“It allows for semi-unattended operation,” explained Esko director of digital finishing Stuart Fox. “Printers are often producing 3.2mx1.6m sheets. This loads a sheet, cuts it, and the conveyor then advances it so the operator can start dealing with that piece while it cuts the next sheet.”
The i-BF60 feeder was shown running on Esko’s stand (1-H20) with its Kongsberg C64 finishing table. The list price for the feeder is €55,000, while the cutting table costs up to €220,000 depending on configuration.
“The feeder can also lift substrates that weigh up to 50kg. It means the machine can run continuously and throughput is not dictated by the operator, or the number of operators,” Fox added.
The C64 features a carbon-composite traverse beam for high-precision operation, and has a powerful 3kW milling capacity.
“The market in general is good; it’s very dynamic. There’s so much innovation in this space and brand owners love it because they are always looking for fresh ideas,” Fox said.
Esko is focusing on modular solutions and end-to-end workflow at Fespa Digital.
Other products featured on its booth include its Automation Engine for prepress workflows, the Esko i-Cut Suite software tools, and ArtiosCAD and Studio software for the design of 3D displays and other products.
“These dedicated tools streamline structural design, product development, virtual prototyping and manufacturing” the firm said.
Esko software subsidiary Enfocus has also teamed up with Onyx Graphics (1-J20) for a collaboration aimed at improving large-format printing workflows. Onyx Switch Configurator is based on Enfocus’ Switch automation software.
Bryan Manwaring, director of product marketing at Onyx Graphics, said the new solution would enable customers to produce jobs faster and more accurately.
With Onyx Switch Configurator users can accurately place marks, such as grommet and sewing marks. It features bi-directional communications, with enhanced features for automated job tracking.
Enfocus also recently announced the Enfocus Appstore, which enables Switch users around the world to purchase and use apps created by other members of the Switch user community.
