Summa L3214 Laser Cutter
The Most Productive Solution for Wide-Format Soft Signage
The Summa L3214 is a wide-format laser cutter engineered for maximum soft signage throughput. With a 130" cutting width, standard Vision System, and Cut-on-the-Fly capability, the L3214 processes typical jobs at 400 m²/hour—delivering perfectly cut banners, flags, and SEG graphics ready for finishing or shipment.
Best for: Soft signage producers, trade show graphics companies, SEG frame manufacturers, and high-volume banner shops that need to match laser finishing capacity to wide-format print output.
Meet customer deadlines and improve margins with industry-leading productivity
Quick Answers
What is the Summa L3214?
The L3214 is Summa's wide-format laser cutter built specifically for high-volume soft signage production. With a 130" working width and 400 m²/hour throughput on typical jobs, it's designed to match finishing capacity with wide-format digital print output. The Vision System and Cut-on-the-Fly capability come standard—not as upgrades—making the L3214 production-ready out of the box.
How does Cut-on-the-Fly work?
Cut-on-the-Fly eliminates the traditional stop-start workflow of scan, then feed, then cut. Instead, the L3214 performs all three operations simultaneously: the Vision System scans the next segment while the laser cuts the current segment and the conveyor advances material. This continuous workflow is what enables 400 m²/hour throughput—you're never waiting for one operation to finish before starting the next.
What is Cut-to-Frame and why does it matter for SEG?
Cut-to-Frame automatically compensates for shrinkage and deformations that occur during printing and calendering. The Vision System reads registration marks, compares them to the original cut file, and adjusts the cut path so the finished graphic fits the intended frame size perfectly. For SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics) production, this means no post-cutting adjustments—banners fit frames exactly, and the sealed laser edges make sewing in silicone beading faster.
What materials does the L3214 cut?
The L3214 is optimized for soft signage materials: polyester banners, canvas, textile flags, backlit display fabrics, and technical textiles used in trade show graphics. The 250W water-cooled laser handles continuous production runs without power degradation, and the contactless cutting process produces perfectly sealed edges on any fabric that would fray under knife cutting.
What's included standard vs. optional?
The L3214 comes fully equipped for production: Vision System, motorized edge-detect unwinder, blade planks conveyor, and GoProduce Laser Edition software are all standard. Cut-on-the-Fly, Cut-to-Frame, and Trace & Cut workflows work immediately. The main optional upgrade is the GoProduce Pro Pack, which adds barcode workflow automation and hot folder support for even higher-volume operations.
How does the L3214 compare to the L1810?
The L3214 is purpose-built for wide-format soft signage with a 130" cutting width and maximum throughput. The L1810 is designed for textile and sportswear production with a more compact 72" width and configurable laser power options. Choose L3214 for banner shops and SEG producers who need to match finishing speed to wide-format print output; choose L1810 for apparel manufacturers and technical textile work. Compare L1810 specifications →
Key Features
The L3214 is engineered for one thing: maximum soft signage productivity without compromising cut quality.
Productivity Features
400 m²/hour Throughput: Process typical soft signage jobs at speeds that keep pace with wide-format digital print output. Meet customer deadlines and improve margins through volume efficiency.
Cut-on-the-Fly (Standard): Scan, feed, and cut simultaneously—no pausing between operations. The Vision System scans ahead while the laser cuts, converting three sequential steps into one continuous workflow.
Vision System (Standard): High-quality camera recognition system enables Cut-on-the-Fly, Cut-to-Frame, and Trace & Cut workflows. Continuously scans fabric and automatically creates cut vectors—included, not optional.
130" Working Width: Cut the widest soft signage materials without seaming. Match your laser finishing width to your wide-format print capability.
59"/s Maximum Speed: 1500 mm/s cutting speed—50% faster than the L1810—enables the high throughput numbers that soft signage production demands.
Quality & Reliability
250W Water-Cooled Laser: High-power sealed RF laser source with water cooling for consistent performance during extended production runs. No power degradation, no quality variation.
Edge-Detect Unwinder: Motorized unwinder with edge detection ensures perfectly straight material feed. The droop sensor and tension bar eliminate fabric distortion even at high production speeds.
Blade Planks Conveyor: Metal slat construction with vacuum extraction holds material flat for precise cutting and clean transport through the working area. Optimal fume extraction with no laser flashback.
Class 1 Safety: Fully enclosed system with laser blocking when cover opens. Internal fume extraction maintains a clean work environment. Safe for continuous operation.
Perfectly Sealed Edges: Contactless laser cutting seals edges as it cuts—no fraying, no post-finishing. Parts come off ready for sewing, framing, or shipment.
Technical Specifications
| Laser Power | 250W (water-cooled) |
| Working Area | 129.9" × 55.1" (3300 mm × 1400 mm) |
| Max Roll Width | 133.9" (3400 mm) |
| Max Cutting Speed | 59"/s (1500 mm/s) |
| Max Acceleration | 1 G |
| Typical Throughput | 400 m²/hour on typical jobs |
| Camera Recognition | OPOS marks, Advanced Vision System (standard) |
| Machine Dimensions | 84.1" × 172.5" × 149.6" (W × D × H) |
| Safety Classification | Class 1 |
| Software | GoProduce Laser Edition (included) |
Materials & Applications
Materials
- • Polyester banners and canvas
- • Backlit display fabrics
- • SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics) textiles
- • Flag and banner fabrics
- • Technical textiles
- • Awning materials
Applications
- • Trade show graphics and displays
- • SEG frames and lightbox graphics
- • Backlit retail displays
- • Flags and non-PVC banners
- • Retail store décor elements
- • Awnings and outdoor textiles
Cut-to-Frame: Perfect SEG Fitting Every Time
Cutting banners to frame size is one of the most challenging aspects of soft signage production. Printing and calendering introduce shrinkage and deformations that make it nearly impossible to achieve consistent frame fit with manual methods. Cut-to-Frame solves this problem automatically.
How It Works
- During pre-production, bleed and registration marks are added to original artwork
- Vision System reads registration marks and compares to original cut file
- Software automatically detects shrinkage and deformations from printing/calendering
- Cut path is recalculated so the image fits the exact intended frame size
- Laser cuts with sealed edges—ready for silicone beading installation
Benefits for SEG Production
- → Perfect frame fit: Graphics fit SEG frames exactly, every time
- → No post-processing: Eliminate manual trimming and adjustments
- → Faster beading: Sealed edges make sewing in silicone faster
- → Reduced waste: No rejected graphics due to fit issues
- → Consistent quality: Automated process eliminates operator variation
Cut-to-Frame is included standard with the L3214's Vision System—no additional purchase required.
Standard Equipment
The L3214 comes fully equipped for high-volume production. These features are included standard—not optional upgrades.
Vision Camera System
High-quality camera recognition that continuously scans fabric and automatically creates cut vectors. Enables Cut-on-the-Fly, Cut-to-Frame, and Trace & Cut workflows without additional purchase.
Edge-Detect Unwinder
Motorized unwinder with edge detection, droop sensor, and tension bar. Ensures perfectly straight material feed and eliminates fabric distortion even at maximum production speeds.
Blade Planks Conveyor
Metal slat construction with vacuum extraction from underneath. Holds material flat for precise cutting, optimal fume extraction, no laser flashback. Easy to clean and highly durable.
GoProduce Laser Edition
Full production software with Material Manager, Trace & Cut, Cut-to-Frame, camera profiles, job logging, and waste cut functionality. Modern interface, Windows-based, fully customizable.
Optional: GoProduce Pro Pack
For even higher-volume operations, the Pro Pack adds barcode workflow automation (scan barcodes to retrieve cut files automatically) and hot folder support (files dropped in folder automatically open and process). Frees operator time and enables unattended production runs.
Available Workflows
All core workflows are available immediately with the L3214's standard Vision System and GoProduce software.
Cut-on-the-Fly
Scan, feed, and cut simultaneously for maximum throughput. The workflow that enables 400 m²/hour production rates.
✓ Standard
Cut-to-Frame
Automatic shrinkage compensation for perfect SEG frame fit. Essential for consistent soft signage quality.
✓ Standard
Trace & Cut
Automatically detect printed contours and generate cut paths. No cut file needed—faster setup, better nesting.
✓ Standard
Barcode Workflow
Scan barcodes to automatically retrieve cut files. Process entire rolls with different jobs without operator intervention.
Requires Pro Pack
Why Buy Your L3214 from Flatbed Tools
Production Planning Expertise
The L3214 is a significant production investment. We help you evaluate throughput requirements, facility needs, workflow integration, and ROI projections—so you know exactly how this machine fits your operation before purchase.
Professional Installation & Training
We deliver, install, calibrate, and provide comprehensive training on your L3214. Your team will master GoProduce software, Vision System workflows, Cut-to-Frame setup, and material handling—running at full production speed quickly.
Soft Signage Workflow Experts
Our team has decades of experience across cutting platforms. We understand soft signage production—from print-to-cut registration to SEG finishing workflows. We can advise on optimal laser parameters and production sequencing for any application.
Ongoing Support
Keep your L3214 running at maximum productivity with expert technical support. We're here for troubleshooting, workflow optimization, and software questions—helping you maintain the throughput your business depends on.
Service That Actually Shows Up
When your L3214 needs service, downtime costs real money. Flatbed Tools provides responsive preventative maintenance, repairs, and machine moves that keep you productive—service levels many dealers simply can't match.
Expert Installation & Support
Maximize your L3214 investment with professional installation, training, and ongoing support from our experienced team.
- → Professional installation and laser calibration
- → Comprehensive operator training on GoProduce software
- → Vision System and Cut-on-the-Fly workflow training
- → Cut-to-Frame setup and SEG workflow optimization
- → Preventative maintenance programs
- → Technical support when you need it
Ready to Scale Your Soft Signage Production?
The L3214 delivers the throughput to match your wide-format print capacity. Let's discuss how 400 m²/hour laser cutting fits your production requirements.