Brand new cutter will slash production time for regular and bespoke filters. Leading filter manufacturer Formatt Filters is modernising its filter manufacturing process with the installation of world-leading, water-jet cutting and laser marking technology. Formatt has invested £120,000 GBP (around $240,000 USD) in the new computer-controlled device, the Integrated Flying Bridge system from US company Flow International Corps, to meet the demand for its current filters, as well as new HD and 4mm filters launching at NAB 2007 in Las Vegas (c/o Bogen, Booth #C5917). The water-jet cutter will increase Formatt’s manufacturing capacity fivefold and slash the delivery time of filters, particularly bespoke orders.

Traditional filter manufacturing is slow, often involving many hand processes, and typified with lots of breakages. Water-jet cutting systems are used in many industrial fields, including aerospace and the automotive industries, where accuracy and speed of manufacture are crucial. It is thought that Formatt is the first company to deploy this technology in the manufacture of lens filters.

"We are a forward-looking company and are not aware of any other filter manufacturer with this type of machinery," said Formatt Filter’s managing director David Stamp. "Industry-leading water-jet cutting complements our unrivalled molecular-level manufacturing processes and its introduction comes at a time when we are dramatically expanding our current ranges with new HD and 4mm filters.

"Traditional filter manufacturing is often slow, with plenty of breakages and uneconomic use of expensive glass and resin. Our new technology will change all of that. We can now bring existing filters and new ones in development to market much, much faster. Also, if someone wanted a set of bespoke filters we could turn them around within one to two weeks after receiving the order."

Every filter in Formatt’s extensive range of around 600 filters is available in up to 20 different sizes, square, rectangular and circular. Formatt’s new system combines abrasive, ultra-high pressure water cutting with precise computer control. It will enable the company to handle five times the volume, eliminate breakages, and reduce glass production time from 20 days per month to just 4 days per month.

The cutter will cut Formatt’s unique molecular resin, that provides either the colour or the effect in each filter, as well as the Schott SuperWite glass that forms the surrounding sandwich, and deliver an extremely high-quality finish commensurate with the standards that Formatt’s customers expect.

The first of the new filters featuring perfect straight edges with soft chamfers, delivered by this new technology, will roll off Formatt’s production line at the beginning of May 2007.

About Formatt Filters

Formatt Filters develops a range of optically superior filters and gels for use in film and broadcast production, as well as a range of lighting for use in industrial manufacturing, museums and high-street retail outlets, where light filtration and the quality of light are critical factors. The company’s products combine scientifically advanced molecular-level technology, ultra high-quality components and meticulous manufacturing processes to achieve technical excellence. Formatt Filters won a Queen’s Award in 1981 for its work in molecular dyes, unrivalled work that to this day keeps Formatt at the leading edge of the industry. For further information visit www.formatt.co.uk, or telephone +44 (0) 1685 870 979.

Contacts & Information:
David Stamp
Formatt Filters
T: +44 1685 870 979
E: david.stamp@formatt.co.uk

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