Milwaukee, WI - MCT Digital, a leading print finishing company, and JTE Machine, a leading provider of welding solutions announced a new partnership as well as a successful demonstration of the use of a MCT VersaTech laser to cut and seal the edges of a printed fabric to be used for a carrying bag, while a JTE ultrasonic welder was used, instead of sewing, to seal the seams and present the finished product to attendees.   Many fabric printers were able to see the benefit of utilizing the easy to use welding capability rather than sewing to improve the cost-effectiveness of their finishing operation.  While not shown, significant interest in welded grommets add to the potential cost savings and higher quality through the use of today’s welding capabilities. 

Also at the MCT Booth, the VersaTech “All-in-One solution was able to cut numerous rolls and sheets of varied printed materials using its extensive array of tools including the 100 watt sealed CO2 laser, for fabric and acrylic, a 2.5 kW liquid cooled router for PVC and other rigid materials as well as handling roll feed and sheet capability for various vinyl, semi rigid and other rigid products such as Sintra and Foamboard. MCT was able to laser cut the fabric rolls by using a dual conveyor solution whereby fabric was easily conveyed onto the cutting table and laser cut.  Then MCT moved the laser/fabric conveyor off the table, replaced the laser with a router, and was able to Route rigid materials or convey vinyl using a traditional gray mat belt that stays under the fabric laser conveyor ready to be used.  The whole process takes less than 10 minutes to convert from full automation with the laser to full automated cutting/routing with a router of tangential knife tool. 

According to Don Pennell, Owner of NorthPoint Studios, whose VersaTech solution was installed in mid April, “While there are many other players in this market, the MCT VersaTech is the trifecta when it comes to tooling and versatility.   We were just looking for a knife cut and router style machine, but once we saw the laser it was a no brainer on which machine to purchase.  The possibilities are now endless on what we have the ability to do in house.”