The future of Vehicle Wrapping

Radecal Machine Sales is a nationally recognised provider of CNC Routers, Laser Engravers, 3D printers, Print, Cut and finishing machinery.  We manufacture many of our own machines including the Piranha and Spartan CNC routers, Piranha laser engravers and the Monster Application Tables.  We also stock brands such as Roland printer/cutters, Makerbot 3D printers, Vivid Laminators and Aristo cutting tables.  Not only are we specialists in the signage industry, we also cater for the education and manufacturing sectors. 

How would you describe the vehicle wrapping market at present, both on a UK and global scale?

The vehicle wrapping market is a great advertising medium, which is both effective when static and in motion.  Over the past 10 years we have not only seen an increase in creativity, due to the development of materials, but we now see vehicle graphics on larger forms of transport such as trains and planes. 

Creative and eye-catching graphics have become affordable and we have seen our signage customer’s move into this sector to broaden their product portfolio.  As materials have advance, the diversity of visual communications and branding on vehicles have enabled companies to be highly creative whilst ensuring graphics are not distorted when applied. 

This is a market which will continue to grow due to digital print and the advanced variety of materials.  

Why do you think demand is so high?

Demand for vehicle wrapping is high, as graphic designers are being more creative and are able to meet customer demands easier.  Especially with the development of materials, vehicle wrappers can overall increase their R-O-I.

Also, vehicle wrapping is affordable therefore it is not just larger companies investing in this type of advertising, we see smaller businesses and even sole-traders investing in this sector.

How can you help sign-makers that are considering diversifying into this sector?  What services/products can you supply to help them?

As a company, Radecal provide offers for new start-ups which include a bundle of various machines at a lowered price so they are able to afford everything they need.  In the past we have provided businesses with courses in signage and vehicle wrapping.

Do you have any examples of how you have helped sign-makers diversify into vehicle wrapping? 

As Radecal Machines have a sister company known as Radecal Signs and Graphics, we have been able to host open days where customers are welcome to come to our facilities to see how vehicle wrapping works.  These have been highly successful and we are able to support our customers with tips and advice on how to succeed in this market.  This factor has ensured our customers of the capabilities of the machinery and how they can make the most out of their business investment. 

As we now have two new demonstration facilities, in Aylesbury and Washington we will be hosting more of these events throughout the coming year.     

Vivid Special Offers

Easymount Sign 1400mm Wide Format Laminator

MODEL NO. EM-S1400C

WAS £2650  |  NOW £1250  |  SAVE OVER 50%!! (£1400)

This is a brand new wide format laminating system. We have just launched the new 2014 model and therefore have excess stock of this previous version. We therefore have to clear space in our warehouse to make way for the new stock! It is NOT refurbished, ex-demo or showroom stock. It includes a full 1 year warranty as standard and has been fully tested and inspected by our engineering team. This is an absolute one-off opportunity to purchase this Easymount at such a great discounted price!

The Easymount EM-S1400C Sign Wide Format Laminator runs up to 4m a minute and is the perfect choice for sign makers and wide format print firms.

It’s the ideal solution when laminating posters, graphics, signs, pop-up displays and outdoor signage.

The Easymount Sign is also the No.1 choice for mounting prints to boards and applying vinyls, tapes and adhesive films.

Specifications
Laminating Speed (m/min)	4
Max. Width (mm)	1400
Mounting Thickness (mm)	20
Roller Diameter (mm)	130
Warm-up Time (mins)	-
Hot Roller Heater System	-
Laminating Temperature Range (°C)	-
Control Panel	LED
Pressure Adjustment	Manual
Film Core (mm)	75
Power Supply AC (V)	220/240
Power Supply Required (Amps)	13
Power Consumption (W)	65
Overall Dimensions - Width (mm)	1555
Overall Dimensions - Depth x Height (mm)	575x1200
Gross Machine Weight (Kg)	105
Warranty	1 Year*
*Warranty Information	Click here

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Easymount Sign 1600mm Wide Format Laminator

MODEL NO. EM-S1600C

WAS £2925  |  NOW £1350  |  SAVE OVER 50%!! (£1575)

This is a brand new wide format laminating system. We have just launched the new 2014 model and therefore have excess stock of this previous version. We therefore have to clear space in our warehouse to make way for the new stock! It is NOT refurbished, ex-demo or showroom stock. It includes a full 1 year warranty as standard and has been fully tested and inspected by our engineering team. This is an absolute one-off opportunity to purchase this Easymount at such a great discounted price! 

The Easymount EM-S1600C Sign Wide Format Laminator runs up to 4m a minute and is the perfect choice for sign makers and wide format print firms.

It’s the ideal solution when laminating posters, graphics, signs, pop-up displays and outdoor signage. 

The Easymount Sign is also the No.1 choice for mounting prints to boards and applying vinyls, tapes and adhesive films.

Specifications
Laminating Speed (m/min)	4
Max. Width (mm)	1600
Mounting Thickness (mm)	20
Roller Diameter (mm)	130
Warm-up Time (mins)	-
Hot Roller Heater System	-
Laminating Temperature Range (°C)	-
Control Panel	LED
Pressure Adjustment	Manual
Film Core (mm)	75
Power Supply AC (V)	220/240
Power Supply Required (Amps)	13
Power Consumption (W)	65
Overall Dimensions - Width (mm)	1755
Overall Dimensions - Depth x Height (mm)	575x1200
Gross Machine Weight (Kg)	110
Warranty	1 Year*
*Warranty Information	Click here

Radecal are now Official Resellers of the MakerBot 3D printers!

We are proud to announce that we are now official re-sellers of the MakerBot Replicator, Replicator Mini and the Replicator Z18!

MakerBot is leading the Next Industrial Revolution by setting the standard in reliable and affordable desktop 3D printing, scanning, and entertainment. It has grown to be the global leader in desktop 3D printing.

MakerBots are easy to use, reliable  and durable desktop 3D printers which uses fifth generation technology.  They are able to experiment with a wide range of forms, colours and textures.  You can print, manage and share all 3D creations with the MakerBot software, which is included for MAC and PC.  Reconnect with your imagination and creative power or teach students how to think, imagine and craft using 3D prototyping.  

Check them out here, online now! 

Five signs that 3D printing is growing

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By Steve Erickson, vice-president at First American Plastic
13 February 2014

The potential applications of 3D printing are increasing exponentially, according to First American Plastic (cc Compfight // fdecomite)

Enthusiasm is surrounding the 3D printing industry, and the business and manufacturing worlds are taking notice. Don't believe it? Here are five recent developments that demonstrate how 3D printing is gaining steam.

1. A mutual fund for the industry

3D printing is growing out of its 'niche' market status, as well as going global. Recognising the rapid growth the industry has seen, portfolio management company Outlook Advisors announced a mutual fund focused on the industry. The fund itself will consist of global 3D printing companies, as Europe and Asia are expected to approach and eventually surpass theUnited States in terms of revenue in the industry.

2. GE forecasts heavy 3D involvement

General Electric has been actively expanding the usage of 3D printers in its operations, and has estimated that, within 20 years, 3D printing will affect half of GE's manufacturing. Business segments expecting to adopt the technology to a greater degree include aviation, energy technology, medical equipment and home appliances.

GE already uses 3D printing, to a certain extent, in medical device manufacturing, jet engine part manufacturing and prototyping washing machine components. GE's push into 3D printing technology could mean that many other large-scale manufacturers will follow, resulting in further growth and mainstream exposure in the industry.

3. Researchers aim to 3D print a house

Researchers at The University of Southern California have built a 3D printer large enough to – theoretically – build a house in 24 hours. The printer includes a concrete-pouring nozzle and uses Contour Crafting, a system that glides along guide rails to lay cement based on a computer-generated pattern. Contour Crafting could potentially reduce the cost of owning a home and open up yet another avenue for the nascent technology.

4. MakerBot chief executive headlines Businessweek Design Conference

Bre Pettis, the chief executive officer of 3D printing manufacturer MakerBot, is slated to headline the Bloomberg Businessweek Design Conference. The Bloomberg Businessweek Design conference, held in San Francisco, is a gathering of the biggest players in the business world to discuss architecture, transportation, graphic design, technology, urban design and product manufacturing, among other market sectors. This announcement places 3D printing firmly among the major technologies currently used in construction and design.

5. 3D Printing makes it into the Golden Mousetrap Awards

Design News magazine's Golden Mousetrap Awards has a new addition to the materials and assembly category. This year, 3D printing and rapid prototyping materials, tools and services will be included as a new section, the first time that the technology has been recognised by the awards board.

Positioned at the cutting edge of innovation and technology, the 3D printing industry is seeing enthusiasm build as more and more people become aware of the possibilities that the technology presents within myriad industries. These and other stories demonstrate the trajectory the industry is on and the continuing growth it will see.

Steve Erickson, vice-president, sales and engineering, brings more than 30 years of experience in the plastic injection moulding industry to First American Plastic and Quad, both in South Beloit, Illinois. First American Plastic is a custom plastic injection-moulding manufacturer that specializes in 3D printing.

Plastic Systems LTD based in Bedford, are specialists in plastic fabrication and offersubcontracts in plastic fabrication and machining services to a wide range of industries, including Manufacturing, Chemical Processing, Food and Drink, Retail and Medical!

To broaden their skill portfolio, Peter Beddall at Plastic Systems LTD purchased the Piranha PJT1820 twin head laser from Radecal, which is a great addition allowing them to offer a broader range of services, acquiring new work.  The Twin-Head Series is more advanced than our other machines as it has two laser tubes, which can work together or alternatively to save production time and consumable costs.  This machine can cut and engrave plastics, woods, etc.  The strong structure enables the machine to move with speed, whilst maintaining high carving precision.  Its’ Run-through body design enables it to be suitable for infinite length work piece processing. 

An important factor which encouraged Peter to purchase from Radecal was the value for money aspect.  They were able to purchase a much larger working area (1800 x 2000 mm), with double the laser power.  Also, the software included with the package, is easy to use which one of Plastic Systems favourite features. 

Radecal provided Peter with the confidence to purchase, by visiting our fantastic new demonstration facility in Aylesbury where he could see the laser first hand.  Being reasonably local to Radecal, they were also ensured that they had the back-up they needed to go forward.

After having the machine for over two month, Plastic Systems would recommend this machine and our service to a friend. 

Print Central - Monster Application Table

Print Central in Falkirk, Scotland offer print and signage solutions, priding themselves on their reactive and flexible services.  They operate a one-stop-print-shop, covering promotional and business products. 

Being experts in digital printing, copying, litho printing, finishing and signage solutions, Print Central are able to handle any request, whether large or small!  The quality of end products exceeds requirements due to the attention to detail and expert guidance provided by the company.   

Scott at Print Central purchased the Monster Application Table from Radecal Machines due to the capabilities to mount both small and large format lamination.  The Monster Application Table (MAT) creates perfectly flat applications without creases or bubbles, reducing time consuming tasks and waste.  It is easily mounted and fixed into position by the roller press.  It has benefitted Scott and the team as they can now “offer consistent quick turnaround panels at competitive rates for clients”. 

What Print Central love about the MAT is the simplicity and confidence they have when using the machine on daily basis.  It is extremely user friendly and can be operated by one person on either side of the table, catering to the individual.

The table itself lights up and comes with a quiet compressor.  It also contains storage troughs and has wheels making it portable.  Due to the self-healing mat, the Monster Application Table becomes multi-functional as it can act as a cutting bench and laminating machine.

Print Central chose Radecal due to our “Fantastic Value for money and great service”.  When asked if they would recommend to a friend, Scott would without a doubt say yes, “We have had no issue of concern and recommend this product to similar sized operations that have a requirement for application tables”.    

“Great Service, price point and return on investment through using Raedcal products, Fantastic Value for money” Scott, Print Central.

Why is 3D Printing becoming popular within the education sector?

As the Digital Age develops further, we are beginning to see the expansion from two dimensional printing to 3D, especially within the education sector.

 

Third Dimensional (3D) printing is a manufacturing technology where objects can be formed by combining layers of material. Within the education sector, it has been identified that incorporating 3D printing into the curriculum can be motivating for students who wish to pursue a career within the design, technology and the engineering industry (Lacey. 2010).  

When students have the opportunity to develop physical prototypes of their own designs, they can understand visual and mechanical elements which will also develop personal skills and abilities to further their careers later in life, making 3D printers popular within the education sector.  
Due to the simplicity of the process, students of all ages and abilities are able to use the system.  Objects are designed by CAD and the printers can work with programs which exports Standard Tessellation Language (Murray, 2013).

3D is set to take off later this year, due to the accessibility and availability of technology available.  At this years Bett Education Show 2014, we will be introducing the brand new iPrint technologies 3D Evolution printer which will be available for demonstration at the event.  You can also be in with the opportunity to grab one for your school!  Scan your bar code via one of the Radecal Team to be in with a chance.  The winner will be contacted after the show.    

   



Lacey, Gary. 2010 "3D Printing brings design to life", Tech Distributions, vol.70, Issue 2, p17-19. 3p.

Murray, Steve. 2013 "Turning students into engineers", Tech Directions, Vol. 73 Issue 1, p12-14. 3p.