Horsham-based Bel Signs has increased its production speed following the installation of a new VeloBlade Nexus 2516 wide-format digital die cutter. The machine was supplied by Soyang Hardware.
The sign, display, and promotions specialist serves a wide client base across Sussex and Surrey, including local authorities, schools, retailers, and manufacturers. The company’s work includes signage, vehicle graphics, branded clothing, and traditional signwriting, with a focus on regularly upgrading its production equipment to maintain efficiency and quality.
Having identified the need to replace its previous cutting machine, Bel Signs chose the VeloBlade Nexus 2516, manufactured by Vivid Laminating Technologies, and distributed by Soyang Hardware. The cutter features a 2500 x 1600mm bed, a CNC router for materials up to 25mm thick, and the ability to cut, crease, and perforate in a single pass. Automatic cut-depth setting and tool change functions further streamline operation.
Managing director Peter Bedford said the investment has already delivered major benefits: “We have certainly been able to speed up all of our finishing. We can now take on quick turnaround orders that include large amounts of cutting and still do them at a sensible cost. For one example, we processed an order of over 500 large posters in less than two-and-a-half hours, which really pleased our customer.”
He added that the flexibility of the system has opened new creative possibilities: “The work we are running is very varied, ranging from posters to thick and thin foamex, graphics, and even plywood. But we are on a learning curve – every week we find something we can develop. In fact, we are experimenting with short-run packaging, which is another reason we chose the machine as Vivid has a great history with that.”
