I'm working on a project to cut patches from 70/30 cotton/poly cloth in a relatively high volume application. We're currently die cutting the patches and want to increase our output and quality. I have previous experience using a Universal Laser machine similar to the PLS6.150D and was quite pleased with the reliability and efficiency of the equipment. This was however in an academic setting so throughput was not a high priority.
I'm considering a ILS12.75 http://www.ulsinc.com/products/ils1275/ as it has the pass through feature that would allow us to mount a feed roller and a take up roller on the machine. We could then cut the fabric and allow it to drop down on a conveyor belt to automatically extract it from the laser so we could then send them to the next step in the process.
We would also utilize the available vision system to align the cutting operation with registration marks applied in a previous operation.
The idea seems to be fairly bullet proof, but I would like updated feedback on ULS systems as its been around 6 or 7 years since I last used their equipment.
BTW, the patches will mostly be 2X4 inches or 1.5X3.5 with 3/8" radius corners.
What have been your experiences using the equipment? Good? Bad? Ugly?
How about support? Replacement lenses, etc. I experienced less than stellar behavior from the ULS distributor out of Denver and ended up buying consumables direct from ULS. Anybody else have issues with their rep?
Anyone have experience with the pass through machines?
Anyone have experience with the vision system?
Do you know of any other brand with similar available features?
Any & all info will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Stan