According to Julian Sage, Managing Director of Complete CNC Solutions, a leading supplier of CNC routing and cutting solutions, change in the industry has occurred primarily as a result of the convergence that has, in turn, been driven by technology.

He commented: “Today, any company with the right hardware, for example a router, can routinely undertake work that would have once been the exclusive province of another and entirely different industry, thus sign manufacturers have also become their own display fabricators and print finishers.”

As to notable innovations, Julian added: “When I see the work undertaken by our customers I am amazed at how they flex the muscles of our systems. Pro-Cut is a significant innovation that is enabling those companies with the right hardware to add enormous value to the output they produce. This powerful print & cut solution has released unfathomable potential in this sector of the sign industry.”

As to the challenges facing the industry, Julian added: “Anything that presents a barrier to growth is a challenge and without doubt, the biggest is that the buying sector simply does not know the potential of the manufacturing side. It is a situation that needs to be addressed and a bigger market will result.”

As to the future, he opined: “In the short term, we are going to see an increased demand for attendant hardware that makes it possible to add greater value to the printed output generated by the industry. In the longer term, wider and more creative applications will result in new market opportunities and increased profitability for those companies that have wisely invested in the right kit.”

In conclusion, he observed: “The industry has been good to Complete CNC Solutions and we are lucky to be operating in interesting times and with gifted people who have deep creative capabilities. When you observe the pace at which new innovations are adopted and put to work, it is obvious that the industry has a positive future with huge potential for growth.”