Hardware - Print Finishing

During the ISA International Sign Expo 2011, from April 28-30 in Las Vegas, NV, booth 3512, EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) will demonstrate a comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end workflow and digital finishing solutions. Highlights at the show include the Kongsberg i-XP 24, the Kongsberg i-XL 24, and the Kongsberg i-XE 10 Auto finishing systems, all with the new i-cut Vision Pro 7.1. Workstations will offer demonstrations of i-cut Suite, a collection of pre-production tools that streamlines the workflow for narrow format and large-format printers alike, from prepress to finished product.

i-cut Vision 7.1 software will be launched at both the EskoArtwork and the i-cut, inc. (#2415) booths during ISA.

Vision control is necessary for digital finishing systems because all printed materials contain size, rotation and scaling distortions that will produce inaccurate digital die cutting, if not corrected. i-cut Vision’s patented means of distortion compensation lets digital cutting systems produce error-free results. i-cut Vision Pro is a fully integrated hardware and software solution that turns a digital cutting table into a true, short-run production system, utilizing a camera system that individually adjusts cut files to perfectly match printed graphics. New to i-cut Vision Pro 7.1 is patent-pending Adaptive Registration, a feature that intelligently reduces the number of registration marks read throughout production, increasing productivity without sacrificing accuracy.  Another new, significant feature is the ability to automatically eliminate overcuts in sensitive materials such as foam, Reboard and PSA film, by cutting away from inside corners.

During ISA, i-cut Vision Pro 7.1 systems will be available for purchase at the EskoArtwork and i-cut, inc. booths.

i-cut Suite: Streamlining the entire workflow, from design to print to cut

i-cut Suite was designed specifically for companies that drive narrow or large format digital printers and/or digital finishing systems, and that require professional tools to streamline their workflows. It is the first workflow that offered wide format printing and digital finishing companies a complete, integrated solution. It is comprised of different modules, including i-cut Preflight for efficient PDF preflighting and editing, and i-cut Layout for interactive layout, tiling and nesting of graphics.

i-cut Suite software doesn’t require users to return to a native application, working within a PDF file. Furthermore, it reduces errors by spotting them before RIPping, and it optimises the layout, which ultimately reduces material costs and minimises set-up time. Users with more specific requirements can easily also add supplementary modules: a structural design module to allow integration with all standard structural design programs; a graphics preparation module to create the cutting contour on both vector files and images; and a true shape nesting module offering a powerful, true shape nesting solution, particularly for irregular shapes.

The Kongsberg i-XP 24 digital finishing system offers a completely new level of productivity and throughput

On display at ISA is the Kongsberg i-XP 24, the world’s fastest digital finishing system. The i-XP helps turn short-run POP / POS displays work into profitable, value added jobs, helping sign and display shops offer their customers on-demand production with just-in-time delivery. The Kongsberg i-XP series provides a fast, flexible and highly reliable solution for short run production.  With a maximum working area of 87”x126” and a maximum speed of 66” ips (inches per second), the i-XP series can convert a wide range of board, sheet and roll materials. An optional conveyor extension along with an Auto-Feeder with scissor-lift and transfer cart system expands the quantity of print runs that can be pre-stacked. The seamless workflow no longer requires an operator to restack or transfer materials.

Kongsberg i-XE 10 Auto digital finishing system

The Kongsberg i-XE 10 Auto is equipped with a fully automated sheet feeder and off load stacker, specifically designed for finishing small-format, prototype, sample and short-run digital printed materials – rolls or sheets can be processed. The sheet feeder system automatically loads and places the printed materials on the table. The ‘Pick and Place’ automated stacker enables non-stop sorting, neatly stacking finished pieces. The system also automatically separates waste from the finished items. As a result, the machine can run virtually unattended, delivering significant savings on man-hours. The Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto combines high production speed and precision with easy operation. It opens opportunities for creative, new applications with irregular shapes or finishing structures. It can handle a maximum sheet size of 35” x 47” at a maximum speed of 52.5 ips.

Kongsberg i-XL 24: Perfect for signs and displays

The Kongsberg i-XL 24, the workhorse of the product line and best-selling Kongsberg finishing system among sign and display companies, offers a comprehensive finishing solution for the widest range of materials, providing automation, high productivity and outstanding precision. The i-XL family, with a maximum material size of 87” x 120”, can be delivered with an optional conveyor extension, along with the Auto-Feeder and scissor-lift system.

“EskoArtwork continues to extend the productivity of sign and display print providers, with both a complete, integrated workflow and extremely sophisticated digital finishing systems,” explains Bill Hartman, EskoArtwork Vice President, Sign & Display Solutions. " There is much more to the production of signs than just printing. We are committed to “shaping the future” of our customers´ business and this industry. Sign and display shops also need to focus on the structure — or shape — of a sign. They need machines to efficiently cut displays when they are printed. They also need a workflow that can combine graphics with the structure. At the EskoArtwork booth, we can demonstrate solutions that cannot be found elsewhere.”

Solent Sewing and Welding Solutions has announced two new products at Sign & Digital - the Miller Weldmaster 112 Extreme with easyglide grommet and the Impulse Extreme with an automatic folding device.  Solent is able to offer welding solutions for recyclable (PE) and traditionally non-weldables using heat activated tape.

In cooperation with HP and Roland, Solent will be demonstrating its range of versatile heat sealing solutions on its stand throughout Sign & Digital UK.

Zund has won an award in the Wide-Format Imaging Sixth Annual Top Products Awards - in the category of Finishing - Routers & Cutters.
 
The Sixth Annual Wide-Format Imaging Top Products Awards feature the breakthrough products that have caused the most excitement in the industry and have been a valuable asset to wide- and grand-format businesses over the last year.

From wide-format flatbed printers and wide-format media, to laminating equipment to inks, RIP software and scanners, Wide-Format Imaging’s Top Products Awards recognise the products that are doing the most for a PSP's bottom line.
 
Products appearing on the Top Products Ballot were solicited from manufacturers over a three month period towards the end of 2010. These products were supplemented with new products reviewed by the publication during 2010. Readers and subscribers were invited to vote for their winning products from January 12th through to March 4th, 2011. Manufacturer votes were automatically removed from the tally, making each award an extremely important and independent accolade for any product to achieve and a true reflection of their reputation in the market.

Peter Giddings, Sales Director of Zund UK comments; “We are delighted to receive this important award for the Zund G3, particularly as it was voted by the market itself – by print service providers and graphic arts professionals who’s lives and businesses are actually made better because of our product.”

“The real noticeable difference in the Zund G3 is the flexibility of the Universal Module’” continues Giddings, “which allows users to change techniques and jobs with the simple change of tool as opposed to buying a completely new accessory which in the past has been quite an investment. This leads to proven results of 20% - 25% in increased productivity in addition to the system being so much more energy efficient. This award is testament to the fact that the G3 is a superior, well engineered, well thought out product and we’re very proud that the industry has recognised this.”

Zünd has just released three new modules for its G3 cutter. The PRT – Power Rotary Tool, the GAM – Generic Application Module and a new Large Universal Module.

The robust and powerful Zünd Power Rotary Tool is designed for cutting challenging fibrous materials inexpensively and reliably. Many materials can be cut with the PRT including fibreflass and aramid. The tool can be set at 3 different rpm levels – 100%, 75% and 50% of the maximum level – this enables tough materials and materials with a lower melting point to be cleanly cut with a professional finish. Zünd recommend the PRT is used for various technical textile applications and woven/ non-woven composites including carbon fibre.

The temperature of the tool is monitored continually which guards against overheating and makes it ideal for industrial applications that require prolonged usage in multiple shifts. It has a higher capacity and greater torque than the DRT (Driven Rotary Tool) and multi-ply cutting is achievable up to a total thickness of 5.5mm.

The GAM- Generic Application Module serves as a base module for additional customer or application specific tool options. It makes it possible to expand the capabilities of the G3 by implementing options not currently included in the range of tooling available for Zünd cutters. Each GAM can accommodate one tool at a time e.g a glue dispenser.

Peter Giddings, sales director of Zünd UK comments, “Zünd is a company that is proud of its engineering heritage and so by designing a module that will hold other bespoke tools we hope to encourage innovation and development of the G3 technology. The Zund R&D department is open to new ideas and developments so if anyone has a Eureka moment for a tool, now’s the time to get in touch!”

Finally, the large universal module has been launched in advance of the new InkJet marking tool and other future tools that require an inner module diameter of up to 60mm.

Zünd UK will be exhibiting at Sign & Digital UK 2011 at the NEC Birmingham from the 12th – 14th of April.

Zünd will also be demonstrating their products and services on Stand B20 in Hall A1 at FESPA Digital

EskoArtwork will present its latest pre-production and digital finishing solutions at digi:media. Visitors to the EskoArtwork stand will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto, the company’s fully automated, die-less digital finishing solution which has been designed as the perfect finishing complement to any digital print operation. Also demonstrated is EskoArtwork's i-cut Suite - its integrated software solution including workflow automation and editing tools, specifically oriented to die-less digital finishing. digi:media takes place for the first time in Düsseldorf from 7 to 9 April 2011. EskoArtwork will exhibit in Hall 6, stand C21.

“We’re really excited to present our integrated solutions at this show,” says Jef Stoffels, Director of Corporate Marketing at EskoArtwork. “Digital print professionals can see for themselves how the Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto complements their current digital print offering. By keeping finishing in-house, print service providers are today reducing operating costs, improving turnaround times, and creating a competitive edge by offering a full range of creative finishing options to their clients. With the i-XE10 Auto they can offer both print-on-demand and finishing-on-demand.”

Finishing-on-demand

Specifically designed for the growing demand for finishing small-format, short-run digital printed material, the Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto can work alongside any small-format or medium-sized digital press. The table comes with a range of expandable tooling options including a pressure controlled, high-precision kiss-cutting knife tool, reciprocating knife tool for corrugated and foam board, static knife tool for solid materials and a crease tool for packaging materials. The i-XE10 Auto is capable of finishing almost any digitally printed product including shaped business cards, creasing and cutting brochures with special cut-outs, folders, small signs and displays, greeting cards, creative invitations and even digitally printed sheet labels that require kiss and through cutting.

Streamlining the entire workflow from design-to-print-to- cut

Visitors will also see how the Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto integrates seamlessly with EskoArtwork’s i-cut Suite – a family of software tools developed to streamline the entire workflow from design-to-print-to-cut.

“i-cut Suite is one of the first prepress solutions specifically dedicated to digital finishing” continues Stoffels. “Print houses often receive files which contain errors or have vital information missing for efficient digital finishing. Without the proper workflow tools in place, such deficiencies lead to loss of time and materials. i-cut Suite provides the essential tools to catch and resolve these issues at the beginning of the workflow, saving valuable time and reducing waste. The software includes modules for file preflighting, efficient nesting and automatic print recognition.”

Optimising workflows: raising efficiencies inside the prepress department

EskoArtwork will also demonstrate some of its high-end solutions for publishers, showing its workflow automation and editing tools that have been designed specifically for today’s demanding prepress environments.

These will include FastImpose and Automation Engine, the perfect tools for high-volume-page environments, which are helping publishers around the globe to organise, automate and secure their workflows. Visitors can also learn more about Odystar, an integrated solution for PDF creation and production. Odystar offers a complete range of prepress tools from preflight, certification and automated document correction to advanced trapping, imposition, proofing and printing. And they can discover how easy it is to use Neo, EskoArtwork’s highly productive PDF editing tool, to make those last minute changes to multipage PDF files in commercial printing environments.

Mutoh America Inc. announces the new three year warranty on its Kona Cutters. The new warranty will go into effect immediately.
 
The three year, return to depot, limited warranty will cover parts and service.
 
Durable and designed to last, the Kona Cutters offer the finest cutting quality with excellent tracking. The Kona line is perfect for the home, office and professional user with cutting capabilities for signs, lettering, decals, stickers and contour cutting. Kona cutters are available in a 30, 55 and 65 inch size.
 
“We believe in our products and their durability,” shares Gary Rudnick, Director of Sales for Mutoh America. “Product quality and reliability is an important part of a company’s success. We hope to show the confidence we have in our products by offering this new three year Kona Cutter warranty to our customers.” 
 
Kona integrates a laser-based optical sensor for automatic job recognition and alignment of contour and cut through data. Each Kona features a newly designed reliable automatic sheet-off mechanism incorporating a rotatable long-life blade with 4 cutting sides.
 
Print and cut at the same time with Mutoh’s Kona Cutter and ValueJet lines. They give you the ability to work at the same time, so one operation does not stop the other.