Lancashire-based Cristex Composites Materials (Cristex Ltd) has recently expanded its product offering with the addition of a new Zund G3 precision cutting system, enabling the company to offer its customers an enhanced cut quality and precision service. Installed in January 2019, Cristex says the Zund G3 digital cutter has accelerated the production process and increased productivity.

Formed in 1990, Cristex has steadily evolved to become one of the UK's premier suppliers of high-performance fibres and fabrics for the UK composites and reinforced plastics markets. The company supplies a comprehensive range of products manufactured from a variety of natural and man-made materials to the automotive, aerospace, marine, technical textile markets, and more.

On the recent installation, Phil Smith, CAD/CAM Technician from Cristex, explains: "We're very impressed with the new G3 machine. We looked at various cutting solutions, but none instilled the confidence in their support or hardware like Zund.

"One of the main reasons we chose the Zund was the ability to configure the machine on size, width and tooling to meet our exact requirements. This has enabled us to offer our customers a tailored cutting service whilst exploring new business opportunities, thanks to the variety of tooling options available. Running at speeds of up to 1.4 metres per second while offering repeatability of +/- 0.03mm, the Zund G3 can keep pace with the growing needs of our various market sectors."

Zund's modular tool and material-handling design means that systems can easily be tailored for specific cutting requirements. Thanks to their modular design, G3 cutters can adapt to ever-changing needs, and the innovative technology and superior manufacturing guarantee reliability and low maintenance costs.

Phil from Cristex continues: "A challenge for us - prior to the installation of the Zund G3 - was the lack of support with our old machine. By selecting a Zund solution, we are fully confident that the support network we require is in place and that we can rely on that service for future training and the development of our service.

"As well as delivering the initial training sessions following installation, Zund responded swiftly and professionally to any additional queries we had. We are already exploring new markets that previously were unattainable due to the spec of our old machine."

Phil Smith concludes: "Our focus is composites and with that comes very challenging textiles - all with unique properties. We are yet to find limitations to the Zund solution and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Zund - in terms of the product, the service and the attention to detail given by the team - to other businesses. We are excited for the growth of our new service and are positive it will prosper!"

Nicki Kay, managing director of Zund UK, adds: "With the technology and build designed for high volume production, the G3 flatbed cutter excels in delivering both exceptional productivity and unsurpassed cut quality. Its productivity stems from the use of intelligent control technology, robust system components, and sophisticated tooling. When combined, they optimise production workflow for all types of businesses, including those in the composites sector such as Cristex."