Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc. offers three flatbed cutter models in their Colex Sharpcut product offering. The Sharpcut SX1616, SX3216, and SX3232C serve markets requiring automatic knife cutting, creasing, and routing operations.
The Sharpcut SX1616 is a 5′ x 5′ table size flatbed cutter available with or without conveyor. The Sharpcut SX3216 has a 5′ x 10′ table size. The Sharpcut SX3232C is a 10½’ x 10½’ table size flatbed cutter with conveyor for super wide applications. All are manufactured in the U.S. and include a fixed knife, oscillating knife with an optional 3HP router upgrade, and additional tools to customize the customer’s workflow, allowing the capability for a multitude of applications.
The Colex Sharpcut is a fully integrated hardware and software solution that turns digital cutting tables into true short-run production systems. It intelligently finishes graphics and includes a camera system that individually adjusts cut files to accurately match printed graphics.
The Sharpcut SX1616, SX3216, and SX3232C can be used for:
- Displays and POPs: three-dimensional product displays by contour cutting, trimming, routing, and creasing for both rigid and flexible media
- Packaging: Samples for corrugated, folding carton, foam, and other packaging needs are produced easily with automatic cutting and creasing
- Graphics: two-dimensional signs, decals, banners, outdoor exhibits, and intricate lettering can all be cut, trimmed, or routed within minutes
- Textile and Fabric: Cut textiles, fabrics, and other fibrous materials with the Colex Sharpcut’s motorized fabric cutter
“The alliance with Colex has allowed us to offer our customers robust equipment that complements Canon technology and paves the way for new revenue opportunities,” said Sal Sheikh, vice president, Marketing, Large Format Solutions, Canon Solutions America.
Whether the job requires cutting sheets or rigid materials, the Colex Sharpcut delivers clean, smooth, and accurate edge quality. The gantry’s X/Y axis movement is driven by a rack and pinion system which increases the longevity and endurance of the cutter when comparing it to a belt-driven system. The rack and pinion system is powered by Panasonic Servo Motors and requires minimal maintenance.
The work surface of the flatbed cutter is divided into six zones for the 5′ × 10′ model, four zones for the 5′ x 5′ model, and 16 zones for the 10.5′ x 10.5′ model. Each zone has its own vacuum pump controlled by individual electrical “on/off” buttons on the front panel. The power of the pumps is configured for most substrates used in large format printing.
The Colex Sharpcut SX1616, SX3216, and SX3232C feature a triple interchangeable tool head. It has a fixed heavy-duty creasing wheel with two interchangeable tool positions for various knives and creasing wheels. The computer selects the proper tool for each job. Optional tools include router, foam knife, drag knife, v-knife, and plotting pens.
The automatic board feeder and pallet table are available on conveyor models only. The automatic board feeder is designed to load semi rigid to rigid boards from the pallet table onto the conveyor belt. It is designed to work with a large array of material sizes and thicknesses. When used with the automatic board feeder, the pallet table will automatically maintain the material height. The pallet table drops down to 6″ in height for easy loading and unloading.
“We at Canon Solutions America have the responsibility to provide the best solutions for our customers and consistently evolve to meet their specific requirements,” added Sheikh. “In line with the Canon Solutions America philosophy, Colex takes great pride in its products and offers the highest level of service to each customer. We are confident that this collaboration will continue to provide excellent results and give our customers the necessary tools to produce a greater range of applications on a wide variety of materials.”
