Tips for Buying the Right Wide-Format Cutting System

Determining the optimal mix of cutters takes time and effort. Every print business has different requirements, and hundreds of types and sizes of finishing devices are available to meet them. Before researching options, consider these tips.

Understand your current and future needs.

• What types of materials do you plan to cut? (composition, thickness, size, sheets, rolls)
• Do any of your materials warp or stretch?
• What processes do you need (creasing, perforating, engraving, scoring, contour cutting, X-Y cutting, etc.)?
• How much floor space is available for a cutter and ancillary devices?
• How many jobs will go through the cutter on an average day?
• Can you efficiently create a print-and-cut workflow in prepress?
• How many shifts do you intend to run?
• What new products do you expect to produce over the next two years?

Ask the technical salespeople of your vendors for advice.

• What tools are currently available for this device?
• What software/workflow options are included? Which ones are optional?
• How easy is it to integrate this device into an existing production workflow?
• What training/application-support options are offered before and after installation?
• How easily can this device be upgraded in the future?
• What steps are required for daily and weekly maintenance?
• How much does it cost to replace consumables such as blades or bits?
• What are other anticipated operating costs (e.g., electrical power, service plans)?
• How quickly can I get support, service, or repair parts if something goes wrong?
• What is the average longevity of this equipment?

Ask for a demonstration of the cutting processes and materials you plan to use.
You may find a cutting system's throughput speed does not match the speeds listed on the spec sheet. This is because the material's type, thickness, and composition can all affect throughput. Also, timing how long it takes from job setup to performing all the processes required to convert the print into the types of products you plan to ship to your customers, will provide strong comparison points to guide your decision.

To see the widest array of choices of cutting systems, plan to do your equipment comparisons at the 2024 PRINTING United Expo, September 10-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.