FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2005

Western Graphtec, Inc. Introduces the New FC7000 Series High Performance Cutting Plotters

Western Graphtec, Inc. of Irvine, California, announces its new FC7000 series CuttingPro™ high-performance cutting plotters for sign makers, graphic artists, auto-aftermarket professionals and other related users. The new FC7000 series is available in four model configurations: the FC7000-75 30”, the FC7000-100 42”, the FC7000-130 54”, and the FC7000-160 64”. Maximum compatible media widths for each model are 36”, 48”, 60”, and 72” respectively. The size variation and acceptable media widths of the FC7000 are compatible with standard vinyl and digital media sizes. Therefore, the FC7000 provides an ideal solution for anyone involved in post digital imaging processes such as die/contour cutting.

New manufacturing technologies along with the latest engineering advancements has allowed Graphtec to make an unprecedented move forward in the industry, adding high-performance features to the new series while maintaining its competitive pricing. The FC7000 series now includes more advanced functions like a standard 4-point area auto-registration mark sensor, additional plug-in software for Adobe® Illustrator® and CorelDraw®, standard floor stands with all models, and the newest developments in cutting technology to provide any user with a high return on their investment.

The FC7000 series will be sold in the worldwide market through established distribution channels commencing June 2005.

FC7000 Features:
The FC7000 series features a maximum cutting speed of 58.5 in/sec, 4.0G maximum axial acceleration, and 20 to 600g selectable cutting forces, allowing users to process diamond grade, high-intensity reflective film, sandblast resist rubber, automotive window & paint protection films, self-adhesive vinyl, Amberlith™ and Rubylith™, among other media types. With the world’s fastest throughput performance and superb accuracy, the new FC7000 series accommodates the most demanding cutting and plotting projects and provides users with the versatility needed for a wide variety of applications.

An advanced registration mark sensor (ARMS) uses a 2-4 point area system to automatically detect registration marks printed on a digitally produced image, especially benefiting those who regularly process long prints. The ARMS system compensates for media mis-alignment, material expansion/contraction, and the common media shifting that occurs during the printing process. These intelligent features assure users of unsurpassed accuracy and reliable operation for even the most intricate die/contour cutting applications.

A new feature specific to the FC7000 series is a special cross-cut function, which cuts across the entire width of your material for a clean finish.

The user-friendly control panel includes an improved key panel design for quick and easy operation. A large 20-digit x 4-line illuminated LCD menu display and icon-labeled controls provide effortless operation and simple navigation of setup menus. Eight commonly used function controls are directly accessible on the control panel for user efficiency, including instantaneous Hold (pause), Cutting/Plotting Conditions, Axis/RMS Alignment, View, Position, Copy, Test Cut and New Origin.

Eight user settings provide an instantaneous recall of pre-programmed setup conditions. This feature improves overall efficiency and productivity for the user, allowing them to retain their most commonly used media and job type settings for immediate use on a later project. 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.

The new FC7000 series is compatible with a variety of sign-making and design/illustration software. A Windows® driver for PCs (compatible with Windows® 98, ME, 2000 and XP), Controller software for remote cutter/plotter set-up and operation, and Adobe® Illustrator®/CorelDraw® plug-in software for Macintosh® and Windows® come standard with all FC7000 series cutting plotters.

The FC7000 series also incorporates all of the features and well-acclaimed functions that made the FC5100 series so popular like the LED Positioning System, SmartFeed™ media tracking, sophisticated tangential emulation algorithms, tool soft-landing intelligence, multiple copy production, image rotation, mirror effect and design scaling.

Optional features/accessories are included to maximize user efficiency, including a dual media catch basket for dust-free, continuous long length and/or repetitive job operations, and stand-integrated media racks holding up to three extra rolls for convenient loading of media with different types, sizes, and colors. 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. A pouncing tool is available for applications requiring the pouncing of paper patterns with various perforation intervals.

Neal Baessler, product manager for the company’s cutting plotter line states, “The introduction of the new FC7000 series CuttingPro™ continues to reinforce the position of Western Graphtec, Inc. as a supplier of the most dependable and sophisticated cutter/plotter equipment available on the market today.”

Western Graphtec, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Graphtec Corporation in Yokohama, Japan. Graphtec produces plotters, vinyl cutters, color 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 as being the property of their respective owners.

Western Graphtec, Inc.
11 Vanderbilt
Irvine, CA 92618-2067
Phone: 949-770-6010 x 1119
E-Mail: nbaessler@graphtecusa.com
Website URL: www.graphtecusa.com