Trotec responds to growing signage demands with integrated print and cut workflow

Print Solutions

As the signage and display industry continues to evolve, production environments increasingly require solutions that combine high performance with reliable precision.

Signage, point of sale displays, illuminated letters, and promotional panels rely on the seamless integration of digital printing and accurate contour cutting. With its Print & Cut workflow, Trotec defines the professional standard for laser based contour cutting including distortion correction and precise alignment in digitally printed signage production.

The Print & Cut workflow is powered by Ruby laser software and the Vision Print & Cut system, leveraging Speedy laser cutters for enhanced precision and a smooth connection between printing, detection, positioning, and laser cutting. By reading the printed registration marks, the vision system detects any shifts or distortions, applies the necessary corrections, and positions the design accurately for contour cutting. This automated process eliminates manual adjustments and significantly reduces rework.

Before adopting this workflow, many producers struggled with slow and unreliable processes. Without a positioning camera, acrylic sheets had to be cut first and then carefully aligned in jigs for UV printing. This method frequently caused delays, misprints, melted edges, and inconsistent product quality – issues that no longer matched the expectations of a growing customer base.

By switching to a print first workflow, these challenges were resolved. Full acrylic sheets are now UV printed first and cut afterward, with the vision system ensuring precise alignment. This change removed the need for jigs, reduced waste, improved edge quality, and significantly increased output, creating a more efficient and scalable production environment.

The demand for digitally printed and precisely contour cut elements continues to grow across the signage sector. Branded displays, promotional materials, exhibition graphics, and retail signage all require clean edges, accurate shapes, and strong visual impact. As a laser manufacturer, Trotec brings Print & Cut to an industrial production level ­– where accuracy, repeatability, and process stability are non negotiable.The workflow follows a clear sequence – UV printing with registration marks, automated mark detection, accurate placement on the laser bed, and precise contour cutting. Ruby software streamlines job preparation and ensures smooth communication between design, printing, and cutting, reducing operator workload and supporting consistent production quality.

Print shops and signage producers working with diverse and short run jobs benefit greatly from this integrated workflow. The combination of digital printing and laser cutting enables fast turnaround times, high precision, and flexible customisation, which are essential advantages in a competitive and high moving market. By adopting a modern Print & Cut workflow, businesses can deliver high quality visual communication products with improved operational efficiency.