Features once available only on Graphtec's higher-end cutting plotters have been incorporated into Graphtec's new lower-priced CE3000 Series Engineering Class of cutting plotters. Available in 15-, 24-, and 48-in. widths, the CE3000 plotters feature maximum cutting speeds of 16 ips (inches per second), 24 ips, and 39 ips respectively with maximum cutting forces of 300 and 450g. The menu-navigation system makes it possible to recall eight previously stored job setups and tangential controls can process highly intricate designs on a variety of materials. Graphtec's proprietary SmartFeed? auto material prefeed function can handle long or unattended repeat jobs.
The new cutting plotters complement Graphtec's flagship FC5100 series of cutting plotters, which now includes a 60-in. model for more complete compatibility with popular media sizes used in wide-format inkjets.
Whereas the faster-throughput FC-series cutters sell in the $4000 to $7000 range and can cut thicker films such as sandblast and reflective materials, the CE Series cutters sell in the $2000 to $4000 range and are designed for shops that plan to primarily cut vinyl films.
All of the FC5100 and CE3000 cutting plotter come with Cutting Master? plug-in software which makes it easier for graphic designers to output their own die-cut designs directly from popular illustration programs such as Adobe Illustrator. (Western Graphtec: www.graphtecusa.com)