Available as of the start of Fespa 2019 (14 May), the new machine can take a maximum roll width of 3.2m, feeding it onto the 3.2x3.2m C64 flatbed at a maximum speed of 20m/min.

The company said that by actively feeding, rather than pulling, textile materials onto the cutting bed, the feeder avoids stretching the substrate in order to give a consistent and straight feed. It can take a maximum roll weight of 300kg and diameter of 470mm.

“A lot of features on the new feeder allow it to make cutting extremely fluid,” said Esko EMEA marketing director Bruno Vermeulen. “It is rather unique in that there are not many roll-to-roll systems that can allow for such an accurate and consistent cut.

“It is a modular setup, too, meaning the feeder can be applied to the C64 for soft signage applications such as flags, banners and vinyls – a market we have not given as much attention to until recently – while it can be removed to let the C64 cut rigid substrates.”

Showing alongside the roll feeder is the Kongsberg C Edge range of cutting tables, which are aimed at the mid-level market that Esko had previously left untouched.

Launching in late April ahead of its show debut this week, the family comprises two bed formats 1.6x3.2m C Edge 24 and the 2.2x3.2m 44 version, with both available configured for either signmaking or packaging applications.

All C Edge machines run at a maximum speed of 75m/min with an acceleration of 1G.

Vermeulen said: “We used to simply offer a low-end cutting portfolio and another for high-end, so our competitors moved in to fill the gap in the middle.

“We see this as a completion of our portfolio allowing us to offer a cutting solution for all sizes of business and to let them grow alongside us. It is a signal that we are a serious player throughout this market.”

Esko is exhibiting at stand A5-G10 in Messe Munich until Friday (17 May).