it can easily cope with large format-materials. 

“Turnaround time can be critical in this highly competitive industry, and this new machine will not only increase Service Graphics’ efficiency and profitability during manufacture of digitally printed materials but will produce a far higher quality end product.”