Artform Design strengthens production with Trotec Q500

For almost 60 years, Artform Design has worked with graphic production and interior design solutions. Through long-term collaborations with established players such as Volvo, they have built a business where precision and quality are a natural part of the delivery.

Their studio produces everything from fine art prints to custom-made details in wood, MDF and acrylic.

With a strong machinery and solid experience, most things were in place for production. However, at certain points they felt that tools were missing.

Learn more about Artform Design.

The challenge: A missing tool in production

While working with acrylic and plywood, it became clear that certain details were difficult to reach all the way with their current machines and tools.

Clean radii, inside corners and properly polished edges required more than the existing equipment could deliver efficiently.

When printing fine art on acrylic, a high finish was required on the edges. Diamond steel was an option, but the process was time-consuming and the results were not always exactly as they wanted. In some cases, details had to be ordered from an external supplier, which affected the flexibility of the projects.

- There was a tool missing in production. We couldn't really cut out acrylic with nice radii and inside corners and at the same time get the finish we were looking for, says Johannes Borg, co-founder of Artform Design.

It wasn't about changing the business, but about complementing it and strengthening those parts of our production.

Logimark's solution: A laser cutter with the right capacity

After evaluating various options and meeting us at the Sign & Print trade fair, the choice fell on a Trotec Q500. For Artform Design, it was crucial that the machine could handle their materials without working at the limit.

- We looked at different models, but it was important for us to be able to run eight-millimeter acrylic sheets without it becoming a limit case. We prefer to do well than quickly, and then it felt like the Trotec Q500 had the capacity required, says Alex Löfgren, Production Artist at Artform Design.

Since they already work a lot with a CNC router, they quickly got into the workflow around files, coordinates and materials. What required some familiarization were laser-specific parameters such as power and frequency.

- Once we got the parameters right and were able to run through thick MDF with good results, we were actually a little surprised at how well it worked, says Alex.

Results: More control in daily work

Since the Trotec Q500 was installed, more tasks have been handled internally. This has made production more flexible and reduced dependence on external suppliers.

They can now control the entire process themselves – from print to finished part – and adapt production to the needs of the projects without unnecessary detours. The ability to work in smaller series also makes it easier to plan materials and inventory more efficiently.

The laser has also proven to work very well in thick cardboard, where traditional knife cutting has previously been more limiting.

An investment that creates new opportunities

For Artform Design, the investment is not just about efficiency, but about broadening what they can offer within the framework of their existing business.

- We would love to have even more work on the laser machine. It's a tool we haven't had before, so not all customers are aware that we have it yet, says Alex.

With the technology in place, the conditions are now in place to take on more projects – from smaller details to larger assignments where precision and finish are crucial.

Q-Series – Offers the best price-performance ratio

• Q series are mid-range lasers that combine all of Trotec's features for efficient and high-quality laser engraving and cutting.
• With the Q series you can cut and engrave a variety of materials such as acrylic and wood up to 15 mm, textiles, paper and cardboard, leather and cork.
• With the Q series, there is also the option of Trotec's Print & Cut for precise cutouts.
• Achieve excellent results in both cutting and engraving. The built-in DC CO2 laser sources for fast cutting and CeramiCore® RF CO2 for high-quality engraving.
• Trotec's central technology OptiMotion™ enables both fast and precise laser processing.

Read more about our Laser machines - Laser cutter and Laser engraving machines

Contact us for advice!