Director Garth Jacobs confirmed the Vectrocut Sono’s official launch had been scheduled for the 2012 R+T Stuttgart in late February/early March, adding that it was feedback following the 2009 edition of the expo that inspired a new approach.

“It took us two and a half years to concept, design and build the machine, and we’re pretty happy with the result.” A key point of difference for the machine is the use of clamping to ensure fabric stays securely in place. This replaces vacuum technology, which is often compromised due to the dispersal of vacuumed air through the holes in screen type fabrics, requiring an additional layer of plastic film to be added to the cutting surface during operation.

“As a result, this cutter is cheaper to run,” said Jacobs. “You’re saving on the need for plastic and the labour involved in laying it, which can be quite significant.” In addition, where blind businesses traditionally require two machines for sealing and cutting, the new double axis Ultracut machine seals as it cuts.

“The cost of the machine may seem substantial at around $125,000, however it offers two to three times the output of previous single axis cutting tables,” Jacobs said. “While the initial outlay is large, the cost savings over time are huge. In addition, the machine is designed for minimal error, meaning little servicing or repair is required, minimising down time and ensuring optimum productivity.”

Numerous productivity and efficiency features of the machine include: dual head design that incorporates Ultrasonic & Pressure cutting tools into one machine, allowing for one machine to cut all fabric types; patented four sided clamping system; no vacuum or plastic film overlay required; estimated 200-plus blinds a day output; intuitive operator interface; real time job label printing with barcodes for easy tracking of components; fabric library function; and background programming enabling cutting while entering data for subsequent jobs.

Quality and design benefits of the machine include: Heavy Duty Precision Servo Motors for fast and accurate positioning and excellent repeatability; a robotic flexible cable for long lasting, trouble free cutting and a high grade stainless steel bench top for a clean and long life cutting surface. Specifications of the Vectrocut Sono are 3.3 metre x 4.1 metre cutting capacity; Ultrasonic & pressure cutting tools; and a maximum speed of 1.4 metres a second. A 220-240vac 15 amp supply is required.