What does the machine do?
It’s a laser-based multi-finisher, for digitally controlled cutting, creasing, kiss-cutting, etching and perforating of printed jobs. It can be used for very intricate designs and on a variety of papers and cards, including laminated and sealed. Self-adhesive paper, plastics, aluminium and copper foils, leather and wood can be handled by the various models.
There is no need for metal dies and makereadies, so job changes are instant and there’s potential for variable shapes. Proper creasing isn’t possible so part-cuts are needed to create fold lines.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
Chinese manufacturer Hans Gronhi is known in the UK for its purchase of the Shinohara offset press range from Japan. The same factory now makes the LC laser multi-finishers.
A model was demonstrated at Label Expo last November, though pre-production models had been shown at China Print. “The real commercial launch pad will be at Drupa this year,” says Graham Moorby, managing director of UK distributor Printers Superstore. “We really believe they are revolutionary products.”
There are four models with a choice of sizes and feeds. These are the LC340S (autoload sheetfed B3), LC660S (autoload sheetfed SRA2) and a manual feed SRA2 version, LC660T, which can take heavy items. There is also a 330mm-wide roll-to-roll model mainly for labels, the LC330-R.
Here we’re looking in particular at the LC340S. Moorby expects this to be the best seller. “The appeal is from a broad spectrum, not just finishing companies, but printers too,” he says. “It’s a really interesting product and one that should open a lot of margin-rich products for its users.”
How does it work?
Autoload models have suction pile feeders adapted from offset presses, with a choice of a tray delivery or stacker. The SRA3 model has an internal metal belt transport. The larger L660T uses moving bars. The roll-fed model has a rewinder and can have a stripper-rewinder to take self-adhesive label waste.
The autoload B3 LC340S, manual-feed SRA2 LC 660T and roll-fed LC 330-R models are fitted with a single – pretty powerful – 180W laser. The autoload SRA2 LC 660S has twin 180W lasers. Filters prevent smoke escaping – Moorby says an extractor probably won’t be needed.
Laser power and speed can be varied for different materials and thicknesses, and to control whether full- or part-cuts are made.
Cameras above the cutting area register the lasers to crosshairs on the job with a claimed accuracy of 0.1mm.
The main controls are a keyboard and mouse linked to a large screen on the device. The control software takes PDF, or PLT and DXF CAD files and converts the data to cutting instructions. Layers within the file determine the cuts and part-cuts used for creases and etches.
How fast is it?
The speed depends on the complexity of the pattern, and therefore the distance that the laser beam has to travel. Most laser cutter makers quote a speed in terms of metres per second, but Hans Gronhi doesn’t give that. Instead it says all the sheetfed models can handle up to 2,500sph. A video shows the roll-fed model cutting up to 60m/min, albeit with simple two-up label shapes.
What is the USP?
Moorby says: “Obviously there is no need for expensive dies, and it’s fast and simple to set up. Personalisation is also available so one-off samples are possible. You can also use lots of different substrates. The intricacy of designs can open up a whole new world for prospective clients and that’s where printers’ margins can be enhanced.”
How easy is it to use?
“It’s very easy to use and the operators should be up and getting the most out of the machine in no time,” says Moorby.
What training and support is on offer?
Printers Superstore offers full training and servicing. “There’s very little maintenance required, although we are on hand nationwide if service support or back-up is required,” Moorby adds.
How much does it cost?
The autoload sheetfed LC340S costs about £90,000, but Moorby says that there will be deals on offer for visitors to the Hans Gronhi stand at Drupa.
What is the sales target, how many are installed?
Moorby says he doesn’t set sales targets. “The laser cutters are new products still in their launch phase and so far there have been no UK installations. We have always found that if customers come and see the machinery in action, more often than not they will buy when the timing’s right for them,” he says.
SPECIFICATIONS
Laser CO2, 180W
Data input network or USB stick
Max speed 2,500sph
Max sheet size 483x340mm
Max scan size 483x340mm
Footprint 2x2m
Weight 800kg
Price About £90,000
Contact Printers Superstore 0113 208 8500 www.printers-superstore.com
ALTERNATIVES
LasX LaserSharp B2
LasX’s range of laser cutters include the LaserSharp autoloading moving-transport model and the larger 1.2x1.2m manually fed LaserSharp XY (from £142,000).
Laser Up to four CO2 lasers (100, 400 or 1,000W)
Max speed 12m/sec with 400W laser
Max sheet width 508mm (any length, other widths available)
Footprint 2.6x2.1m
Price From £125,000 to £436,000
Contact LasX Europe +49 511515 41190 www.lasx.eu
Polar Digicut
A relatively simple cutter with manual loading and unloading and a comparatively low-power laser. However this allows a very keen price for its B2 sheet capacity.
Laser 30W sealed CO2, air-cooled
Max speed 2m/sec
Work area 860x610mm
Footprint 1.4x1m
Price From £40,000
Contact Heidelberg UK 020 8490 3500 www.uk.heidelberg.com
Themediahouse motioncutter
A compact machine with a moving transport belt and one or more laser heads. It’s intended for autoloading but a side door allows manual loading for one-offs.
Laser 230W CO2 (400W optional)
Max speed 8m/second
Max sheet width 580mm (any length)
Footprint 2.5x1.5m
Price £164,000 (£175,000 with 400W)
Contact themediahouse 01993 844016 www.motioncutter.com
Trotec SpeedMarkerGS
A compact cutter with an optionally flat-pile feeder and post-cut stacker. The working area is larger than the Gronhi, but the laser is less powerful.
Laser 100W sealed CO2, water-cooled 3-axis
Max speed 9m/second
Work area 500x500mm
Footprint 1x1.6x1.99m
Price £42,780 to £142,600, depending on spec
Contact Trotec Laser 0191 580 1184 www.troteclaser.co.uk
