A DYSS X7 is saving IS Group time and money. Ingenuity and attention to detail have underpinned innovation at the company - based in Flint, North Wales - for over forty years. This has allowed IS Group to build a solid reputation for delivering high quality signage.
The company employs a strong team of qualified design technicians and estimators, highly skilled craftsmen, graphic designers with a sharp eye for detail and dedicated planners and project managers on hand to help see client projects through to delivery.
IS Group offer full turn-key solutions. Covering design to installation, client needs are considered at every stage. IS Group supply products to business areas including construction, councils, schools, designers, and trade work.
A comprehensive range of sign products are fully manufactured in house including wall graphics, sign trays, shop signs, vinyl signage and wallpaper. The company also manufactures the Way2go wayfinding signage system, a unique range of products fully fabricated in house.
When a decision was made to add a digital cutter to the production line, due diligence was carried out to ensure that any investment met the commercial and production requirements of the company. Chris Whitehouse, Commercial Director at IS Group explains “When we started looking at machines, we first looked at Zund. We were familiar with the brand, but we quickly discounted this option due to overly high costs. We also looked at machines from other suppliers that were being quoted at a fraction of the price. When we investigated ongoing support and availability of parts, we were not happy that we would achieve reliability and longevity by going cheap.”
Chris continues, “We found AG/CAD and DYSS Digital cutters which are manufactured in South Korea, this gave us confidence in the quality of build and the electronics. South Korea is recognised as an advanced manufacturing economy and is associated with hi-tech electronics, machinery, vehicles etc.”
The initial very positive impression of the machines and AG/CAD itself at the time of the tailored machine demonstration have been backed up since the installation of the DYSS. Chris Whitehouse explains “A digital cutter was on our wish list for some time, we had a desire to buy. Prior to the purchase of the DYSS X7, we relied on our Laser cutter, CNC, vinyl plotter and hand finishing. We knew that the addition of a digital cutter with camera registration would increase productivity. Since installation, we have seen a big increase in overall productivity.” Chris continues “The new machine has answered all our questions. We have saved money and saved time. We have also been impressed with the machine’s build quality as well as the service and back-up from AG/CAD.”
The DYSS X7 operators at IS Group are all multi skilled. Alessia, David and Jason all have design knowledge and their attention to detail has been backed up by the digital cutter. Jason explains “we do a lot of wallpaper work. Prior to the installation of the DYSS X7, this would have been trimmed by hand. The new machine has improved accuracy, allowing perfect alignment of wallpaper prints.”
The addition of a passive roll-off unit on the DYSS X7 enables the fast and precise delivery and processing of roll media. The intelligent K-CUT Vision camera/software system then refers to the relevant cutter guide generated via the printer RIP to recognise printed registration marks and adjust for rotation or misalignment of the material on the bed. Although four registration marks are sufficient for most rigid media types, the addition of additional registration marks on flexible media such as flag mesh, banner and textile will enable the software to compensate for stretch, linear and nonlinear distortion.
Another innovative use of the optional conveyorised belt on a DYSS digital cutter is the ability to process rigid media that is longer that the bed length of the machines (X axis). The DYSS front end software enables an operator to set pre-determined divisions in the job allowing the machine to pause cutting, convey the material forward and then continue.
The 10 x 5’ cutting area on the DYSS X7- 1630C at IS Group means that most regularly used digital media materials can easily be processed, from paper and vinyl to aluminium composite and acrylic. The machine was also equipped with optional tooling and Kasemake software to enable the company to make its own corrugated packaging, for the products they manufacture.
The DYSS X7 with its Superhead containing two tangentially controlled tool heads and high frequency router provides the ability to quickly change tooling and router bits. Tooling is calibrated accurately to within up to 0.001mm using the optional contactless calibration sensors. Material profiles are created, stored, and easily adapted in the DYSS machine control software.
Chris Whitehouse summarises “The addition of the DYSS digital cutter has added efficiency. The X7 backs up our commitment to in-house manufacture and full control over quality. The ease of set up and automation options available with the machine means that we can be more competitive in lower cost margin areas.”