St Albans - Signbox is awaiting delivery of its new Zünd S3 L1200, a precision cutting system that will allow the Surrey-based sign business to extend its capabilities. 

Notably, the Zünd S3 will be installed ahead of some sizeable projects for Signbox's principal market, supplying a variety of environmental graphics for the commercial office sector.

"We are one of many small British companies providing a personalised and proactive service to blue chip corporates," explains Mark Bartlett, Managing Director of architectural sign specialist Signbox.

"Everything we do starts and ends with quality, so in-house automated finishing is an important part of our offering.

"In addition, we have found our volume steadily increasing for printed glass manifestation, wallpaper, vinyl and CAD cut graphics. Therefore, we decided to replace hand-finishing with digital cutting to increase precision, speed of turnaround and consistency in production."

Mark Bartlett notes that whilst Signbox has been using routers for general sign-making, the new investment was about finding a precision cutter designed as such, rather than a router that can also perform cutting applications. Using a variety of sign-making and graphics substrates, the average production run for Signbox is over 100 linear metres – all of which needs to be professionally and accurately finished. 

The Zünd S3 offers this precision thanks to its intelligent control technology, advanced drive system and modular tooling, which allows the user to order a configuration tailored to meet their specific needs. As a basic model it has a compact footprint but can be extended with additional and upgraded tools and material handling modules at any time, ensuring it is flexible enough to evolve with a business and keep its value for years. With exceptional safety standards, adaptable workflow options and high levels of automation, the Zünd S3 requires minimal operator interaction. 

Representatives from Signbox had seen Zünd hardware at the graphics industry's biggest trade shows such as Sign and Digital UK, Fespa and Viscom, and spent a further half day at Zünd UK's demonstration centre in St Albans.

"We were certainly convinced to invest in the Zünd S3 after the demo," says Bartlett. "We could see that the basic unit can be tailored to requirements but you then have the confidence to add further modules in the future."

Signbox has made some changes to its Egham site to accommodate the Zünd S3 L1200 ahead of its imminent installation, with space now allocated next to its graphics department. 

"Signbox is known as a brand guardian for many blue chip companies who have trusted them for large corporate projects; everything Signbox delivers must therefore be of the highest level of professional finish," comments Peter Giddings, Sales Director, Zünd Plotting Systems (UK) Ltd.

"Switching to a carefully engineered cutting system will increase that even further, as well as accelerate production and turnaround times. We're looking forward to seeing the branded work produced on it."