FASTSIGNS® of Murray, Utah, is enhancing its operational capabilities with the latest investment in Kongsberg digital cutting technology. The introduction of the Kongsberg X24 table, equipped with a high-powered, water-cooled MultiCUT-HP tool, marks a significant technological upgrade for the facility. This move is set to boost the company’s responsiveness to customer demands, providing a substantial increase in accuracy and efficiency in handling complex signage and display projects.
Dave Peabody, owner of FASTSIGNS® of Murray and also FASTSIGNS® of NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, cited the necessity for the upgrade, pointing to the aging equipment that was becoming unsupported and unreliable. “We had a bit of a scare when it malfunctioned, leading to an urgent need for a replacement,” he mentioned. The decision to opt for the Kongsberg X24 followed positive feedback from another business owner and was fueled by the machine’s proven track record in North America.
The Kongsberg X24 table was installed a few weeks ago and has quickly become central to production at FASTSIGNS® Utah. Dave highlighted several features that drew him to this particular model: its power and precision, upgradeability to accommodate future needs, and significant speed enhancements. “The increased speed helps with our responsiveness, which our customers depend on, and the accuracy has been nearly perfect from day one,” Dave explained.
Another notable feature is the Kongsberg X24’s robust router power, which, at 3kW, triples what was previously available to FASTSIGNS®. This capability allows the machine to handle hefty materials like ACM without hesitation. Additionally, the X24 excels in cutting a range of materials, including acrylic and vinyl, with impressive quality and precision. The efficiency gain from the machine is also notable, as Dave illustrated: “Producing one hundred banners used to take a couple of days; now, it’s less than a day.”
The hold-down power and chip collection system of the X24 also received specific praise for maintaining cleanliness and safety in the workspace—crucial in an environment filled with high-value printing equipment sensitive to dust. “The strength and accuracy of the machine help keep consumable costs down, which is significant given our volume of work,” Dave added.
Connie Adams, Kongsberg PCS Territory Sales Manager for the Southwest USA, expressed delight at the successful integration of the X24 into FASTSIGNS® Utah. She emphasized the machine’s adaptability and readiness to grow with the business without compromising performance. “The MultiCUT-HP model is especially beneficial for extended milling cycles and heavy-duty material work, typical of what FASTSIGNS® handles,” she noted.
Dave also praised the simplicity of the X24’s software interface, which is crucial in a busy production environment. The ease of use facilitates quicker training for new employees and smooth operation, which is essential for maintaining productivity. He also shared his future plans: “When we need a new machine at our Albuquerque facility, we’ll definitely choose another X24. I prefer to standardize our work across locations to ensure consistent quality.”
In conclusion, the acquisition of the Kongsberg X24 is more than just a technological upgrade for FASTSIGNS® of Murray—it’s a strategic enhancement of their production capabilities. With improved efficiency, precision, and scalability, FASTSIGNS® is well-equipped to expand its service offerings and explore new creative avenues in signage and display fabrication, ensuring they remain competitive and responsive in a fast-evolving market.
