FAQ fastCut
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What is fastCut, and what is it designed for?
The fastCut is a compact cutting system designed for high-volume industrial cutting of small-format photos from rolls. It cuts the most common photo formats, including 9x13, 10x15, and 13x18 cm. In its standard configuration, the fastCut features a vertical unwinder, a work table, and an output tray for the cut and stacked images.
How fast does the fastCut cut?
The cutting speed of the fastCut is 10 cuts per second for strip lengths of 150 mm or less
What materials can be processed?
The fastCut is available both as a version for photo paper (AgX) with die-cut marks and as a version for digital printing paper (e.g., inkjet) with printed cut marks
What paper sizes and weights are available?
The fastCut processes paper rolls with widths ranging from 89 to 127 mm (3.5–5"). The minimum image length is 89 mm. The image length must be at least equal to the roll width, meaning the smallest format is 89 x 89 mm. The maximum image length is determined by the 16:9 aspect ratio for the respective roll width. For a roll width of, for example, 102 mm, the maximum image length is therefore 180 mm. The largest format is 127 x 225 mm. The paper thickness must be between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm.
What options are available for the fastCut?
With the help of an optional diverter, XS images measuring 89 x 60 mm (roll width x image length) can be processed. A four-roll unwinder is available for the fastCut on the input side. It features one working position and three reserve positions for rolls with a diameter of up to 400 mm. When a paper roll is empty, the remainder is held in the unwinder, the next roll is moved into the working position, and the start of the new roll is spliced to the end of the previous roll. This entire process is fully automatic. An output conveyor with 7 output bins is also available. This significantly increases productivity, as the machine no longer has to wait for the operator to remove the images from the output bin.
Can the fastCut be upgraded to the fastCut & Pack later on?
Yes, if necessary, the fastCut can be upgraded to the fastCut & Pack
What electrical and pneumatic connections are required?
Power supply: 3x 400 V, 50/60 Hz, 3x 25 A, 1 kW Compressed air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 100 l/min
What are the machine's dimensions?
Dimensions without four-way unwinding and discharge conveyor L x W x H: 2'684 x 700 x 1'596 mm
FAQ fastCut & Pack
What is fastCut & Pack, and how does it differ from fastCut?
The fastCut & Pack consists of the fastCut and fastPack modules. The fastPack module complements the fastCut with a fully automatic packaging unit.
Which processes will be fully automated?
The photos are cut from a roll and stacked. The stack is then fed into a photo pouch, which is sealed; a label is printed and affixed to the pouch. The pouch is then either unstacked in a module or sorted into different boxes by an optional robotic module.
How many orders can be processed per hour?
The machine's throughput depends on various factors, such as the number of images per pouch, the size of the images, the length of the roll, and the time required to change the roll. For an average distribution of image sizes and quantities, the throughput is approximately 400 jobs and 18'000 to 19'000 images per hour.
How many prints fit in an envelope?
A single envelope can hold up to 80 photos. Orders containing more than 80 photos will be split into multiple partial orders.
How does the fully automated cutting and packaging process work?
The unwinding unit feeds the roll material; a dancer-decurler unit buffers the paper and reduces curl. Next, a QR code reader scans all relevant information from the so-called Order Ident Print (e.g., number of images, photo pocket type, information for label printing, etc.). In the cutting module, the cutting position is detected, the paper is precisely positioned, and the respective image is cut from the roll material. A magazine with 2 standard compartments (optionally 4) stores the corresponding pouches, which are fed, opened, and filled with the cut photos. A sealing unit seals the respective self-adhesive pouch (other sealing options are available). A label module prints customer-specific labels for identification or shipping and applies the label to the respective pouch. The finished pouches are then stacked in a box or sorted into different boxes by an optional robot.
How do the photo magazine apps work?
By default, the fastCut & Pack comes with two magazines for photo pouches. Both standard Eurokombi pouches and custom-designed pouches can be used. Each magazine can hold approximately 250 Eurokombi pouches and can be refilled during production. Each magazine can also contain different types of photo pouches (e.g., color or lab customer). The magazines are arranged one above the other. Since the photo pouches are fed from top to bottom, magazines arranged one above the other must contain photo pouches of the same width. Optionally, the two standard magazines can be expanded by two additional ones. These are also arranged one above the other but next to the standard magazines. This makes it possible to process photo pouches of different widths in both magazine towers.
What options are available for label printing?
Labels ranging in size from 30x80 to 100x150 mm can be printed and applied. However, the size must be specified when ordering the machine. The print data is sourced from Order Ident Print or, optionally, can be sent directly to the printer.
What paper sizes and weights are supported?
With the exception of the optional 6x9-inch sheets, fastCut & Pack handles the same paper sizes and thicknesses as the fastCut.
What electrical and pneumatic connections are required?
The fastPack module is connected via the fastCut, as is the Robot Sorter. Therefore, only one power and one compressed air connection are required. The specifications for all three modules combined are as follows: Power connection: 3x 400 V, 50/60 Hz, 3x 25 A, 1.6 kW Compressed air: 0.55 – 0.7 MPa, consumption 11'700 l/min
How do staffing costs and the degree of automation differ between fastCut and fastCut & Pack?
The fastCut stand-alone model requires 1–2 operators to package the cut jobs and load new paper rolls. The fastCut & Pack requires no operators for packaging the jobs. The optional Robot Sorter automatically sorts the packaged jobs into 4 different boxes (e.g., for in-store customers or mail-order customers). Here, an operator is only needed occasionally to swap the full boxes for empty ones and to load and thread or splice a new roll. In combination with the 4-way unwinder, the operator workload is reduced even further. Here, the operator only needs to place a new roll onto the take-up mandrel. The machine then handles the splicing.
Is remote maintenance possible?
Yes, you need an internet connection and TeamViewer installed
Is a maintenance contract available?
Yes, we offer customized maintenance and service contracts
Who manufactures the machine?
The development and manufacturing of the fastCut and the fastCut & Pack are carried out entirely by Imaging Solutions AG in Dielsdorf, Switzerland
FAQ multiCut Sheet
What is the multiCut Sheet?
The multiCut Sheet is an industrial XY cutter for the automated processing of photo prints on single sheets. It cuts and sorts prints of different formats within a single job fully automatically. The machine is particularly suitable for photo labs, online printing services, industrial printing companies, and businesses with high order volumes and variable formats.
What problem does the machine solve?
The machine solves the typical problem of mixed print jobs with different formats, which normally require a lot of space, time, and manual sorting. It fully automates this process, reducing effort and errors.
Which materials can be processed?
The multiCut Sheet processes various digital printing, offset, and inkjet papers. The paper thickness must be between 0.2 and 0.4 mm.
Which sheet sizes can be processed?
The multiCut Sheet can process sheet formats from 320 x 320 mm to 585 x 750 mm, which includes the most common formats SRA3+ (320 x 450 mm), B2 (500 x 707 mm) and B2+ (520 x 720 mm).
Which image formats can be processed?
The machine can cut the sheets into formats in the following sizes: 89 × 89 mm to 360 × 360 mm
How does the workflow work?
Paper sheets containing individual images are cut in an X-cut, perpendicular to the sheet direction, into strips of images of the same width. These strips are then separated into individual images by a subsequent Y-cut. The images are collected in a delivery tray and made available for removal as a job or partial job. The individual steps proceed as follows: In the stack feeder, the individual sheets are scanned. The edge trimming module, with its variably adjustable blade cutting unit, then trims off the unused edges. The edges are shredded and collected in a box. In the X-cut module, the strips are precisely positioned and then cut into individual strips. A diverter separates the strips for Y-processing or for the optional poster delivery. Waste is discharged into the appropriate container. The Y-alignment section positions the strip for optional reverse side printing and conveys the strips to the Y-cut module, where they are separated into individual images. Unprinted areas are discharged into the waste container. The images are then stacked in the filing cabinet, according to the order.
How is the cut controlled?
Control is achieved via an Order Identification Print (OIP), which must be printed with a QR code at the end of each sheet. This QR code contains all the information the machine needs to process the sheet. Optionally, control via JDF is also possible. We recommend arranging the nesting so that, within a single job, the larger formats are cut first and the smaller ones last. This way, the images are stacked with the larger images at the bottom and the smaller ones at the top. This makes the stack easy to remove and package.
What is the production output?
The maximum cutting speed depends heavily on the positioning, image size, and sheet format. The multiCut Sheet currently achieves a speed of 10'000 images per hour.
What options are available?
Available options include: An inkjet backprinter for image identification A poster tray allows processing of images longer than 36 cm A conveyor belt with either ten or seven compartments for order sorting
What connections are needed?
Power supply: 400 V, 3-phase, 3 x 25 A, 2 kW Compressed air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 3'000 l/min A transformer is available for other voltages: 3 PH, 14 kW, 50/60 Hz, 208 V/400 V
How big and heavy is the machine?
The dimensions without the conveyor belt are 3'592 mm (X-cut) x 3'225 mm (Y-cut) x 1'602 mm (height). The weight without options is approximately 1'000 kg.
Manufacturing and maintenance
Is remote maintenance possible? Yes, a network connection and TeamViewer installation are required. Shape Is a maintenance contract available? Yes, we offer customized maintenance and service contracts. Shape Who manufactures the machine? The multiCut Sheet is developed and built entirely by Imaging Solutions AG in Dielsdorf, Switzerland.
FAQ multiCut Digital
What is the multiCut Digital?
The multiCut Digital is an industrial XY cutter designed for the automatic processing of photo prints from a roll. It cuts and sorts prints of various formats within a single job fully automatically. The machine is particularly well-suited for photo labs, online printing providers, industrial print service providers, and companies with high order volumes and variable formats.
What problem does the machine solve?
The machine solves the common problem of mixed print jobs with different formats, which typically require a lot of space, time, and manual sorting. It fully automates this process, reducing effort and errors. Since no manual intermediate storage or sorting is required, the use of the multiCut significantly reduces the amount of production space needed.
What materials can be processed?
multiCut Digital can process a variety of digital printing and inkjet papers. Paper thickness: 0.2 to 0.3 mm Roll diameter: up to 850 mm Roll width: 200 to 360 mm
What image formats can be processed?
The machine can cut sheets from the roll in the following sizes: 89 × 89 mm to 360 × 360 mm. A poster option is also available, which allows images up to 1'000 mm in length to be cut.
How does the workflow work?
The unwinding unit feeds the roll material; a dancer-decurler unit buffers the paper and reduces curl. The longitudinal cutting module trims off the unprinted edge, which is shredded and collected in a box. The X-cutting module performs cut position detection, precise paper positioning, and the X-cut of the strip from the roll material. A diverter separates the strip for Y-processing and directs waste out. The Y-alignment section positions the strip for optional reverse-side printing and performs the Y-cuts to further separate images into the output tray and waste edge areas into the waste bin. The images are sorted by size as a job or partial job in the output tray, ready for shipment.
How is the cut controlled?
Control is handled via color codes and 2D codes. During prepress, an Order Ident Print (OIP) with a QR code is added to the print files at the beginning of the job, along with printed color marks between the images. Printed color codes for the X-Cut 2D codes for the Y-Cut Optionally, a second OIP can be added at the end of the job for easy identification of the job at the top of the stack in the Y-tray. Optionally, the multiCut Digital can also read cut marks from the back of the paper, offering additional flexibility. Nesting should be performed so that within a job, the large formats are cut first and the smaller ones last. This way, the images are stacked so that the large images are at the bottom and the small images are at the top. This makes the stack easy to remove and package.
Can the width of the longitudinal cut be adjusted?
Yes. The trim width can be adjusted flexibly between 3 and 20 mm.
What is the production capacity?
The multiCut Digital can produce up to 11'000 prints per hour (for 10x15 cm photos).
What options are available?
Available options include: An inkjet back printer for image identification A poster tray that allows for processing images longer than 36 cm A conveyor belt with either ten or seven compartments for sorting jobs
What connections are required?
Power supply: 400 V, 3-phase, 3 x 25 A, 2 kW Compressed air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 3'000 L/min A transformer is available for different voltages: 3-phase, 14 kW, 50/60 Hz, 208 V/400 V
How big and heavy is the machine?
Dimensions: approx. 4'050 × 2'800 × 1'850 mm Weight: approx. 1'000 kg
Manufacturing and maintenance
Is remote maintenance possible? Yes, provided there is a network connection and TeamViewer is installed Is a maintenance contract available? Yes, we offer customized maintenance and service contracts Shape Who manufactures the machine? The multiCut Digital is developed and built entirely by Imaging Solutions AG in Dielsdorf, Switzerland
FAQ multiCut Photo
What is the multiCut Photo?
The multiCut Photo is an industrial XY cutter for the automatic processing of photographic prints from a roll. It cuts and sorts prints of different formats fully automatically within a single job. The machine is particularly suitable for photo labs, online printing providers, industrial printing service providers, and companies with high order volumes and variable formats.
What problem does the machine solve?
The machine solves the typical problem of mixed print jobs with different formats, which normally require a lot of space, time, and manual sorting. It fully automates this process and reduces effort and errors. Since no manual interim storage and sorting are necessary, the use of the multiCut requires significantly less production space.
What is the difference between the multiCut Photo and the multiCut Digital?
The main difference between the two versions is the sensors and the longitudinal cutting module. While real photo products are printed borderless and the images are separated by punch marks, digitally printed images usually have an unprinted border and are separated by printed crop marks. The border is removed by the longitudinal cut.
Which materials can be processed?
multiCut Photo can process different types of photo paper, where the X-Cut is performed via punch mark recognition. Paper thickness: 0.2 to 0.3 mm Roll diameter: up to 850 mm Roll width: from 200 to 360 mm
Which image formats can be processed?
The machine can cut formats in the following sizes from the roll: 89 × 89 mm up to 360 × 360 mm. Additionally, a poster option is available, with which images up to 1'000 mm in length can be cut.
How does the workflow work?
The unrolling feeds the roll material, a dancer decurler unit cushions the paper and reduces curl. In the X-cut module, the cut position is detected using punch mark recognition, the paper is precisely positioned, and the X-cut of the strip from the roll material is performed. A diverter separates the strip for Y-processing and directs the waste out. The Y-alignment section positions the strip for optional backside printing, and the Y-knife performs the further separation of images into the storage compartment and residual areas into the waste. The images are sorted by size as orders or partial orders in the storage compartment, ready for dispatch.
How is the cut controlled?
The control is carried out via punch marks and 2D codes. In prepress, an Order Ident Print (OIP) with QR code is added to the print files at the beginning of the job. Punch marks for the X-cut 2D codes for the Y-cut Optionally, a second OIP can be added at the end of the job for easy identification of the job on top of the stack in the Y-tray. Optionally, the multiCut Photo can also read printed crop marks from the back of the paper, providing additional flexibility. The nesting should be done so that within a job, the large formats are cut first and the smaller ones last. This way, the images are placed in the stack so that the large images are at the bottom and the small images on top. This makes the stack easy to remove and pack.
What is the production output?
The multiCut Photo reaches a performance of up to 11'000 prints per hour (with 10x15 cm images).
Which options are available?
Available options include: An inkjet back printer for image identification A poster tray allows the processing of images longer than 36 cm A conveyor belt with either ten or seven compartments for job sorting
Which connections are required?
Power supply: 400 V, 3-phase, 3 x 25A, 2 kW Compressed air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 3'000 l / min For different voltages, a transformer is available: 3 PH, 14 kW, 50/60 Hz, 208 V/400 V
How big and heavy is the machine?
Size: approx. 3'129 × 3'354 × 1'854 mm Weight: approx. 1'000 kg
Manufacturing and maintenance
Is remote maintenance possible? Yes, a prerequisite is a network connection, as well as a TeamViewer installation Is a maintenance contract possible? Yes, we offer customized maintenance and service contracts Who manufactures the machine? Development and construction of the multiCut Photo is carried out 100% by Imaging Solutions AG in Dielsdorf in Switzerland
FAQ wideCut 370
What is the wideCut 370 and what applications is it intended for?
The machine is a modular, high-speed rotary cutter for the industrial cutting of posters, calendar pages, and book pages and covers. Calendar pages can also be optionally die-cut. The wideCut 370 can be equipped with sensors for both photo printing (cut-off mark detection) and digitally printed paper (trimming mark detection). This makes it ideally suited for photo labs and industrial printing service providers. Its high flexibility also makes it ideal for handling peak workloads in production facilities.
Which materials can be processed?
The wideCut 370 processes roll widths from 127 to 370 mm (5" – 14.5"). Paper thicknesses must be between 0.16 and 0.3 mm. When using the optional slitting module, the minimum paper thickness is 0.2 mm. The maximum roll diameter is 850 mm (33.4").
Which formats can be cut?
Minimum cutting length: 89 mm à smallest format: 127 x 89 mm (5 x 3.5") Maximum cutting length: 1'000 mm à largest format: 370 x 1'000 mm (14.5 x 39.3")
How modular is the machine's design?
The wideCut 370 is modularly expandable. In its basic version, it uses cut-mark recognition to cut real photo prints from a roll and stacks them on the delivery tray. Alternatively, the machine can be equipped with cut-mark recognition for digitally printed paper. For digital printing, a longitudinal cutting module is also available, which trims the unprinted top and bottom edges. The trimming margin can be set between 3 and 20 mm. Another optional module is used for job separation. A movable image delivery tray shifts slightly to the side after each job is completed, ensuring clean separation of the image stacks. The machine can also be equipped for calendar production. A calendar die-cutting unit is inserted before the cutting module. This calendar die-cutting unit is custom-made and punches the holes for spiral binding, as well as a thumb hole upon request. After cutting, the calendar pages can then be bound on a separate machine.
How fast does the wideCut 370 cut?
The cutting capacity is up to 6'500 cuts per hour (at a 300 mm image length). At a length of 700 mm, the cutting capacity is 3'790 images per hour.
What connections are needed?
Power supply: 400 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 phases, 3 x 16 A, 2 kW Compressed air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 200 l/min A transformer is available for other voltages.
How big and heavy is the wideCut 370?
Base machine: 3'426 × 731 × 1'850 mm With integrated longitudinal cutting module: 4'371 × 731 × 1'850 mm Weight: approx. 600 kg
Is remote maintenance possible?
Yes, a network connection and a TeamViewer installation are required.
Is a maintenance contract possible?
Yes, we offer tailor-made maintenance and service contracts.