An Old Favorite
Erd Specialty Graphics- Owned the original IT&M 28x41 Press
Problem
In 1993, Erd Specialty Graphics in Toledo, OH needed a strong press to cut anything from intricate puzzle pieces to high-quality decals. The company looked at a number of different press options, but realized that many manufacturers, even in the early 90's, were using cast iron gears instead of steel. Erd needed a press with steel gears to enable him to cut the difficult materials his customers often sent to his shop, yet he needed a press with enough finesse to perform precision jobs as well.
Solution
Erd Specialty Graphics selected the IT&M press, a predecessor to the modern Weidhaas Crest. Larry Erd, President of Erd Specialty Graphics, decided to buy the press just prior to the CMM Show in 1993 and then went to the show to sign off on the press. He wasn't the only one at the show impressed with the capabilities of this strong, yet precise press. Of course, the real test for Larry Erd's press was still to come.
Results
Larry Erd tested every difficult piece of material imaginable on his IT&M, and as he says, “That press would handle anything; it's probably the strongest press ever built.” Erd said the Weidhaas-designed press had an even level of pressure for thermal die cutting, but it could still handle hard puzzle pieces. Erd was particularly impressed by the IT&M's ability to thermal die cut 26x40-inch sheets of pressure sensitive and static cling decals because few presses on the market can handle this type of job across almost the entire platen area. (Erd's press was a 28”x 41” press.)
As time went by, Erd's business grew and he traded his IT&M for an automatic press. At the time that Erd needed an automated press, the Crest was not available with a feeder. He currently runs other machinery, but still remembers his favorite press. “Not a month goes by when I don't have a job that would run better on the IT&M,” said Erd. “It was a brute with finesse.” |
