What is it?
It’s a cutting table with two types of software so that it can accurately cut things to shape. For example, if there’s a pelmet on a display in a window, it can cut that.

Why did you choose the Kongsberg?
Our company began trading on 1 March this year and the beauty of this exciting venture is that we were able to cherry pick the latest machines that we knew would make the difference. We had two main options to choose from but we went with this particular model because I have worked with Kongsberg machines in the past and appreciate their value and reliability. As a result, I knew everything about what it could do – also the price was good.

Did you look at similar machines?
I was aware of all the other machines in this market, but I didn’t actually go and look at them because I knew what I wanted. In my opinion, the Kongsberg is the best you can buy. It saves us time waiting for a die to be made and provides us with maximum levels of productivity and outstanding precision with its excellent tooling flexibility.

What features do you particularly like about it?
It comes with a software package called i-cut, which makes it very simple to identify dots on artwork. There’s also a camera that measures dimensions and lines it up for you so that you can cut accurately to size. As a result, this saves you time on set up.

What features do you dislike?
I can’t think of any.

Would you say that it’s saved you any time or money?
It’s saved us both time and money because it’s another service that we can personally offer our clients.

Has it won you new work?
It has definitely generated more work for us. We started the company from scratch back in March so we needed to offer a full service as part of our printing facility. The accurate cutting and creasing was what our clients needed and so we wanted this machine in order to provide a full service to them.

What’s the quality like?
The quality is great – it can square trim, and it does intricate shapes. It’s the finishing that counts and this is where the Esko machine meets the challenge. The Kongsberg cutting table gives us the perfect finished product.

Were there any difficulties during installation?
Not at all – Esko provides an extremely dedicated installation team.

What about the service?
I can’t fault it. If we put a call out, an engineer will come, if not on the same day, then first thing the next morning.

What do you think the machine is right for?
There was a specific job that involved cutting 100 holes in one panel, and it was very good for the volume on that job. It was for panels on a wall system with holes so you could hang clothes on them like the ones you see in retail shops.

Would you buy another?
I’d buy another one purely on the volume that it produces. We are working with high-profile clients that demand delivery on time and to a very high standard. It is a productivity machine and without it we could not accomplish what we do. As a result, I can guarantee that we will be purchasing another one in the near future.

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CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 3/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 4/5

Supplier’s response
Jef Stoffels, director of corporate marketing at Esko, explains: “I think that this particular machine provides the missing link in large-format printing in terms of finishing. The table complements the various printing devices and applications that companies such as Graf have. It can cut and crease cardboard, MDF, wood and foam – there are different tool heads for different materials.”
Price From £95,000
Contact Esko-Graphics UK 01527 585 805