Launched at Fespa, the high-speed system represents the culmination of 20 years of experience and knowledge, according to the Japanese manufacturer, which is exhibiting at stand 3.1-B40.

It comprises five units that can be aligned in multiple configurations – loading and unloading units, X- and Y-axis cutting processers, and a third, freeform cutting unit for arcs and diagonal lines. Prices, which are dependent on configuration, start from ¥‎20m (approx. €153,000).

NSK president Masanori Fukuda said: “We wanted to bring this machine to Fespa to present it to customers and find distributors.

“We have seen many cutting machines at Fespa, but ours is cutting edge.”

Fukuda said the machine was well suited to a variety of applications, including packaging, corrugated and POS. Speeds vary depending on configuration and customer preferences, but revolve around an average of 300sph with sheet size varying by configuration up to 2.6x1.8m.

The process is fully automated, meaning a pallet is loaded onto the loading unit and no human interference is then required until the finished work is deposited on the unloading unit at the end of the workflow.

Capable of processing paperboard, cartonboard, Re-board and polystyrene substrates, the Zero can take a maximum loading weight of 50kg, though there is an optional heavy-duty upgrade to increase this.

Further customisations can be added to the machine include creasing and double-creasing tools. Sales director Tsutomu Nakamura said that the firm’s main goal at Fespa was getting feedback from potential customers to find out what they would like to see from future iterations of the machine.

“We have heard no customer voices as the machine is newly-invented, so we would like to find those voices and listen to what they seek,” he said.