Graphtec - New cutter with cash back proves a winner
The scrappage arrangement gives customers up to £1000 cash back when they trade in their old CE or FC cutters for the latest models. It was launched at this year's Sign UK show in Birmingham, which is where Complete Sign Solutions took up the offer.
Alister Campbell, Managing Director at Complete Sign Solutions, explains: "We'd been using a Graphtec FC3100 day in and day out for 12 years or more. It had been absolutely wonderful, a real workhorse, but we felt it was probably towards the end of its life and so were looking at replacement machines."
The company researched cutting plotters from several different manufacturers but it was Graphtec's reliability as well as the cash back that swung it for Alister.
He continues: "We plumped for Graphtec because of the years of uninterrupted service we'd had from the FC3100, which had stood the passage of time and served us very well, and the cash back was a nice added bonus."
Complete Sign Solutions installed the new FC8000-130 themselves, though many other customers take advantage of Graphtec GB's complete installation and technical support packages.
"Graphtec was on hand but we didn't have a problem. Setting up our new FC8000 was trouble free and it worked first time without a problem," says Alister.
Equally trouble free over the following months has been cutting various vinyls and assorted other media for Complete Sign Solutions' range.
"We use the FC8000 every day, and we get through a lot of work in the course of a day with the new Graphtec. Essentially, it does much the same as the older model, but it's faster, smarter, and seems to cut better and be more precise. It's a lovely, lovely machine. We've acquired 3M Accreditation and the Graphtec FC8000 is ideally suited for cutting precise graphics," says Alister.
The FC8000s are specifically designed and built for top end production and greater versatility across many different media. Their improved cutting performance is the result of several new features and being "smarter" is down to enhanced software in the latest models.
More distortions than ever before are automatically compensated for by Graphtec's proprietary ARMS (Auto Registration Mark Sensor) system, which uses four point axis alignment rather than the typical two or three. All registration marks are recognised, even on metallic and other highly reflective media, thanks to an additional sensitivity adjustment. And for delicate media that can be damaged by slight indentations occurring from the middle pinch roller on some cutters, the FC8000s have a wider range of pressure settings, included as standard on larger machines.
Alister is hoping for as many years of uninterrupted production as from his earlier Graphtec. But if there is a problem, Complete Sign Solutions can be assured in the knowledge that it has the security of Graphtec's two year on site warranty, which can be extended.
Phil Kneale, Sales and Marketing Director for Graphtec (GB), adds: "The FC8000s' high performance, superb accuracy and reliability is perfect for Complete Sign Solutions' high standards and continuous production demands. Along with the offer of cash back, it's proving an irresistible combination for many customers."
More details on Complete Sign Solutions is available by visiting the website www.signsolutionsuk.co.uk or telephone 01276 22388.
Find out about Graphtec's scrappage scheme and the FC8000s at www.graphtecgb.com or telephone 01978 666700.
Big savings on refurbished cutters
Due to the high take up of its scrappage scheme, Graphtec (GB) has fully refurbished second-user FC and CE cutting plotters available now at very tempting prices.
All machines are comprehensively assessed and undergo a total service, including several new parts being installed. Fully tried and tested, the refurbished cutting plotters come with a three month return to base warranty.
Savings compared to newer FC and CE cutters vary, depending on the model; contact Graphtec (GB) or an authorised reseller for more details.