3D lettering and fabric cutting now automated and in-house for increased efficiency and the potential to offer new value-added services
Symbiosis has invested in a Kongsberg C60 digital cutting table from CMYUK. The installation has made an immediate impact. “Compared to cutting by hand, we’re now around 97% faster,” says Nigel Targett, who along with Vanessa Okell, Operations Director, founded the business 20 years ago.
Symbiosis designs and build exhibition stands, double deckers and shell schemes across the UK, Europe and North America. Every element is handled in-house from initial 3D design, print & production (incorporating AI and LED if necessary), shipping, installation, and storage. It works with big brands across multiple sectors including business & technology, food & drink, FX & iGaming, travel & tourism, pharmaceuticals, property & construction, and education.
Over the past two decades, the business has been part of the migration to soft signage. Originally the company was buying in print which was output onto rigid sheet materials such as Dibond and Foamex. Textiles offered the exhibitions industry so many advantages – lighter, easier carriage, less damage, reusability, and cheaper storage solutions.
“Fabric also promised a fantastic seamless finish. So it was a natural evolution, in the way that clients no longer want a 43″ screens, preferring 65″ or LED panels video walls,” says Nigel. “We now print 90% of our work to textile. As build partner for beMatrix, the leading modular frame system designed for exhibition stands, congress walls, pop-ups, retail, and live events.
Print operator Stuart put the Kongsberg through it’s paces
In 2019 the company purchased a Mimaki UJV55-320 UV LED 3.2m dedicated roll-to-roll printer from CMYUK as well as its inks and high performing recyclable textiles. Like many businesses working in the exhibitions and events sectors, the Pandemic pressed a big pause button. However, due to sound financial management, the company was able to ride out the storm diversifying with the production of dinning pods. It roared out of restrictions in September 2021 with large projects at the Southampton International Boat Show and the Health & Safety Event 2021. Symbiosis has continued to gain momentum, in line with pre-Pandemic growth projections.
Investment in digital cutting technology
While the in-house printing production cycle was performing well, the cutting side of the business needed attention to increase speed, quality, and efficiency. Symbiosis had an existing Zund cutter, which while ample for rigid materials couldn’t handle the production requirements of 3.2m roll textiles.
After approaching CMYUK, Symbiosis was invited to evaluate the Kongsberg C60 digital cutting table at the supplier’s demonstration and training facility in Shrewsbury. At 3.2m wide, the Kongsberg C60 is designed to keep abreast of fast printer speeds of today and tomorrow and is the first multi-tasking finisher for all display, signage, and packaging applications.
With a working bed area of 3210mm x 1600mm, this digital cutting table can handle pretty much any substrate from thin flexibles to foam, fluted materials, textiles, aluminium, rubber, carpets, wood, and much more. A wide format roll feeder can be added to the table to support heavy duty roll materials up to 3330mm wide.
Says Nigel, “The Kongsberg C60 is such a versatile piece of kit. We can produce our 3D letters on the same equipment that we use to cut our textile roll materials. It’s also modular which means we can add various tool heads as and when we see fit. We’re going to explore the options further, so we can see what other value-added services we can offer.”
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