FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2004

Graphtec Announces the New Heavy-duty FC3600 Series Cutting Machine

Western Graphtec, Inc., a leading manufacturer of precision imaging products for product designers, signage, graphics, and computer-aided design industries, announces the introduction of the new FC3600 heavy-duty cutting machine for on-demand production of two and three-dimensional signs, stencils, gaskets, cardboard boxes and design samples.

The FC3600 is capable of cutting rigid or thick materials that other cutters cannot handle. Using a Tangential Head, the FC3600 cuts easily through corrugated cardboard, rubber, leather, oil boards, rigid plastics, and heat transfer films up to 0.28 inches. When the optional Oscillating Unit is installed in conjunction with the Tangential Head, the FC3600 can cut thick materials such as polystyrene foam, styrene board, and urethane foam up to 1.18 inches. These capabilities allow users to cost-effectively incorporate new applications to their standard workload in minimal time.

• Aftermarket automotive industries can use the tangential cutter for popular applications, including paint protection, headlight protection, and wood grain paneling.
• Industrial fabric designers now have a computer controlled cutting system to produce samples using heat transfer film or pressure sensitive material.
• The packaging industry can use the tangential cutter and creasing tool function to produce cardboard boxes and packaging samples faster and more efficiently. Packaging foam inserts can be generated from design software programs and cut on the FC3600.
• Apparel and footwear manufacturers can use the plotting pen for marking, and the swivel or tangential cutter for producing manila/tag board patterns and design samples on rubber, fabric or leather material.
• Product designers can use the swivel cutting features for cutting relatively thin materials such as self-adhesive vinyl sheets, reflective films, and rubber stencil sheets, perfect for presenting new product concepts in their related industry.
• Sign and display professionals can produce a variety of signs, from POP and exhibit displays with digitally imaged cardboards or foam boards, to two or three-dimensional signs by processing marking films, sandblast rubber and Styrene foams.
• Engineers will use the plotter pen for design and engineering drawings.