FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2002

Western Graphtec, Inc. Introduces the New FC5100 Series High Performance Cutting Plotters

Western Graphtec, Inc. of Irvine, California, announces the introduction of its new FC5100 Series CuttingPro™ high-performance cutting plotters for professional sign makers, graphic artists and related users. The new FC5100 Series is available in three different model configurations: the FC5100-75 30" (762 mm) desktop model, the FC5100-100 42" (1067 mm) large-format model, and the FC5100-130 54" (1372 mm) large-format model, with the maximum compatible media width ranging through 36" (914 mm), 48" (1219 mm) and 59" (1500 mm) respectively. The size variation and acceptable media widths of the FC5100 are compatible with the standard media sizes primarily used with digital imaging devices. Therefore, the FC5100 provides an ideal solution for sign makers involved in post digital imaging processes such as die/contour cutting.

With its all new electro-mechanical design, incorporating improved power management, enhanced structural integrity and refined precision system architecture, the FC5100 Series provides superior output quality and improved throughput performance compared to its predecessor, the FC4100 Plus Series. In addition to its standard performance and features that differentiate the FC5100 CuttingPro™, ensuring that it replaces its predecessor as the most advanced cutting plotter in the market, a wide array of optional features and accessories are available to further enhance its productivity and versatility. The FC5100 Series is manufactured in Irvine, California and will be sold in the worldwide market through established distribution channels commencing May 2002.

The new FC5100 Series features a maximum cutting speed of 55.7 in/sec, 4.0G maximum axial acceleration, and 20 to 500g cutting force. With the world's fastest throughput performance and superb accuracy, the new FC5100 Series accommodates the most demanding cutting and plotting projects and provides users with the versatility needed for a wide variety of applications.

Eight user-programmable settings facilitate frequent switching among application-specific plotter setups and material selection. Each of the eight settings can be programmed with the specific type of tool/pen, cutting/plotting speed, acceleration, force, tangential control and distance compensation required for a specific application. These settings provide the user with an instantaneous recall of pre-programmed setup conditions for varying job requirements, thereby increasing overall efficiency and productivity.

The new design incorporated in the chassis, tool-carriage assembly, and sliding mechanism augment the FC5100's mechanical and structural integrity and result in enhanced cutting/plotting quality and media tracking performance. A Windows® driver for PCs (compatible with Windows® 98, ME, 2000 and XP) and Adobe® Illustrator® plug-in software for Macintosh® (compatible with MAC OS® 8 and 9) are both supplied with all FC5100 Series plotters. The user-friendly control panel, with a large 20-digit x 4-line LCD menu/control display and icon-labeled comprehensive controls, provides effortless operation and simple navigation of various setup menus. Six commonly used function controls, such as instantaneous hold (pause), cutting/plotting conditions, axis alignment, copy, test cut and new origin, are directly accessible on the control panel for user efficiency.

The FC5100 Series also incorporates the sequence of user-friendly features and well-acclaimed functions that made the FC4100 Plus Series so popular such as the LED Positioning System, SmartFeed™, Accuload™ media supply/alignment system, sophisticated tangential emulation algorithms, tool soft-landing intelligence, multiple copy production, image rotation, mirror effect and design scaling.

The optional registration mark sensor detects the registration marks printed alongside digitally produced images to automatically align preprinted images to the internal coordinate system and even compensate for material expansion/contraction. These intelligent features assure the users of unsurpassed accuracy and reliable operation for the most intricate die/contour cutting applications.

An optional second penholder benefits those users who frequently switch between test plotting and cutting operations by eliminating the need for manual replacement of tools/pens.

Other optional features/accessories include a dual media catch basket for dust-free, continuous long length and/or repetitive jobs, and stand-integrated media racks holding up to three extra rolls for convenient loading of media with different types, sizes, and colors. A pouncing tool is also optionally available for applications requiring the pouncing of paper stencils with various perforation intervals.

One company official states, "The introduction of the new FC5100 Series CuttingPro™ will reinforce the position of Western Graphtec, Inc. as a supplier of the most dependable and sophisticated sign-making equipment in the market".

Western Graphtec, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Graphtec Corporation in Yokohama, Japan. Graphtec produces plotters, vinyl cutters, color printers, screen printers, scanners, digitizer tablets, intelligent recording instruments, and data acquisition systems. Recognized as a technological leader, Graphtec has engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and service operations in Japan and the United States of America. In addition, Graphtec products are sold and serviced via business partners and distributors worldwide.

Accuload™, Cutting Pro™, and SmartFeed™ are trademarks of Graphtec Corporation All other trademarks acknowledged to be the property of their owners.

Western Graphtec, Inc.
11 Vanderbilt
Irvine, CA 92618-2067
Phone: 800.854.8385
Fax: 949.855.0895
E-Mail: nbaessler@graphtecusa.com
Website URL: www.graphtecusa.com