Are you expanding your business in 2023? As the new year approaches, the finishing equipment you need to optimize print production should be top of mind. Investing in the proper cutting and laminating equipment is an essential part of any growing print shop, which may require research to decide which options will help you reach your goals.

Some important things to consider in your search for the right cutter and laminator are how much space the equipment will require, the cost of the initial investment, and what new services can be offered to your customers with the latest finishing equipment.

Cutters

LexJet offers multiple cutting solutions from decades-old industry leaders like Graphtec and Summa to help speed up production and expand your product line with equipment that can handle all your complex contour needs. Adding a cutter to your shop’s workflow will allow you to create custom decals, signage, promotional products, and corrugated packaging- all of which can expand your reach to many new markets.

Graphtec Cutting Solutions

Graphtec offers multiple solutions, from the FC9000 Series, their most advanced and versatile roll-fed cutting plotter, to the CE7000 Series. High precision cutting capabilities with printed and unprinted materials are possible with the FC9000 Series- the ultimate finishing solution for the wide format signage, apparel, and automotive industries. You can confidently cut anything from delicate window tint to rigid magnets and high-intensity reflective.

Graphtec provides a Cutting Master 4 plug-in for Adobe and Corel users, Graphtec Studio for Mac, and the popular Graphtec Pro Studio software for design and cut graphics. The CE7000 Series works with both PC and MAC platforms, or you can use the handy USB thumb drive port.

Summa Cutting Solutions

Summa offers various options as part of their SummaCut Series, with refinements like the newly designed drag-knife cutting head. SummaCut can read registration marks for contour cutting not only on standard materials but also on reflective, holographic, or mirrored materials, as well as through the many different types of laminates being used today. The SummaCut Series features highly complex algorithms to compensate for any deformation of the print, using reliable sensor technology. Summa cutters include GoSign cutting software cutting software.

Laminators

Printing is the first step in meeting your customers’ needs, but durability, longevity, and additional protection are also essential. UV and fading protection, flexibility, and enhanced colors are some benefits of investing in a high-quality laminator.

When searching for laminators, you will discover that not all laminators are created equal. There are many options, like top heat, dual heat, cold, thermal, and more. With cold laminators, the laminate is added to the print, whereas heat lamination completely encapsulates the print.

Some things to consider when choosing a laminator are if the laminator can keep up with the pace of your printer, which one works best with your media, and how much you want to invest.

GFP Laminators

GFP machines are simple to operate, and some models include installation and training. The laminators are ideal for finishing professionals who need versatility, quality, and economy in one machine. Various options are available, from cold to top heat to dual heat.

Royal Sovereign Laminators

Royal Sovereign offers many options, from economically priced cold laminators to smaller laminators better suited for graphic shops with limited space availability. All solutions are specifically designed for users to efficiently and professionally finish wide-format graphics.

Section 179- Don’t miss out on tax incentives!

Consult with your accounting professional to find out the best way to utilize the tax deduction when purchasing capital equipment before the end of the year. To get an idea of your deduction, check out the Section 179 Calculator. To claim the deduction for 2022, the equipment must be installed on or before December 31.

To learn more or purchase new finishing equipment before the end of the year and take advantage of the 2022 tax deduction, please contact a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit lexjet.com.