Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 58

E N G R A V I N G
SPECIAL

SECTION

THE CUTTING EDGE
HOW PRINT SHOPS ARE USING LASER-CUTTING SYSTEMS
TO EXPAND CLIENT OFFERINGS
BY JOE HOLT

F you were at the ISA Sign Expo in
Las Vegas earlier this year, you may
have noticed several new players
exhibiting on the expo floor. Companies like Kern Laser Systems, Trotec
Laser, Rowmark, Gemini and more
all made an impression on attendees
as they showcased their latest and greatest technologies,
namely new laser-cutting systems. Why am I bringing
up lasers? (Other than the fact that 10-year-old me loves
them and somehow remembers that LASER is actually an
acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission
of Radiation?) Well, over the last 10 years or so, there's
been an upward trend in lasers crossing over to signmaking,
engraving and printwear, specifically large-format lasers
in 2 x 3-, 4 x 4- and 4 x 8-ft. bed sizes - and many in the
industry are taking notice. Clients are, too.

I

But what makes laser-cutting systems such an interesting
new investment? What does owning a laser do for your
shop that hand-cutting or a CNC router doesn't? As technology in the sign business advances with each passing year,
printshops all across the country are looking for ways to
produce work faster, reduce outsourcing, and, through their
work, leave a lasting impression on clients and stand out in
the marketplace. Lasers can help do all of that - and more.
PUTTING FINISHING FIRST
Established in 1977, Heritage Printing & Graphics is a
commercial printing and custom sign company operating
two production facilities serving the Washington, DC and
Charlotte, NC markets. According to owner Joe Gass, the

HERITAGE PRINTING & GRAPHICS

58

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

NOVEMBER 2017



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - November 2017

Signs of the Times - November 2017
Contents
From the Editor
St Update
At Large
Tech Review
Leds + Lighting
Vehicles + Vinyl
Shop Ops
Expand Your Shop
A Rising Tide
Strictly Wholesale: When in Rome
New Products
The Cutting Edge
A Known Quantity
Engraving New Products
Advertising Index
Last Look
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Intro
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - BB1
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - BB2
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Signs of the Times - November 2017
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - BD_L
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - BD
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Cover2
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 1
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Contents
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 3
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 4
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 5
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 6
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 7
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - From the Editor
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 9
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - St Update
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 11
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 12
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 13
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 14
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 15
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 16
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 17
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - At Large
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 19
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 20
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 21
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Tech Review
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 23
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Leds + Lighting
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 25
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Vehicles + Vinyl
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 27
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 28
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 29
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Shop Ops
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 31
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 32
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 33
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Expand Your Shop
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 35
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 36
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 37
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 38
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 39
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - A Rising Tide
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 41
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 42
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 43
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Strictly Wholesale: When in Rome
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 45
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 46
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 47
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - New Products
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 49
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 50
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 51
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 52
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 53
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 54
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 55
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 56
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 57
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - The Cutting Edge
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 59
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 60
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 61
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 62
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 63
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 64
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 65
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - A Known Quantity
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 67
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 68
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 69
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Engraving New Products
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 71
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 72
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 73
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 74
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 75
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 76
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Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 92
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 93
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - 94
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Advertising Index
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Last Look
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Cover3
Signs of the Times - November 2017 - Cover4
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