The  Kongsberg i-XE10 can “fully automate the entire finishing process”, the vendor said at this week’s pre-Ipex event in Brussels.

The machine is targeted at digital printers making the in-house post-press switch, and is claimed to reduce costs and “dramatically improve turnaround times”, according to EskoArtwork.

EskoArtwork CAM business development manager Einar Ek said: “The new and unique automation enables 24/7 operation of the finishing stage and keeps the whole process in-house.

“Not having to outsource any of the production process reduces a print house’s operating costs, reduces throughput time, and increases the number of jobs it takes on – which ultimately increases profitability,” added Ek.

The device’s creative finishing options are said to suit anything that can be printed on light or flexible materials, such as business cards, creasing and cutting brochures, or small signs and displays.

The Kongsberg table comes with EskoArtwork’s i-Cut “vision system” that automates registration between printing and cutting.

Another software product was also in the spotlight at the pre-Ipex event, as EskoArtwork unveiled Suite 10, the latest version of its packaging and print pre-production software, along with Studio 10 for 3D packaging design.

EskoArtwork showed off one killer app of Studio 10 – the ability to visualise and interact with 3D previews of shrink-wrapping, a particularly challenging element of flexible packaging design.

EskoArtwork will be in hall 12, stand C150 at Ipex, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC on 18-25 May.

Steven Kiernan is in Brussels.

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