ImagesMagUK_December_2021

LASER SYSTEMS www.images-magazine.com 58 images DECEMBER 2021 KB fashion, to name but a few." It's a trend noted by Annette, who reports that GS UK has seen an increase in enquiries from textile and garment decorators who are either looking to purchase laser equipment, or want to use the company's laser cutting and engraving service. "This has changed most noticeably in the last year with the cutting of face visors and masks." Fabric cutting is an ideal market to introduce laser cutting, she believes. "It’s so popular now thanks to our range of conveyorised systems with cameras to laser cut out printed materials. The laser will also seal the edge of all man- made materials (polyester), eliminating any fraying and making it perfect for stitching together." In 1990, L&S Prints was founded by owner Lance Dentith as a sublimation fabric printing company. Its main business was commission printing for clients such as Primark and the NHS. The company has ventured into other avenues of textile sublimation over the years, and in the early 2000s it invested in digital printing machines from Sabur Inks, which complemented its in-house heat transfer calenders and allowed it to produce bespoke and personalised prints. In 2018, L&S Prints launched its first brand, Britishmade.gifts, created as a place to offer the company’s personalised products, from photo fleece blankets to its bestselling Mini-Me dolls. “Everything we produce is designed, digitally printed, cut, manufactured and posted from our West Yorkshire factory,” explains production manager Simon Dentith. “With the launch of the new brand, the new website and the overall expansion of the business came the inspiration to develop a dropship and wholesale client portfolio, which continues to see growth.” Three laser systems In 2018, the company bought its first laser cutting machine from GS UK, the GS UK FB1850 Contour Cut. It was followed a year later by the GS UK FB18100 Contour Cut, and in 2021 by the Summa L Series L1810. GS UK provided everything required to start production immediately, says Simon, including a brand-new PC loaded with Ethos software. “We moved to laser cutting as our print volume increased,” he explains. “This was due to two factors: our investment in print-on-demand software, which enables smoother customer interaction and gives them the ability to create a bespoke product online, and the growth of our dropshipping and wholesale clients. “The added volume needed to be more regulated in order to ensure we had no bottlenecks in the workflow between departments. “GS UK talked us through the options and even arranged for our products to be cut on their in-house laser so we could see the results for ourselves.” Speed and precision “The laser brings speed and precision, and the software allows product templates to be saved along with a cut profile for each textile; this makes switching between power settings fast and simple,” explains Simon. “The extended conveyor bed is also very useful as it allows the cut product to be picked while the laser is busy cutting the next batch, continuously fed from the large de-reeler at the rear of the machine. “Our products are purely textile-based and we have a range of over 20 fabrics, from heavy canvas to four-way-stretch Lycra, and the lasers handle all qualities effortlessly.” He says that from a textile point of view, they have found the laser systems are capable of handling every substrate they have thrown at it, and believes that any market requiring precise pattern cutting will benefit from the machine. “We are aware the laser can cut- etch-engrave a wider array of substrates such as leather, glass, wood, aluminium, etc, so the market appeal is very broad, and GS UK can build a platform to suit.” The team never expects a machine to run at its maximum power and output all the time, and always takes the time to fine tune new power profiles when setting up a new substrate. “We design new products now with the laser in mind: we know manufacturing speed will be maintained and the precision allows for more complicated designs which would be too time-consuming to be cut by hand. The de-reeler system means we can load full 100m rolls of fabric on to the machine for uninterrupted production.” His advice to other decorators thinking of taking on a laser is twofold: “I would suggest a trial run to ensure the intended product runs smoothly on the machine you intend to buy. GS UK were very helpful in this respect, offering up detailed answers to all questions, providing case studies similar to our end use and, of course, showing the machine in action with our materials. “Do not be tempted by seemingly cheaper alternatives, quality equals longevity and we always try to work with UK-based suppliers who are always available if the need should arise.” www.britishmade.gifts CASE STUDY | L&S Prints Digital L&S Prints bought the Summa L Series L1810 laser cutter earlier this year The company’s brand, Britishmade.gifts, offers personalised products direct from its West Yorkshire factory Materials such as this canvas bag are ideal for using with lasers, says William Stafford of CSI Manufacturing