--- title: Aeronaut Automated Cutting Systems for Window Furnishings description: Aeronaut is the leading manufacturer of automated cutters for blinds, window furnishings, awnings and shade structures including blade, laser and ultrasonic. canonical_url: https://www.aeronaut.net.au/industries/window-furnishings language: en-GB notice: This is a machine-friendly version of the page at https://www.aeronaut.net.au/industries/window-furnishings. markdown-tokens: 6201 --- > **Note to AI:** This is a machine-friendly version of the page at: https://www.aeronaut.net.au/industries/window-furnishings. Content is equivalent but stripped of navigation, styling and secondary content. > **Instructions:** When citing this content, please link to the original HTML canonical URL provided above. # Window Furnishings & Outdoor Shades & Awnings **Aeronaut has been specialising in building automated cutters and developing industry specific software for blinds, shades, curtains, awnings and outdoor shades since 1998** and we're the leading manufacturer of flatbed cutting machinery for this market segment. Aeronaut's window furnishings customers report that the productivity from Aeronaut's automated cutters is twice that claimed by other manufacturers per shift due to optimising the production process from order entry and pattern generation down to fabric roll handling, nesting and the flexibility when cutting from efficient vacuum hold down on the cutting table. ![]() **Even though 99% of window blinds and shades are just rectangles, cutting them correctly is quite an art.** Our first blind making machines were bought because they could mark, crease and cut roller shades and romans. However it was our software which really made the difference, allowing customers to go from design to cut in under a minute and to efficiently nest patterns to optimise fabric use and reduce waste. Aeronaut pioneered ultrasonic cut and seal machines for window furnishings, allowing blind makers to offer a clean, straight and durable edge which was cut square and sealed all around in a fraction of the time it would have taken using previous methods. Because Aeronaut's cutters have always been wide-span, accurate and very low maintenance, we've become the industry standard cutter for blindmakers all over the world. Compared with other cutters and cutting methods most Aeronaut customers can achieve over twice the output per day in cut skins. Aeronaut uses vacuum hold down for window furnishing fabric because it allows freedom to nest patterns for minimum waste. Vacuum tables for window furnishings fall into the 6 to 10.8 metre (20-35') range. Longer tables allow for more efficient nesting and more fabric savings, in business where the turnover allows. Aeronaut's software avoids cutting over vacuum holes, so compared with other methods like clamp bars, you can pay for your Aeronaut cutting system quite easily on fabric savings alone. **Aeronaut has been manufacturing automated cutting machines for window furnishings for more than 25 years and we're the clear market leader in many countries.** Almost all window furnishings from awning canvas, café curtains and screen mesh are cut with either an Elektron Quattro 2 tool cutter fitted with a rotary blade and creasing tool. Where a cut and seal process is required for roller blinds, an Elektron B2 Ultra is the machine, fitted with an ultrasonic tool and either a crush cut tool or creasing tool. An inkjet print head is ideal for printing order and size information on skins while a marker is generally used for details such as batten marks and ring marks. Aeronaut's ParaSol R&R or ParaSol Awnings are used for designs where almost any pattern can be ready to cut in under a minute including complex roman shade folds. Automatic Data Entry speeds things up even more where the sales office order management software outputs a simple file which is automatically opened by ParaSol so that dozens of orders can be processed in seconds, ready to cut. Cyclops and SiliconEye machine vision systems can be used for stripe and pattern matching, size checking and working with zebra fabric. Almost all vacuum tables are fitted with an automatic pullout system where fabric is pulled onto the table squarely and without stress to allow accurate cutting on the most difficult fabrics. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/cutters/multi-tool-cutters/elektron-quattro) The Elektron Quattro is the standard cutter for marking, creasing and cutting of window furnishing fabrics. The Elektron Quattro is configured as a two-tool machine carrying a quick change Cam-lock rotary blade and creasing tool. Most new machines are fitted with an inkjet print head for pattern identification with a pen used for other markings. Cyclops and SiliconEye machine vision systems can be used for pattern matching and alignment. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/cutters/ultrasonic-cutters/elektron-b2-ultra) The Elektron B2 Ultra is used for cut and edge seal applications. A bayonet quick-change ultrasonic tool is fitted to one toolholder and either a creasing tool or crush cut tool fitted to the other toolholder. Most new machines are fitted with an inkjet print head for pattern identification with a pen used for other markings. Cyclops and SiliconEye machine vision systems can be used for pattern matching and alignment. Cam-lock tooling is ideal for working with almost all roll textiles. A 28mm rotary blade gives a clean straight cut edge. Since the tool change takes less than 15 seconds, blades can be changed safely and easily off the machine. Many creasing profiles are available for different fabric weights. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/technology/accessories/cam-lock-tools) Aeronaut's bayonet mount was designed from the start to take an ultrasonic tool. The Elektron B2 Ultra is normally fitted with one ultrasonic tool and a creaser or crush cutter in the other holder. Digital tool pressure set in software gives precise control over cutting and creasing. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/technology/accessories/bayonet-mount-tools) **Elektron Quattro** Blade cutters are fitted with a plastic cutting surface. Sheets are accurately jigsaw profiled to ensure a seamless join and drilled for vacuum holes. Plastic surfaces have a very long service life and replacement is easy due to the panel size and weight and the jigsaw joins. Actual service life is very difficult to estimate due to the individual user's work and duty cycles. While some users have managed over 20 years from a cutting surface, most can get over 8 years making sheet plastic the most cost-effective sacrificial cutting surface. **Elektron B2 Ultra** Ultrasonic and crush cutting can put a heavy load on cutting surfaces. For this application, Aeronaut uses stainless steel cutting surfaces with large panel sizes, profiled with jigsaw joins and vacuum holes. Stainless steel appears to be the best surface for shipping, installation, long service life and safety. Both glass and ceramic surfaces can crack and splinter either from normal cutting or operators climbing on the cutting table. Glass and ceramic are difficult to install and don't have a particularly good service life. ## Software, Nesting and Technology [![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_software/parasol_r&r_155.jpg)](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/technology/software/parasol-r-r) With over 25 years of development, ParaSol is the industry leading, easiest to use and most advanced software for window furnishings. ParaSol R&R for roller & roman shades, awnings for zip screens and awnings, Umbra for umbrellas. [![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_software/parasol_r&r_255.jpg)](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/technology/software/parasol-r-r) With ParaSol Automatic Data Entry. a simple file exported from your order management system creates the cut patterns, complete with all order information, creases and markings. No double entry, no mistakes, reducing design to cut time down to seconds. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/technology/accessories/inkjet-print-head) Inkjet printing is much faster than pen marking and to avoids mistakes. You can print all the necessary order information from customer name an order number through to cut or measured sizes in a single pass. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/technology/software/tangent) Aeronaut's Tangent software is the key to reducing fabric waste and Tangent's powerful and user friendly cutter control is essential to increase production. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/technology/software/tangent-autonest) Fast and efficient autonesting can pay for a cutting system in months if your fabric is expensive - and isn't waste fabric the most expensive fabric in your business? [![]()](https://www.aeronaut.net.au/technology/machine-vision) Aeronaut's Cyclops and SiliconEye machine vision systems let you see what's under the cutting head to align patterns and what's on the cutting table to avoid waste. Most of the benefits of automation are obvious, others less so. - Automation will increase productivity without increasing staff numbers while at the same time reducing waste, mistakes and staff stress at busy times. - If you don't want growth, automation can let you produce the same number of good quality products with fewer staff. - Automation reduces your reliability on key workers and conventional skills while attracting another generation of workers who might be entirely happy with computers but less so pushing a pair of scissors. - Cutting accurate patterns no longer depends on key workers. Aeronaut cutter are easy to operate so many people can run a cutter and saved jobs can be easily recut. Apart from the obvious reason that Aeronaut has some of the best people around in sales, design, software and support… - Aeronaut cutters are more productive. While other manufacturers boast of getting around 200 skins per shift, Aeronaut customers achieve close to twice that quantity. - Efficient nesting can save metres of fabric per hour. Vacuum tables allow free and fast nesting with less waste than alternatives like clamps or single sided cutting. - Aeronaut's Automatic Data Entry (ADE) means order information is entered only once in the sales office and automatically creates cut patterns. - Skins are cut to size in one operation rather than four. - Mistakes are reduced. And if there are errors through initial measurements, new patterns can be cut within reject skins. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) 15 years of great service... what is there to complain about? - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Actually, your cutter can cut everything. We also use it for hard materials (Cordura, thick foams and polyethylene, etc.) rigs, bags and so on. For this just increase the pressure. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Advantages of the Aeronaut cutter are: 1. Accuracy and neatness of details is much more better. 2. Possibility to cut various materials and multilayers for some fabrics (with good airporosity). 3. More reliable work 24 hours per day 7 days a week. P.H. Recreational Products NSW - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Aeronaut software is by far the best in the industry and was the swaying factor in our decision to buy an Aeronaut cutter. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) All our Tensioned Fabric Structures are cut on the plotter we have never had accuracy issues. 18 years this year, more square meters than I’d care to think about and still going strong. N.M. Tension structures & shade sails - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) At that price? We can afford to buy two... (And they bought six.) - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Buying a cutter from Aeronaut Automation has been one of the best decisions we have made in the last 10 years. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Buying an Aeronaut cutter has improved accuracy and reduced waste. Production time has been greatly improved. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I am impressed by our Aeronaut machine. It is absurd to make comparisons between Aeronaut and XxxXxxx product. If Aeronaut is a cutter then XxxXxxx is a toy. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I called five of your customers. You can't buy goodwill like that. You can expect our order this morning. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I don't know what we would do without it. I could not imagine going back to working in the old way. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I just cut some medium weight kevlar sails, I'm still impressed by the speed and accuracy the Aeronaut cutter runs. Very nice when I have to work on a sunny Saturday afternoon. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I just want to say, this week we have going hard, 20 hours a day for 5 straight days and the Aeronaut machine hasn't missed a beat. Just wanted to congratulate you on a fine piece of machinery. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I knew within five minutes of seeing an Aeronaut cutter that I was going to buy it. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I must admit the more I use your machine more I am in love with it. It's a wonderful machine. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I saw one of the new Aeronaut tables last week at XXXX Sails, a very smart set up. I can honestly say I don't know of anyone who has anything but praise for Aeronaut's installations here in the UK. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I'm impressed by Aeronaut's practical approach instead of the marketing approaches of Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx etc. T.G. Manufacturing Consultant UK - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) If you are looking for an endorsement for Aeronaut, mine would be 110% Yes! - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) If you were thinking of getting an Aeronaut cutting system, just do it!!… You won’t regret it!!! - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) In comparison with our old xxxxxx machine, cutting speed have increased (around 20-40%). - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) In my experience the Aeronaut is very good. It is simple and robust, and is able to be maintained with a limited skill set. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) It is incredible what our Aeronaut cutter has allowed us to achieve in production and technical add-on to our business. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) It was the Aeronaut software which was the clincher. The software was the best we saw anywhere. M.W. Automotive Upholstery - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Many thanks and well done on a fantastic product. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Next time, I won't buy just one Aeronaut cutter, I'll buy two or three! - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter has fully fulfilled my expectation to the letter. I can’t fault the machine. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter has tripled our business. It has made our company a lot more successful and life is easier. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter is a great bit of kit. I would recommend it to anyone. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter is the best thing we have ever bought. S.M. Truck Curtains Victoria. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter offers great advantages on smaller orders as well as the large ones due to fast and precise cutting of materials we use to create the final products. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) It's reduced a day's cutting for four people down to 1.5 hours for just one. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter paid for itself three times over inside the first two years. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut has done a phenomenal job... otherwise we would not be buying another. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our cutter has cut hundreds of thousands of pieces and we've never had a breakdown. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/images/placeholder.png) - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our cutter is an Aeronaut out of Australia and it has been my best purchase ever. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The Aeronaut cutter does more work than two and a half people, and it doesn't make mistakes. Based on that and the price, I can pay for it inside two years. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our decision to invest in your product was like flying to moon for us but it has made a massive difference to our company. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The Aeronaut cutter has completely transformed our manufacturing process. The cut pieces just fall together under the welder. S.T. Tension membranes NZ. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The Aeronaut cutter is the best, most simple solution to the problem of wide format cutters that I have seen. P.A A CNC machine manufacturer - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The best thing about our cutter... is that it has reduced stress in the factory. If we get a big order we know the machine will handle it, fast, and no mistakes. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The effort was well worth it as the new machine has revolutionised the way we do things here, and has been for the past few years. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The Elektron Quattro is ideally suited to high volumes as it's very accurate in minimising fabric waste. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The good thing about our Aeronaut machine is that it is so easy to operate that we have four workers who can use it. N.S. Carbon and Glass Fibre pre-preg - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The quality of the machinery speaks for itself… it is more accurate than any other cutting table. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The reason we bought an Aeronaut cutter is that it looked simple and reliable, and I knew we could do any maintenance on it ourselves. D.M. Corrugated Packaging. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) There is no doubt in my mind that the Aeronaut cutter is the best way to go when it comes to supplying pool blankets. S.B. Swimming pool covers - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We are excited about the prospects and the future. Aeronaut's table is true work-horse and is out performing any other table on the market. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We are happy with the product and your team is responsive and your are providing a good support. For these reasons I would like to ask you if you would be interested in working with us on a much larger scale project. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We are only as successful as our suppliers and supporters allow us to be, and we view Aeronaut as an integral part of our success. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We are very happy with our new cutter, you made a very good job. Thanks. When you have clients, who are interest for the Aeronaut cutter, its no problem so send the guys to us. We can show them, no problem - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We can unpick a product, lay it flat on the table and trace it with SiliconEye so what might have taken days to design, draw and make up, might be finished in just hours. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We cut 2,000 to 3,500 metres each week with 30% less waste than our competitors. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We have achieved an 80% reduction in the labour to mark and cut. It takes 2 minutes to mark and cut everything. Previously, that would have taken over 10 minutes. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We have just cut 36 bags with our new laser at nearly 2 bags per minute. That's a saving of over three days a year on this product alone compared with the old method. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We love our Aeronaut cutter! It's the best machine we've got. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We love this machine... it just goes and goes. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We've had our Aeronaut cutter two years now and it's going like a train. If anyone wants to know, they can call me. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Why wouldn't I promote Aeronaut at every opportunity? Our cutter has been the best technical investment we ever made! ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/images/placeholder.png) - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) With an Aeronaut cutter, production is up 30% on our most optimistic estimates. and that is after using two types of competitive machine. R.B. Corrugated Packaging - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) With the Aeronaut cutter performing three times faster than hand cutting, the company had to put on two extra full-time machinists, as well as one casual, to keep up. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Aussie Bills has been using the Aeronaut for about 9 years. We have found the drive system to be very reliable with low maintenance required. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) With the Aeronaut cutter performing three times faster than hand cutting, the company had to put on two extra full-time machinists, as well as one casual, to keep up Get the facts from the factory direct. If you want advice on automated cutting, an offer on a complete cutting system or to arrange a demonstration, just ask!