Chris Newman with the DYSS X7
Vivid Signs has built its reputation on quality, craftsmanship and responsive customer service, supplying signage, vehicle graphics, branding, displays and large-format applications.
As the business grew, reliance on outsourced digital cutting increased costs and restricted control over lead times. Investing in a DYSS X7 digital cutter brought this capability in-house, improving production flexibility and reducing dependence on external suppliers.
Managing Director Chris Newman first encountered DYSS machines in 2016, but before investing, Vivid Signs researched several systems, visiting suppliers and evaluating alternatives from manufacturers including JWEI and Vivid Laminating Technologies.
“We didn’t feel that those machines were man enough and couldn’t process thicker stock with the drag knife in a single pass,” says Chris.
The DYSS X7 stood out for its industrial build quality, ability to handle thicker materials and integrated routing capability.
“We could have bought a new low-cost machine for the same price as the used DYSS X7, however we liked the industrial qualities of DYSS machines. We felt that they are better built and more able to handle production work.”
Routing was a key consideration, enabling Vivid Signs to process materials such as aluminium composite material (ACM) and acrylic in-house.
Following a pre-installation site survey, installation caused minimal disruption, with production starting immediately. “We had nylon blanks being cut on the same day.”
The X7 has delivered significant efficiency gains. Jobs previously requiring two people to measure and cut can now be processed digitally, freeing up staff for other tasks.
Its conveyorised feed also enables panels up to seven metres long to be processed with highly accurate joins. “The join up when the conveyorised feed is used is perfect. Not touching up is required.”
Combined with KASEMAKE software, the X7 has opened up new opportunities in packaging production. Vivid Signs can manufacture boxes on demand rather than buying batches of 25–50 units and storing multiple designs. Stocking standard corrugated sheets reduces storage requirements while increasing flexibility.
Additional tooling, including the Rotary Blade Tool and XVT tool, extends material capabilities from porous fabrics to triple-wall corrugated and honeycomb boards.
Crucially, the system gives Vivid Signs the confidence to explore new applications and markets beyond traditional signage. “We can now offer new materials to our customers, with complete confidence that the DYSS will deal with them.”
The DYSS X7 has become a key part of Vivid Signs’ production strategy, helping control costs and lead times, improve efficiency and broaden its offering.
“I would definitely recommend the DYSS X7. People looking to invest in digital cutting need to see the machine and compare it with others.”
