Mutoh Belgium has announced the immediate availability of a new series of sign cutting plotters, branded ValueCut?.  The new ValueCut drag knife cutter series has been designed for home, office and professional users and is available in three models: ValueCut 600 (media range: 50 - 770 mm), ValueCut 1300 (media range: 50 - 1594 mm) and ValueCut 1800 (media range: 300 - 1900 mm).  Enabling kiss-cutting, contour-cutting and through-cutting, the new machines are targeted at traditional lettering jobs as well as automated print-to-cut applications.

The ValueCut cutters will replace Mutoh’s current Kona series of cutting plotters. They will cover a wide range of applications, such as window displays, vinyl stickers, vehicle graphics, car stickers, point of purchase signs, safety signs, etc..

Solid Design

Robustly built, the new cutters integrate latest generation digital control servo motors and sophisticated micro-grit friction feed mechanics to enable accurate long-length media tracking up to 10 metres.  To tackle miniature letterings, intricate graphics shapes and thick materials, Mutoh integrated a ‘tangential simulation mode’ into the ValueCut’s firmware.  Using this mode, when cutting sharp edges, the blade holder will be lifted, allowing orientation of the cutting blade to the desired angle before the cutter continues its cutting path.  Cutting force is adjustable up to 600 grams, to accommodate the industry’s widest range of sign cutting materials.  Acceleration goes up to 4.2 G at maximum speeds up to 1.5 metre per second.

Automated Print-to-Cut Workflow

For contour cutting and through-cut jobs, the ValueCut’s cutting head has integrated laser-based optical sensors which will automatically detect different types of registration marks on pre-printed graphics.  The pressure rollers can also be individually disabled to eliminate roller marks on pre-printed media.

All-inclusive Solution

Competitively priced and offered with a two years’ warranty, Mutoh’s ValueCut 600 comes as a desktop solution.  A stand is available as an option for this model.  The ValueCut 1300 and ValueCut 1800 models include a stand and media catch basket.  Each ValueCut is standard equipped with a roll media mounting system, an oily ball-point holder, blade holder, knife (45°), safe blade & a cutting mat.

ValueCut cutters are delivered with a Mutoh proprietary version of SAi’s FlexiSTARTER? 10 software, allowing cutting and designing simultaneously.  An export functionality will allow preparation of designs for output with any printer-RIP combination.

The new ValueCut cutter series will be displayed at Mutoh’s booth at Fespa 2013, ExCeL centre, London, from 25-29 June, Booth M20S.