Sunbrella® has introduced the newest version of its Sunbrella Graphics System, the SGS 400 machine. Developed and field-tested by awning, sign and banner professionals, the versatile system rapidly creates custom logo designs and multicolor graphics with no minimum fabric requirement.
“The first SGS was designed similarly to other graphics machines on the market at the time with heat generated by bulbs,” said Mike VonWachenfeldt, technical service manager at Sunbrella. “The new model has a motorized lid and the heat is provided by ‘heat blankets’ that are operated by a control panel on the front of the machine. Coupled with the reduced work time, the SGS 400 offers many advantages to our customers.”
Among those advantages, the SGS 400 machine has approximately three times the working area of its smaller predecessor, standing at five by ten feet. The motorized lid is operated by a dual-button control, allowing users to effortlessly raise and seal the lid. Fabric feeds through either side or the front of the machine for added convenience.
Sunbrella’s proprietary SGS thermal film is virtually permanent. Unlike pressure-sensitive vinyl films, it uses a heat-activated adhesive that is dry to the touch at normal temperatures but liquid at activation temperatures. In conjunction with the vacuum system and heat source, the liquid adhesive better penetrates the fibers of the fabric to bond Sunbrella fabric and thermal film together without any cracking or creasing. The SGS 400 creates limitless possibilities for adding decorative graphics to Sunbrella and FIRESIST® fabrics and is adaptable for many applications including, but not limited to, commercial awnings, market umbrellas, flags, banners, marine tops and covers.
A machine was recently delivered to Thermal Control Products, a Concord, North Carolina-based company specializing in the custom design and execution of a wide variety of thermal and protective products.
“Being heavily involved in the development process, we’ve witnessed the vast transformation from the first system. The sheer size and new technological updates of the SGS 400 improve convenience, speed and safety benefits,” said Paul Matte, owner of Thermal Control Products. “Instead of processing large format materials section by section, the new SGS 400 allows us to process a larger format in a single cycle. It’s a much friendlier, ergonomic solution requiring less physical labor than the prior design.”
“Thermal Control Products was one of the first customers to receive the SGS 400,” VonWachenfeldt said. “When Paul heard we were making a new model, he knew he wanted to be first in line.”
For more information about the Sunbrella Graphics System, visit Sunbrella.com/SGS.
