Signs and displays: print on the flatbed, finish on the cutter
Sign and display work runs in two steps: print the board, then cut it to shape. JHF UV flatbeds print foam board, PVC, acrylic and aluminum composite. TPS and BULLMER cutters cut them to the printed marks.
Cutting to the print
The cutter’s camera reads the registration marks printed on the board, so the cut follows the print. Every TPS model has a CCD camera. The X3 and X7 add an optional top camera that registers sheets placed askew. The BULLMER X5 has a camera included and an optional Optiscout print-and-cut software.
POP and counter displays
Foam board, KT board and corrugated plastic are cut with the knives on the universal module, which TPS lists for foam, cardboard and plastics. The V-cut tool cuts the grooves that fold foamcore and sandwich board into three-dimensional structures. The creasing wheel creases corrugated plastic.
Signs and wayfinding panels
Acrylic, PVC and aluminum composite need a router. The X3 and X7 take one of three router modules:
| Router module | Materials (manufacturer’s list) |
|---|---|
| RM350 | PVC, acrylic up to 5 mm, foam board, composite panels, low-density wood |
| RM1000 | plastic, acrylic, MDF, chipboard, plywood, aluminum composite |
| RM1800 | solid wood, high-density MDF, PVC, acrylic, aluminum composite, thin aluminum sheet |
The BULLMER X5 takes a router tool.
Exhibition and trade-show panels
A full 4 × 8 ft board (48 × 96 in) fits the TPS X7 (63 × 98 in) and the BULLMER X5 (98 × 126 in). It does not fit the TPS X3 (51 × 51 in).
Stickers and decals
The kiss-cut tool cuts stickers, vinyl and engineering reflective film to depth, leaving the backing whole. It fits the X3, X7 and BULLMER X5.
For small-format stickers and film, the SECO DTF contour-cuts up to 23.6 × 31.5 in, material 0.02–0.1 in (0.5–3 mm) thick, with automatic registration and feeding. Its manufacturer lists instant, magnetic and car stickers; PET, PVC and TPU film; and super-transparent and reflective film.
Which machine fits
| Model | Working area | Max material thickness | Router | Kiss-cut | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPS X7 | 63 × 98 in (1600 × 2500 mm) | 1.4 in (35 mm) | yes | yes | Full 4 × 8 ft boards, routed and knife-cut. |
| TPS X3 | 51 × 51 in (1300 × 1300 mm) | 1.4 in (35 mm) | yes | yes | Panels up to 51 × 51 in. |
| BULLMER X5 | 98 × 126 in (2500 × 3200 mm) | 2 in (50 mm) | yes | yes | The widest bed; full 4 × 8 ft boards. |
| TPS S3 | 51 × 39 in (1300 × 1000 mm) | under 0.4 in (10 mm) | no | no | Foam board and corrugated plastic under 0.4 in, knife-cut. |
| SECO DTF | 23.6 × 31.5 in (600 × 800 mm) | 0.02–0.1 in (0.5–3 mm) | no | — | Small-format stickers and film, contour-cut. |
The S2 and S2+ (16 × 24 and 24 × 35 in) are too small for sign boards.
TPS X7
- Working area
- 63 × 98 in (1600 × 2500 mm)
From $32,623
or from $677/mo
TPS X3
- Working area
- 51 × 51 in (1300 × 1300 mm)
From $30,768
or from $638/mo
BULLMER X5
- Working area
- 98 × 126 in (2500 × 3200 mm)
From $78,063
or from $1,620/mo
TPS S3
- Working area
- 51 × 39 in (1300 × 1000 mm)
From $32,623
or from $677/mo
SECO DTF
- Working area
- 23.6 × 31.5 in (600 × 800 mm)
From $14,076
or from $292/mo
Questions
Can one cutter handle both foam board and acrylic?
Yes, on the X3, X7 or BULLMER X5: knives for foam board, a router for acrylic. The S3 has no router.
What does print and cut mean?
The board is printed with registration marks. The cutter’s camera finds the marks and cuts along the printed shape.
Will a 4 × 8 sheet fit?
On the TPS X7 and the BULLMER X5, yes. On the TPS X3, no.
Can it kiss-cut stickers?
The X3, X7 and BULLMER X5 kiss-cut with the kiss-cut tool. The SECO DTF contour-cuts small-format stickers and film.
Materials: Acrylic · PVC foam board · Foam board, foamcore and sandwich board · Aluminum composite · Corrugated plastic · Self-adhesive vinyl · Stickers · Reflective and super-transparent film · PET, PVC and TPU film
Still have questions?
An engineer will answer them — the tooling, the materials, the install.