FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Western Graphtec, Inc. Introduces the New FC5100-150 (60”-wide) Cutting Plotter
Western Graphtec, Inc. of Irvine, California, introduces the addition of a new 60” cutting plotter to its high performance FC5100 Series Cutting Pros™. The FC5100 Series is now available in four different model configurations, a 30” desktop model (FC5100-75), a 42” large-format model (FC5100-100), a 54” large format model (FC5100-130), and the new 60” large format model (FC5100-150) to accommodate even larger projects.
An addition of the 60” model makes this series fully compatible with the media sizes commonly used in digital imaging applications, whereas the post-imaging process of digitally created artwork, such as contour cutting, is increasingly becoming popular. The new FC5100-150 will be available for shipment in April 2003.
All of the FC5100 Series models feature 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 FC5100 Series accommodates the most demanding cutting and plotting projects with ultimate precision.
The power and intelligent algorithms built in to the FC5100 make it capable of cutting thick and heavy material including reflective films and sandblast resist rubber up to 40 mils in thickness. In addition, a wide array of optional features and accessories provide users with the ability to tailor their equipment based on specific application needs and further enhance the FC-Series’ productivity and versatility.
New designs incorporated in its chassis, tool-carriage assembly, and sliding mechanism, which augments the FC5100’s mechanical and structural integrity, provide enhanced cutting/plotting quality, media tracking performance and smoother operation.
Eight user-programmable settings facilitate frequent switching among application-specific plotter setups and material selection. Each of the eight settings can be programmed with a specific type of tool/pen, cutting/plotting speed, acceleration, force, blade offset, tangential control and distance compensation best suited for specific job requirements.
This feature provides the user with an instantaneous recall of pre-programmed setup conditions by single keystroke, thereby eliminating the repetitive step-by-step process of setting various plotting/cutting conditions depending on the style, size and intricacy of designs and/or type of material used for each job.
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, namely instantaneous hold (pause), cutting/plotting conditions, axis alignment, copy, test cut and new origin, are all directly accessible on the control panel as hot keys for user convenience and efficiency.
Graphtec’s proprietary SmartFeed™ function comes standard with the FC-series - an auto material pre-feed function ideal for long-length or unattended repeat jobs. In addition, the Accuload™ media supply/alignment system has been precisely integrated with its chassis to ensure accurate material loading and further enhance tracking capability.
Sophisticated tangential control is one of the best features found in the FC5100, which precisely controls its blade angle prior to piercing the target material when thick and heavy material needs to be processed.
Tangential control also ensures superb output quality when highly intricate designs need to be produced without lifted or distorted sharp corners on thick or thin material.
Tool soft-landing intelligence, multiple copy production, image rotation, mirror effect and design scaling also come standard in all FC5100 series models.
A Windows® driver (compatible with Windows® 98, ME, 2000 and XP) and new Graphtec CuttingMaster™ user utility software package are now included with all FC5100 Series cutting plotters. The new CuttingMaster™ package consists of Adobe® Illustrator® plug-in software for both Windows® (98, ME, 2000 and XP) and Macintosh® (OS 8, 9 and 10).
The CuttingMaster™ facilitates output of designs directly from the popular illustration software products and provides the tools necessary for integrating a cost-effective sign making system.
The tri-port interface, supporting serial, parallel and USB connections, allows compatibility with virtually any computer system configuration.
The LED Positioning System uses a Light Pointer to facilitate accurate axis alignment. In addition, an optional precision registration mark sensor is available for automated registration/alignment of pre-printed digital images.
The optional registration mark sensor detects the registration marks printed alongside digitally produced images to automatically align them to the plotter’s internal coordinate system and even compensate for the material expansion/contraction often experienced in post-imaging processes like lamination. These intelligent features assure its users of unsurpassed accuracy and reliable operation for even the most intricate die/contour cutting applications.
Other optional features and accessories include a second penholder, benefiting those users who frequently switch between test plotting and cutting operations, it eliminates the need for manual replacement of tools/pens; 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 patterns.
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.
Contact: Neal Baessler, Product Manager
Western Graphtec, Inc.
11 Vanderbilt
Irvine, CA 92618-2067
Phone: 949-770-6010 x 1119
Fax: 949-855-0895
E-Mail: nbaessler@graphtecusa.com
Website URL: www.graphtecusa.com
