Trotec’s laser marking, cutting and engraving technology is more commonly used to create architectural models or to engrave trophies and awards.

However, in recent years it has found a growing market in print and packaging, partly due to the rise of UV inkjet printing onto an ever-increasing range of substrates.

“Nowadays you can literally print onto anything, but you can’t necessarily cut it,” said sales manager Bryan Jater. “We’re finding printers are increasingly coming to us for something that will help them stand out from the crowd.”

Existing customers include digital print equipment manufacturer Ricoh, which installed a Trotec Speedy 300 laser system at its Hannover Printing Innovation Centre in February 2013.

The advantages of laser cutting include the ability to cut detailed shapes precisely in almost any material, from paper and card to acrylics, MDF, foam boards, polystyrene, films and textiles.

“A mid-range machine will cut through 10-15mm of acrylic quite comfortably and you can also turn the power right down for cutting paper and card,” said Jater.

Reducing the power output also enables users to vary the cut depth, meaning Trotec’s machines can be used for both cutting and engraving.

Visitors to Ipex can see the Speedy 300, which has a 726x430mm cutting area, and Speedy 500, which cuts up to 1,250x710mm, on Trotec’s stand, which was actually fabricated by one of its customers using Trotec laser equipment.