Founded in 1979, FiberLok Technologies, Inc. has remained a cutting-edge heat transfer, dye sublimation, and dimensional graphic manufacturer for 45 years. It specializes in producing its proprietary LexTra® Flock Graphics in highly detailed, non-embroidered graphics that are used on everything from school uniforms to mattresses.
Over the decades, the company has seen the customized printing industry move from hot knife cutting to simple laser cutting and beyond. The X-Type laser plotter system from SEI Laser is the latest tool in its fast-paced production facility.
A new way to create stunning visuals
When looking to create customized pieces, embroidery or stamping may be among the first techniques that come to mind to achieve a consistent, branded look. FiberLok offers an entirely different approach: dimensional graphics. Dylan Finn, a plant manager at FiberLok’s home base in Fort Collins, Colorado, is excited about the versatility of dimensional graphics.
“We can take our product and put it onto a sticker. Then, it can be applied to hard surfaces,” says Finn. “Or we’re able to alter the adhesive backing and tailor it to whatever product they’re putting graphics on. The accuracy of laser cutting is also key to delivering quality, consistent products.”
LexTra dimensional graphics are unique. Unlike embroidery, they use flock fibers. FiberLok also provides dye-sublimated and glass-bead films to craft tactile, appealing visuals. In addition, these graphics can be applied without concern for fraying or fading, which may come with traditional embroidery. Those who work in physically demanding activities, such as athletes and law enforcement officials, benefit from durability.
A shift in a new direction
Throughout his 17-year tenure at FiberLok, Finn has seen constant innovations in laser technology. Previously, the facility had been using simpler lasers with vision registration systems to fulfill orders. However, when other laser system manufacturers started changing direction, businesses like FiberLok were left with no recourse when their machines started to break down. It was then that they knew it was time for a shift.
Finn looked at several laser system providers. “There was one that had real potential and happened to be at a trade show. We stopped by the SEI Laser booth and checked it out. We got a good sense of what their lasers could do and met the people we’d be working with at their distributor, Matik and SEI Laser. In addition to being a faster machine than what we were using, we saw the capabilities of SEI’s software, which adds a lot of value to their machines. I also liked the vision system that helps produce consistent borders around small parts.”
Matik provided several referrals from customers using SEI lasers. Finn contacted each of them and asked about their operations and how their installations went. This helped build confidence in purchasing FiberLok’s first SEI laser. The next step was virtual testing on Fiberlok’s materials.
“We originally looked at the Mercury,” explains Finn. “As they learned about our requirements, the SEI and Matik team suggested X-Type because we cut a lot of smaller parts and have a fair number of changeovers. Then we set up factory acceptance testing.”
The fastest laser plotter in the world
SEI’s X-Type is the fastest laser plotter in the world. In addition to delivering high-performance cutting, this laser system can mark, etch, and decorate a wide range of materials. Processable materials include acrylic (PMMA), ABS, plastic, PET, PP, BOPP, paper, cardboard, leather, textiles, glass, marble, wood, acetates, adhesive foils, and composite materials.
Precise scalability with optimal efficiency
Another factor that Finn and his team appreciated about the X-Type was its ability to scale up or down to compensate for size variations during previous printing processes. FiberLok produces designs as large as 4 × 10 inches for items like tags on mattresses. It also generates 1 × 1-inch parts designed for uniforms, yoga mats, and other consumer goods. Due to this range of requirements, the company needed a laser system that could handle many different print sizes.
The X-Type produced by SEI Laser has a large work area and the ability to cut on sheet materials that exceed the workspace area. This flexibility and speed enable FiberLok to keep up with demand, no matter the size of the next project. While handling bulk orders ranging from 250 pieces to tens of thousands of SKUs, Finn’s team is grateful to have a laser system that can print between 25 and 40 items per sheet.
Unlocking new capabilities
With the X-Type, FiberLok has its eyes on even more production options. On its current flock material, it can create complex patterns within a design through screenprint. With the X-Type’s features, FiberLok can now expand to a broader range of materials, such as woven fabrics.
The machine delivery was on time, as promised. Matik’s team was very responsive, with excellent communication. The partnership with FiberLok included specialized training on the X-Type system. The two operators at FiberLok who received training on the X-Type were impressed with the ICARO intuitive software, which requires fewer steps with the same functionality. Automatic job changes further accelerate the X-Type’s efficiency and throughput. Finn believes that the machine has even greater potential yet to be explored. With the newly bolstered power to visualize designs as they print, and the ability to scale up and down as needed, FiberLok’s growth will be supported by SEI Laser’s X-Type.
For more information about SEI laser equipment, or to request a free quote, visit, call 860-232-2323, or send an email to sales@matik.com.
