Signs of the Times - July 2016 - (Page 38)

Te c hno lo g y R e v i ew By Chris and Kathi Morrison Computerized Cutters Inc. Accu-Form Chris and Kathi Morrison own and operate The Image Specialists, a full-service graphics company based in Clements, CA. Chris is also a Microsoftcertified systems engineer. They did it again. Key Information T Computerized Cutters Inc. 2900 Guilder Dr. Plano, TX 75074 (972) 422-6900 www.computerizedcutters.com hermoforming signfaces by heat softening and quickly vacuum-forming polycarbonate, PET-G, PVC or ABS sheets is not a new idea, but those who own equipment for such processes are infrequent, and, in most cases, a thermoformed signface order becomes a custom job that requires an extended fulfillment cycle. However, we're here to report that all of that is about to change with the introduction of Computerized Cutters' newest offering: the Accu-Form thermoforming machine that will make thermoformed signs and parts, illuminated sign-logo cans, surface-mount dimensional letters, and dimensional push-through letters or channel-letter faces. Computerized Cutters offers the Accu-Form in two sizes: 4 x 8- and 5 x 10-ft. sheets. Even with those dimensions, it is a relatively small machine. For example, the 4 x 8-ft. machine requires less than 50 sq. ft. Contact: Carl Ondracek, president condracek@computerizedcutters.com (972) 422-6900 of floor space. The thermoforming machines use Ceramicx full-trough heating elements (FTE) which comprise solid-cast, ceramic elements of high-quality, high-temperature and long-life iron-chromiumaluminum (FeCrAl) alloys, which are conditionally rated at 20,000 hours. The machine can handle materials 2-5mm thick with a fully heat-available surface temperature of 670°. Specifications: Computerized Cutter's Accu-Form machine Media Size 4 x 8-ft. sheets or 5 x 10-ft. sheets Media Type PET-G, polycarbonate, acrylic, PVC, ABS and more Media Thickness 0.078 in. minimum, 0.196 in. maximum Air Pressure Requirements 80-120 psi, clean, dry Vacuum Requirements 7 CFM Electrical Requirements Three-phase - see detailed specifications online Power Consumption 20kVA and 27kVA 38 SIGNS OF THE TIMES July 2016 Operation is a piece of cake, but you first need a 2-D or 3-D mold, which can be created on a cutting router. These molds are normally made from MDF material, which is porous and allows a vacuum to be drawn through it. The Accu-Form features a control panel that allows you to position the material-holding frame and initiate the vacuum. In actual operation, you place the media in the holding frame, where it is heated to become pliant. Next, the heated media sheet is lowered onto the mold and the vacuum applied, which causes the sheet to conform to the mold shape. The result is a perfect dimensional copy. Once the plastic cools, you remove the now-molded media from the frame. Computerized Cutters says the Accu-Form machine can produce 150 letters or more per day. The molded sheets can be trimmed in numerous ways, but most common is a band saw, CNC router or programmed laser cutter. You may remember that Computerized Cutters somewhat revolutionized automatic channelletter creation with its Accu-Bend channel letter bending machine and it might now start another revolution by offering the AccuForm, a machine that brings thermoforming in house. ■ http://www.computerizedcutters.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - July 2016

Signs of the Times - July 2016
Columns & Departments
ST Update
Technology Update
Integrating High-End Effects in Your Design
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Commercial
Lighting Techniques
Moving Message
Technology Review - Computerized Cutters’ Accu-Form
Technology Review - Cyrious software
Design Matters
New Products
Signs that Invite
Horseshoe-Shaped Window Graphics
Driving West
State of the Industry
Returns to Glory
Enter ST’s Vehicle Graphics Contest
Advertising Index
Editorially Speaking

Signs of the Times - July 2016