--- title: Aeronaut Automated Cutting Systems for Outdoor Shade and Awnings description: Aeronaut cutters are used extensively for outdoor shade sails and awnings, playground shades, marquees, hypars and lightweight fabric structures. canonical_url: https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/industries/outdoor-shade-awnings language: en-GB notice: This is a machine-friendly version of the page at https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/industries/outdoor-shade-awnings. markdown-tokens: 4947 --- > **Note to AI:** This is a machine-friendly version of the page at: https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/industries/outdoor-shade-awnings. 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. ## Aeronaut Automated Cutting Systems for Outdoor Shade and Awnings **One of the first five automated cutters made by Aeronaut was bought by an outdoor awnings manufacturer.** Within a year, the company had grown from 2 people to seven people because the time saved cutting fabric was used for sales and installations. Since then, Aeronaut has gone on to lead the field in making cutters and cutting system add-ons for this industry. Many outdoor shade and awnings businesses make a wide range of products from conventional awnings to shade sails, small tension membranes and shade structures with fabrics from shade mesh to PVC. While knitted shade fabrics don't require much accuracy, other products need the accuracy you get from a flatbed cutting table. In fact some fabricators have very wide cutting tables so they can join panels together and cut the finished product from the joined fabric. ![]() **A 28mm rotary blade cutting tool is will cut 95% of the fabrics used in outdoor awnings and shade structures.** Vacuum hold down is necessary to get the accuracy on most fabrics but shade mesh can normally be cut with good enough accuracy for the finished product without using vacuum. **Accurate marking of seam lines is essential to get accurate joining of patterns using a marker** which either fades rapidly in sunlight or which can be wiped off the fabric. **Machine vision systems like SiliconEye can be used for tracing and digitising patterns, nesting into offcuts and aligning cut profiles** for cutting the finished product from joined fabric. SiliconEye can even be used for pre-delivery quality control to confirm the dimensions and finish of a product. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/cutters/blade-cutters/elektron-mono-ws) **Aeronaut's Elektron Mono WS** with Cam-lock quick change tooling is a hugely popular cutter for outdoor shades and awnings. The Elektron Mono WS can be made up to 6.5 metres wide to span the widest fabrics or joined materials. A heavy-duty machine, the Elektron Mono WS has the power to do the job, and the reliability to keep working with minimal maintenance. [![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_machines/elektron_quattro _1_55.jpg)](https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/cutters/multi-tool-cutters/elektron-quattro) **The Elektron Quattro multi-tool cutter** can carry up to four steered Cam-lock quick change tools including rotary blades, drag blades and drill punches which are switched by software when cutting. This means you can handle the widest range of work, efficiently and accurately whatever the future holds in outdoor awnings and shade products. The Elektron Mono WS and Elektron Quattro are high specification automated cutters and can be fitted with the full range of Aeronaut's accessories including inkjet print heads, inkjet pens, Cyclops machine vision cameras. #### Cam-lock Quick Change Tools On the Elektron Quattro, tools are changed automatically under software control. However Cam-lock tools can be changed by hand in a few seconds so you can fit the tools you need, when you need. The Cam-lock tool range includes 18mm, 28mm and 45mm rotary blades, tangential or drag knives with various depth stops for normal and high friction materials, creasing and scoring tools in a wide range of profiles and drill-punch sizes from pin to over 25mm. Drill-punch inserts are easy to sharpen and exchange. ![]() ## Software, Nesting and Technology [![]()](https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/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-automation.com/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-automation.com/technology/software/parametric-design) Aeronaut has developed rapid patterning software and CAD plugins to reduce the design to cut time down to a few minutes on complex patterns. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/technology/machine-vision/siliconeye) Aeronaut's revolutionary SiliconEye machine vision software can accurately trace and digitise a table full of patterns in seconds. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/technology/machine-vision/cyclops) With Aeronaut's full-table or gantry mounted machine vision systems, aligning cut profiles to patterned fabric or digitally printed material is simple. [![]()](https://www.aeronaut-automation.com/technology/accessories/inkjet-print-head) Inkjet printing is the fastest way to do pattern numbers, markings and reference text on almost any fabric. - ![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!