Esko, a worldwide leader in packaging solutions, reports that a record crowd of nearly 600 people attended the recently concluded EskoWorld
User Conference, held May 19-22, 2013 at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix. In addition to drawing an exceptional crowd, the
program, including product overviews, future roadmaps, workshops, and user presentations, was extremely well received by all attendees—customers
and partners alike.
“We are grateful that we seem to out-do ourselves at EskoWorld every year,” enthuses Mark Quinlan, President, Esko Americas. “Perhaps it’s no surprise
that attendance is growing as it is. It is our objective to plan and execute the best educational program we can for our customers. EskoWorld is organized
for them to learn how to make the most out of their Esko solutions. From the feedback we’ve received, we accomplished what we set out to do, and have
given our customers tangible plans of action that they can take advantage of, when they return to their jobs.”
General sessions set the tone
After Mark Quinlan officially opened EskoWorld 2013, Carsten Knudsen, CEO of Esko, offered the company’s keynote, providing Esko’s current
view of the industry. Bernard Zwaenepoel, Esko Senior VP Software Business followed, delivering an overview of product development and updates
with ‘Strategic Focus Areas and Roadmap 2013’. Jan De Roeck, Esko Director of Solutions Management, moderated two sessions of ‘Meet the
Partners’, allowing EskoWorld attendees to get more familiar with companies from Esko’s Partner Zone.
The general session ended with a keynote presentation from Bill Capodagli, co-founder of Capodagli Jackson Consulting. Capodagli is currently the
most requested speaker on Walt Disney’s success and leadership principles in the US, as one of the most recognizable storytellers on the cultures of
Disney and Pixar. Capodagli enlightened the audience with Walt Disney's original success formula, "Dream, Believe, Dare, Do", that is transforming
both entrepreneurial and Fortune 500 companies alike. In his presentation, he provided thoughts on how to build innovation in a company and
challenged EskoWorld guests to get their employees more engaged in corporate objectives using Walt Disney’s principles.
EskoWorld break-out sessions: A wide variety of product and application topics
“While I consider myself a power user of ArtiosCAD, I had not attended EskoWorld since 2008. I wanted to catch up and get current about ArtiosCAD and
learn about new features from the more recent versions—and what is coming up,” says Warren Patterson, Structural Designer, Weber Display & Packaging.
“In one of the sessions, we could offer a wish list of features we’d like to see. I had a suggestion—it was one of the reasons I wanted to attend. Every
session was helpful, although I particularly appreciated the Tips & Tricks and advanced StyleMaker and ReportMaker sessions. The other reason I
wanted to attend was to talk with others in the industry, and Esko people. They can help with ideas you might not get anywhere else.”
Once again, more than 90 sessions covered the entire range of Esko product areas, with solution tracks covering diverse of applications including
digital flexo, commercial print prepress, packaging prepress, structural design, 3D design, brand management, digital print, and digital finishing. The
sessions varied in nature from roadmaps, offering views of a current product and planned development in the future; academies, providing hands-on
operator training sessions on Macs and PCs; and presentations, sharing industry overviews or product and service information. This year’s highlights
were a number of stories from users and educational institutions:
• James Stanley, Xpedx: From the Packaging Design Center to the Sign Shop
• Kenneth Miess, Victory Packaging: Implementation of ArtiosCAD Enterprise
• Ken Madsen, GSG: Accelerating Speed-to-Market with Studio
• James Traber and Bonnie McMaster-Bigum, Catalent Pharma Solutions: ArtiosCAD Illustrations on the Production Floor
• Abbe Evers and Michelle Rademacher, University of Wisconsin: Esko in Education: A Student’s Perspective
• Bobby Congdon, Clemson University: Strategies for Prepress Workflow Automation Education
• Pete Rivard, Dunwoody College of Technology: STEAM Power: Adding Art to Technical Education Using Esko Solutions
• Dr. Chip Tonkin, Clemson University: Flexography for Printed Electronics
“While I have been working with ArtiosCAD for several years, I have never had the opportunity to attend EskoWorld until this year. Esko was offering
free registration to speakers who were willing to make interesting presentations about the things they do with Esko solutions. I was pleasantly surprised
when I was chosen. I spoke about how we use ArtiosCAD on the production floor to create 3D drawings of how components and kits go together,”
remarks Jim Traber, Packaging Engineer II, Clinical Supply Services, Catalent Pharma Solutions. “The open atmosphere during EskoWorld classes
and presentations was great. The Roadmaps were particularly gratifying. I was able to suggest a feature our company has been eager to find in
ArtiosCAD for quite a while. And, there’s a good shot that we might see it in a future release. Overall, the classes were very beneficial and I look
forward to trying some of the advanced features first-hand.”
EskoWorld Partner Zone helps customers extend solutions
“We are a recent Esko partner and attended EskoWorld in the Partner Zone for the first time. We had the opportunity to be in front of many customers,
and market test our augmented reality solution with Esko Studio and ArtiosCAD,” comments Mickaël Jordan, Augment Co-Founder & CMO. “We also
participated in three break-out sessions, including two Roadmaps and a presentation, ‘Sharing in 3D’. The experience has been amazing. EskoWorld
exceeded our expectations. The people who visited our booth were enthusiastic and we returned to the office with lots of business cards with many
viable leads to follow up. We look forward to working with Esko more in the future.”
Repeating the success from last year’s EskoWorld, this year’s Partner Zone was staged in the same room as the general sessions as well as breakfasts
and lunches. Attendees actively pursued Esko partners to ask questions about shared technologies during session breaks and meals. EskoWorld
Partners included Augment, Cape Systems, CHILI Publish, DuPont, EFI, Enfocus, HP, MacDermid, Meta Communications, The Quick Brown Fox,
Southern Lithoplate, Storaenso, Tesa, Western Computer and X-Rite.
“We wish to thank the Esko community for enthusiastically turning out in fantastic numbers to learn how to get the most out of their systems,” concludes
Quinlan. “We've already started planning to make sure next year’s program is just as rewarding.”
Held annually in the United States, similar EskoWorld events are now being scheduled by Esko on a global basis. For 2013, events have been recently
held in Gent, Belgium; Stuttgart, Germany; Warsaw, Poland; and Helsingborg, Sweden. Further editions of EskoWorld 2013 are scheduled in the
United Kingdom, France, and other countries. Customers can refer to http://www.esko.com/en/company/press-and-news/Events for these, and
other future events.
EskoWorld 2014 is planned for June 15-18 2014 at Walt Disney World, Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, FL.
Esko (www.esko.com), a global supplier of integrated solutions for packaging, sign and display finishing, commercial printing and professional
publishing, announced the release of Esko Suite 12.1 at EskoWorld, its annual user meeting being held in Phoenix, Arizona, May 19-22. The
release includes significant new functionality that further streamlines end-to-end workflows across the entire print and packaging supply chain.
Suite 12.1 follows the successful release of Suite 12 at drupa 2012 and includes updates of its flagship editing and automation software.
Workflow Made Easier
Suite 12.1 contains enhancements that will make work easier and more profitable for all stakeholders in the print and packaging supply chain, from
novice users to advanced environments. Key enhancements incorporated in the release include:
• Standard Template Workflows. For novice users, setting up an effective workflow is not a trivial exercise. By providing standard workflow templates
for typical applications such as resp. folding carton, labels, signs, etc, Esko shortens the learning curve for less experienced users. Esko has
leveraged its experience in training and in configuring many workflows in the field to create standard templates that automate the most common
prepress and production tasks.
• Integration with On-Press Visual Inspection Systems. In prepress editors PackEdge or ArtPro, users can now define areas on a job for inline
visual inspection systems. This significantly reduces overall setup time for the press since the inline inspection system receives its setup data
directly from Esko Automation Engine. With the inspection area defined upstream and not by the press operator, it becomes easier to
standardize the production process across multiple sites, presses and operators. First inspection system integrations work with Esko´s partner AVT.
• CombiPress Support. Especially in the label industry, it is common practice to combine different print processes (offset, flexo, digital, screen)
within the same job, with each process requiring different preparation. With CombiPress support, even trapping tickets will automatically perform
overprint calculations based on the targeted printing processes, eliminating manual selection of trapping tickets.
• Esko Viewer Sports New Tools. The Esko Viewer in Automation Engine 12.1 is equipped with a barcode and braille reader. With this, the
difficulty of manually and visually verifying the accuracy of a barcode or of a line of braille text, an essential check in the prepress QA process,
has been overcome.
• Compliance with EU Food Regulations. EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 goes into effect 13 December 2014 onwards. This regulation specifies
minimum font size requirements for the nutrition declaration on food packaging. In DeskPack 12.1, the Preflight function can now detect text
that does not meet this requirement, ensuring use of the correct font size and providing proof that the produced packaging is compliant.
• Automation of Gang Runs for Flatbed Printers. With a growing number of shorter runs, automating gang printing on large format flatbed digital
printers means more profitable operations. With Automation Engine 12.1, multiple odd-shaped designs can automatically be ganged onto a
single print sheet layout, improving operator productivity and reducing waste of expensive substrates.
Bernard Zwaenepoel, Senior Vice President Software of Esko says: “After drupa, Esko´s Software Suite 12 was labeled as the industry reference.
But we haven’t been resting on these laurels and invested significant time with our customers to understand additional value-adding requirements,
many of which we have addressed in this release. By extending our capabilities beyond traditional prepress tasks, Suite 12.1 brings unsurpassed
value to service providers, converters and printers alike as they strive to stay competitive and current in a dynamic market environment.”
The release of Esko´s Suite 12.1 is planned from July 2013 onwards and will be available for existing customers.
Esko to Demonstrate Complete Design to Print to Cut Workflow and
Kongsberg Finishing Tables
At booth 3759 during the ISA International Sign Expo 2013, April 3-6, in Las Vegas, Esko (www.esko.com) will demonstrate a comprehensive portfolio of
end-to-end print to cut workflows for sign and display shops from prepress to finished product. The slate of products includes the complete i-cut Suite
automated workflow specifically designed for sign and display production, and a range of three Kongsberg tables.
i-cut Suite highlights focus on wide format
i-cut Suite, a 2012 InterTech(TM) Technology award recipient, lets companies that drive narrow or large format digital printers and/or digital finishing
systems streamline their workflows. Many sign and display companies are benefitting from i-cut Suite's automated workflow tools. i-cut Suite
components include:
i-cut Preflight handles efficient preflighting and editing of incoming PDF files, ensuring that jobs will RIP and print correctly. It also lets users make any
corrections working within the PDF file.
i-cut Layout is a module to interactively build and edit sheet layouts, ensuring that jobs make the optimum use of the substrate through intelligent true
shape nesting and tiling.
i-cut Vision Pro makes sure that die-less cutting contours match printed images perfectly. Often, slight distortions between printed graphics and
contour cuts may cause unacceptable results. i-cut Vision Pro registers the actual dimensions and positions on the printed result.
With i-cut Automate, all of these functions are automated in a single workflow, with less operator intervention and fewer potential manual errors.
Software to make structural and graphic designs easier
In an industry that is becoming more commoditized, sign and display shops are finding that unique, 3D display projects offer higher margins. This is the
reason why more and more companies are investing in ArtiosCAD for structural design. ArtiosCAD 12 brings customers many time-saving features. Its
extensive library of resizable display designs helps designers so that they do not have to start from scratch designing new displays. Its Tab & Slot tool
'assembles' components of a display with just a few clicks. The Mate tool helps to build and visualize connected folds and multiple parts. Users can
identify glue areas and corresponding targets to quickly connect designs or perform simple assembly of displays. Support for thicker materials such as
papercore-board, along with correctly designing V-notches and edge bands make it easier to visualize and convert designs of this material.
Why work in a flat world if displays aren't? Studio 12 is a unique set of tools for 3D structural design made specifically for display artwork professionals.
Studio helps produce better artwork, by allowing users to virtually view 3D displays and rotate them for a complete view. Studio also lets users create
exciting 3D visuals to show to clients, ranging from PDF files with 3D content to movies.
Kongsberg XN provides power and flexibility for any sign & display application
Three Kongsberg tables will be shown on the Esko booth. The Kongsberg XN the most versatile digital finishing device ever introduced. Working with just
about any material from vinyls to boards to wood, the Kongsberg XN is perfect for any job or application. It is available in seven different sizes from 66" x
50" to 87" x 258".
A choice of five tool heads and a full assortment of insert tools guarantee versatility. The Kongsberg XN can be easily configured for the widest
range of applications: from kiss-cutting to heavy-duty milling. Most important, the new Kongsberg XN can be equipped with its very powerful, optional
3kW, water-cooled milling spindle, the MultiCUT-HP. With this new high-powered tool head, the Kongsberg XN offers up to three times more routing
productivity. Even when processing the most challenging materials, it keeps a productive, consistent speed. With the power-saving variable vacuum
hold-down technology, it also consumes less energy.
Newly developed tools include solid board and corrugated paper-core board v-notching inserts. Productivity add-ons are available like a material
conveyor, an AutoFeeder and a Roll-Off unit.
With graphic printing, distortion can occur where the printed graphics and the die line may not match, causing unacceptable results. When integrated
with i-cut Vision Pro, Kongsberg tables can assure the die-less cutting contours match the printed images. i-cut Vision Pro perfectly registers the actual
printed result to the digital die line every time.
The Kongsberg XP24: the world's fastest digital finishing system
Also on display at ISA is the Kongsberg XP24, the world's fastest digital finishing system. The XP helps turn short-run POP / POS displays into profitable,
value added jobs, helping sign and display shops offer their customers on-demand production with just-in-time delivery. With a maximum working area
of 87"x126" and a maximum speed of 66" inches per second, the XP series can convert a wide range of board, sheet and roll materials.
Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto digital finishing system
At ISA, the Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto is equipped with a fully automated sheet feeder and off load stacker, specifically designed for finishing
small-format, prototype, sample and short-run digital printed materials - rolls or sheets can be processed. The sheet feeder system automatically
loads and places printed materials on the table. The 'Pick and Place' automated stacker enables non-stop sorting, neatly stacking finished pieces.
The system also automatically separates waste from the finished items. The Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto opens opportunities for creative, new
applications with irregular shapes or finishing structures. It can handle a maximum sheet size of 35" x 47".
"Automated workflow solutions are changing the way sign and display companies operate, making them more competitive with new products--
such as 3D designs--and greater productivity. Esko i-cut Suite is at the forefront of this trend," comments Bill Hartman, Esko Vice President, Sign
& Display Solutions. "In addition, our Kongsberg tables continue to prove that jobs don't end with printing, nor does finishing need to be outsourced.
There is great benefit to building very capable in-house structural design and finishing departments. We look forward to showing ISA attendees
these significant tools to differentiate themselves in the market."
Esko (www.esko.com) announces that it has entered into an OEM relationship with Epson (global.epson.com) to provide a customized Digital Front-End
(DFE) for use with the Epson SurePress L-4033A and L-4033AW inkjet digital label presses.
“As the label and packaging market increasingly transitions from analog to digital solutions,” says Jef Bogaerts, Commercial Partnerships at Esko,
“manufacturers of digital printing equipment are looking for digital front-end alternatives that can effectively address workflow and job processing
issues specific to their industry. Our DFE does just that by streamlining prepress and workflow for greater efficiency. And with Esko’s Color Engine
12 integrated into the DFE, it offers Epson the ability to process files of up to seven colors to take full advantage of the capabilities of the L-4033
series presses. We are pleased to be partnering with Epson, one of the printing industry’s best-known brands.”
The 6-color Epson SurePress L-4033A and 7-color L-4033AW (with white ink) inkjet digital label presses are designed for efficient high-quality, short-run
label printing. Delivering exceptional print quality and accurate color reproduction on a wide variety of standard label substrates, the L-4033 series
presses enable label converters and commercial printers to expand their service offering and improve profitability. Now, with the addition of the Esko
DFE, Epson customers will be able to take advantage of Esko’s expertise in the label and packaging market to deliver differentiated digital label
manufacturing that incorporates Esko capabilities that have become the standard in the label and packaging industry.
“As we continue to grow our presence in the label industry, we turned to the industry leader for additional capability,” comments Mr. Kitahara Tsuyoshi,
General Manager, Epson. “Combined with Epson’s reputation for high-quality, affordable printing solutions, this DFE powered by Esko will bring even
more value and automation to customers serving the digital label printing market. As the market continues to evolve, so do Epson products and the
Esko partnership is another example of our dedication to bringing our customers best-in-class solutions that help their businesses grow and grow
with their businesses.”
The new DFE, powered by Esko, will be standard on Epson SurePress L-4033 series digital label presses sold in Europe and Australia, and will be an
option for presses sold in other parts of the world.
More than ever before, consumer goods packaging must comply with many functional, practical and esthetical requirements. With this release of
WebCenter, Esko responds to two distinct packaging and consumer trends. The first one is the proliferation of product variations driven by mass-
customization and personalization. Each product variant differs in design, content, color and materials while the overall brand integrity needs to be
maintained. The second trend is the increased pressure on regulatory compliance, the need to accurately incorporate the required regulatory
information on packaging and related materials.
"The aim of this WebCenter (www.esko.com/WebCenter) release," explains Jijo Dominic, Product Manager Web Solutions at Esko, "is to help our
customers to address four eminent challenges directly originating from these market trends:"
1. Keep every stakeholder informed
2. Manage long approval cycles
3. Manage the overall packaging process from design to shelf
4. Handle versions of packages and labels
1. Keep every stakeholder informed
Following its successful introduction of communication ‘on the go’ for iPads whereby files can be accessed anytime anywhere, WebCenter 12 now
extends this capability to iPhones. “This enables the sales team to get updates on the progress of a job before visiting a customer,” comments Dominic.
Built-in integration with Automation Engine and ArtiosCAD and enhanced third-party interfacing capabilities makes the integration of WebCenter into
existing workflows fast and easy. WebCenter 12 acts as a Web-to-Production portal and involves the packaging buyer more deeply in package
design and production. Design requests are automatically created and a range of tasks are executed on the workflow server without any operator
intervention.
2. Manage long approval cycles
A smooth approval process is essential to streamlining production, and that is something WebCenter users are already effectively harnessing. The
WebCenter tools that manage a chain of approvals deliver immediate return on investment. This is further strengthened in WebCenter 12 with
enhanced compare capabilities, which highlights the alterations by blinking or displaying the intensity of variation for easier location and review. In
addition, the Viewer allows real time collaboration on multiple pages as well as online quality control of printing plates.
The new WebCenter reporting function is devised to help businesses measure and report their success internally and externally. Not only will WebCenter
users be able to track savings made through improved workflow practices and processes, they will also be able to communicate those values to their
clients in a better way. Dominic explains, “There might be one link in the approval chain that is generally the slowest to respond. Using the reporting
module, this shortfall can be identified and addressed.”
“The regulatory requirement to have braille content on pharmaceutical packaging has created a new challenge in the packaging approval process,”
adds Dominic. “This demands easy to use tools for the legal department to review content in braille and for the production team to verify how it can be
achieved best.”
Through collaboration with Global Vision (www.globalvisioninc.com), Esko has been able to take these capabilities even further so that braille text
can be scanned and verified by a reader that will translate it to prevent errors. "This approach can also be applied to barcodes," says Dominic.
"Problems in packaging design that result in regulatory action or consumer complaints predominantly originate from errors with barcodes and text.
We have listened to our customers and added simple tools to eliminate these pain points."
3. Manage the overall packaging process from design to shelf
How to capture all design and production specifications of a packaging project to deliver error-free print? How to collect data from the right people
and share it with the right people at the right time? How to make ordering of reprints an easy process?
To answer these looming questions WebCenter is enhanced with cascading fields. These fields provide requirements in an intelligent manner with
smart filtering and auto filling, rich text fields to provide long briefs and pictorial labels that explain concepts visually. WebCenter 12 standardizes
the overall project request, prevents errors and lost data and minimizes human intervention.
“Effectively managing the ‘briefing to delivery’ process of packaging development is crucial to place the product on the shelf on time,” explains
Dominic. “That is why we focus heavily on enhancing process management capabilities and make it easier to build complex processes using a
visual canvas. In WebCenter 12, we added simple but extremely effective capabilities to automatically name projects, assets and dedicated tasks.”
4. Handle versions of packages and labels
“Each individual element of a packaging design created in the development process is an asset. Managing those assets and re-using them is critical for
keeping production cost under control,” adds Dominic. “To achieve this, WebCenter 12 is extended with user friendly and very powerful asset
classification and searching capabilities with a fully customizable graphical asset browser based on document metadata and custom attributes.
Furthermore, customization creates different asset browsing views depending on the profile of user. For instance, a brand manager can browse
through assets using a brand and product hierarchy while a printer can browse through the assets using printer and print related search terms.
Customers can effectively set their own classifications for easy retrieval."
The end-goal: improved Packaging Lifecycle Management
"Fully integrated with the prepress front-end and our business systems, WebCenter 12 delivers us an end-to-end packaging process management,"
comments Dave Gilfillan, Technical Manager for The Malting's site at SGS Packaging Europe Limited (www.sgsintl.com). "Both packaging buyers
and packaging suppliers effectively work together on one single platform. Design requests and order forms are presented in a user friendly interface.
They trigger the start of a nicely laid out range of tasks and invite different stakeholders to actively participate in the process."
"WebCenter evolved from a mere online approval tool to a professional packaging management solution, ensuring value throughout the packaging
supply chain," concludes Dominic. "Today, over 100,000 users work with WebCenter on a daily basis to solve a number business challenges,
ranging from long approval cycles, indirect labor to direct labor ratio out of sync, looking for ways to differentiate themselves from competition and
so on.”
Built on a strong technology foundation WebCenter is a proven solution that helps all of these customers to use their skilled staff more effectively and
generate more revenue and profit. With WebCenter 12 all this and more have been simplified exponentially.
New ArtiosCAD 12 Brings a New Dimension to Structural Packaging
Design
With the introduction of a new major release of ArtiosCAD, version 12, Esko (www.esko.com/ArtiosCAD) offers a paradigm shift in packaging design
from 2D to 3D. Providing tools for 3D design, editing, rendering and visualization, ArtiosCAD 12 assures that the viability of a package is discovered
further upstream in the supply chain. It also provides new tools for packaging design and process integration to help users gain productivity and
increase efficiency.
ArtiosCAD is the flagship structural packaging design editor in Esko's software suite with over 13.000 licenses sold worldwide. "It all starts with structure.
The structural design determines the placement of the graphics. The package converting is determined by the structure. Structure and graphics, as
well as structure and logistics, are brought together with the use of ArtiosCAD. Only ArtiosCAD offers end-to-end communication for the entire
packaging supply chain," says Richard Deroo, Esko Product Manager, Structural Design. "Our commitment to continuously improve our solutions
for our customers help them fulfill increased demand to push more products to market faster, at the lowest cost, in a global market."
ArtiosCAD 12 focuses on 3D tools and communications
Supporting Esko's vision of shifting design from 2D to 3D, ArtiosCAD 12 brings customers many time-saving features. It has integrated the latest native
3D file import libraries from Esko's technology partner, Spatial. This offers a speed improvement of over 50%, which means designers will spend less
time waiting to import 3D models. Users will also benefit from the 3D import preview feature, allowing them to select individual parts from a model
assembly. This lets the structural designer quickly and automatically build a carton around the imported 3D parts to be packaged.
In addition, ArtiosCAD helps to assemble multi-part designs and displays with a number of new time-savings features. For example, with a single mouse
click users can fill a carton, case or tray with the product to be packaged. This saves hours developing multi-part designs. Placement of one design
within another is now easier with the new Collision Detection feature, which gives visual feedback when the two designs intersect.
"We have been asking for some of the 3D tools that have found their way into ArtiosCAD 12," comments Chuck Pomles, Senior Packaging Design
Engineer at Premier Packaging Inc. "A lot of the work we do is complex - assembled fabricated foam protective packaging for electronics companies.
These can have as many as 15-25 unique components. As part of our design work, we create manufacturing assembly drawings (how to build and
heat weld the pieces together) and customer packing instructions (how to use the packaging to protect the electronic components). Creating these
assemblies in ArtiosCAD 3D could take us from 45 minutes to 1? hours to do. With the new ArtiosCAD 12 Collision Detection feature, with a click,
the components are automatically placed in a box. Using the Collision Detection tool along with the Tab Slot tool, these assemblies now only take
5-15 minutes to create. For the projects we have built using ArtiosCAD 12 thus far, I consistently see a phenomenal 75% savings in time."
To accurately communicate printable areas for graphic design, ArtiosCAD 12 is able to show the flap priorities of panels. For Re-Board® and multi-wall
displays and designs, ArtiosCAD 12 can add edge bands for finished edge calculations and visualization, along with building reverse v-notches with
partial cuts for accurate conversion of these materials.
One of the fastest growing trends in the industry is Retail Ready & Shelf Ready packaging. IGD shopper research reported that over 90% of
shoppers experienced products hard to find, damaged and unavailable. This is driving retailers toward implementing Retail Ready Packaging
(RRP) and Shelf Ready Packaging (SRP). According to IGD Retail Analysis over 50% of suppliers facing an increased demand for those
projects. Following these trends, ArtiosCAD 12 lets suppliers quickly and easily build RRP designs and automatically create stunning 3D
animations. These can accurately show user-defined perforations and tear-away designs required in RRP packaging designs, in addition to
the full set of common perforations.
Beta ArtiosCAD 12 customers reported saving hours of time with new automated animations of tear-aways and RRP designs.
Enhanced structural design for improved supply chain communication
The concept of Intelligent Dielines in ArtiosCAD 12 is a set of editing tools that enriches an ArtiosCAD file with detailed panel information, such as
'Copy free', along with placeholders for barcodes, nutrition facts and other pre-defined artwork. Brand owners can use the Intelligent Dielines
features to communicate brand guidelines within their technical drawings, helping to improve communications between structural and graphic
designers.
"ArtiosCAD 12 is fantastic. Esko added all the features that I needed, including some 3D rendering tools I suggested to them," enthuses Peggy
Underwood, Graphic Design Manager at Corrugated Container Corp., a company that focuses on POP and displays for product packaging. "I
was trained as a graphic designer and knew that Intelligent Dielines would be very helpful as we send structural designs to graphic designers
and ad agencies. Before, to assure designs would be correct, I manually placed the art orientation using Adobe® illustrator® and explained
which panels would be printed. Now it's all done with the click of a button. This probably cuts three-quarters of the time it took in the past."
"No graphic designer is going to feel so helpless and confused again when looking at flat structure," adds Underwood. "Some of our projects, including
sales kits with many compartments, are very complicated and it is difficult to see which of the pieces are visible in the final layout. Now, there are 'up' and
'down' arrows to show orientation in the artwork. The 3D views with arrows help designers understand why a panel is in a certain direction. And, with all
the 3D tools in ArtiosCAD and Esko Studio, we are able to show our art without having to produce mock-ups. The new Array and Collision tools make
packing out our displays very quick and easy, saving us a ton of time."
Supporting the supply chain downstream, ArtiosCAD 12 supports bi-directional communication between both CAPE and TOPS palletization software
packages. This eliminates the need for structural designers to re-enter data into both systems, removing wasted steps and any potential human error.
Additionally the full pallet load can be visualized in ArtiosCAD 3D for high-resolution presentations and reports.
Building profitable sign & display business with ArtiosCAD 12 and 3D displays
In an industry that is becoming more commoditized, sign and display shops are realizing that the uniqueness of 3D display projects offers higher margins.
More and more companies are investing in ArtiosCAD for structural design. ArtiosCAD's extensive library of resizable display designs helps designers so
that they do not have to start from scratch designing new displays. The ArtiosCAD Tab & Slot tool 'assembles' components of a display with just a few
clicks. The Mate tool helps to build and visualize connected folds and multiple parts. Users can identify glue areas and corresponding targets to quickly
connect designs or perform simple assembly of displays. Curved Creases, a patent pending technology only available in ArtiosCAD, makes it easy for
designers to work with curved folds and cuts by allowing them to visualize designs with curved creases as part of its 3D module. Support for thicker
materials such as Re-board, along with correctly designing V-notches and edge bands makes it easier to visualize and convert designs of this
material.
ArtiosCAD Enterprise: sharing structural designs in the cloud
ArtiosCAD is available in two versions: the standard version and ArtiosCAD 12 Enterprise, enabling global "cloud" sharing and collaboration with
WebCenter 12. With ArtiosCAD 12 Enterprise, all assets are centralized in a corporate private cloud, a secure web-accessible database enabling
dynamic online collaboration between design groups, CAD and graphic designers, suppliers, brand owners and production. An easy to use online
dashboard provides real-time feedback on project status, task lists and other parameters. An embedded design browser lets users easily search
designs on production dies. To maintain file and project integrity, global and template-based project and document auto-numbering and naming
allows the organization to uniquely name each asset.
"I am also looking forward to the increased search ability in ArtiosCAD Enterprise, whether it is Internet or intranet based," adds Pomles. "We have
existing designs in our database and using ArtiosCAD Enterprise we now have a very quick searchable reference. While I certainly like getting design
requests off the Internet, it is even a greater timesaver to be able to search existing designs. What used to take 10-15 minutes now takes as fast as I
can type."
ArtiosCAD 12 is currently shipping, while ArtiosCAD 12 Enterprise will be ready for delivery in September.
Esko (www.esko.com) announces full details of Automation Engine 12, a major component of the Suite 12 software for the packaging, label,
sign making and display industries, which was launched at drupa 2012.
Automation Engine 12 takes workflow automation to the next level. Esko has completed the promised integration of its three legacy workflow
applications - BackStage, Nexus and Odystar - into one single platform. Customers using these servers can now upgrade to Automation Engine
12 and benefit from its robust and scalable, fully database-driven framework, while maintaining their current workflows.
In addition, Automation Engine 12 achieves standout performance from all other products in the market by being the first to provide full workflow
automation for jobs that combine multiple printing techniques. This allows for complete automation of complex packaging print jobs for the first time.
Parameters such as trapping, preflighting and distortion can all differ depending on the printing process. Using Automation Engine 12, a printing
process can be assigned to every separation in the file if necessary.
Esko Automation Engine 12 – a new standard for prepress workflow automation
Printing professionals face the daily challenges of needing to increase quality, reduce errors and drive cost out of business and production
processes. Automation Engine 12 supports them every step of the way by reaching out to business systems to ensure seamless automation from
order to print, while providing dynamic production workflows that are easy to set up and operate. Further specific new features of Automation Engine
12 are:
• Automated artwork creation of native files through comprehensive scripting support for Adobe applications (for example, Illustrator, Photoshop,
InDesign) and third party tools such as Alwan.
• Seamless synchronization between business processes and production through substantially improved integration between Automation Engine
and the WebCenter packaging management solution. Also, integration with devices such as Esko’s CDI flexo CTP platesetter has been improved.
• Complete traceability in the platemaking process - a unique plate ID ensures full control of plates going to press and guarantees that the correct
plate is re-imaged when required.
• Improved Viewer, making it a full Quality Control tool. Extra Viewer filters allow breakout dots, flexo plate, flexo print, registration error simulation and
Total Ink Coverage to be visualized.
• Fully renewed web-based administration section enables monitoring and intervention from remote locations.
Automation Engine is a backbone component of Suite 12, and integrates interactive applications, RIPs and web tools into a single powerful solution.
Customers can also purchase Automation Engine 12 as a standalone product. It delivers increased efficiency and throughput, and saves time and
money for packaging and label service providers and their customers.
"Automation Engine 12 takes automation of label production to a whole new level. It is the first server framework in the market to provide full
automation for jobs that combine multiple printing techniques,“ says Dries Vandenbussche, Product Manager Server Platforms. "Its flexible scripting
capability for more automated artwork creation, and the automatic synchronization with WebCenter, make Automation Engine 12 the ideal platform
for complete automation from business system to plate or digital press.“
EskoWorld 2012 Exceeds All Expectations for Participation and
Customer Reviews
Esko (www.esko.com), a worldwide leader in packaging solutions, announces that 532 people --180 more than the previous record-breaking crowd --
attended the recently concluded EskoWorld User Conference, held June 17-20 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The overwhelmingly successful
program, which brought rave reviews from everyone involved, provided a complete update of all the new Esko products introduced during drupa 2012,
as well as a wide variety of industry outlooks, product presentations and future roadmaps -- along with workshops for anyone with an interest in
packaging, displays, and printing.
There is no limit where an EskoWorld User Conference can take a customer, which is why Esko adopted “No Limits” as its event slogan for 2012. “I’ve
attended five or six EskoWorld conferences, but it seems like every year we see something new and impressive,” comments Kevin Corrigan, Senior
Designer at Great Northern Company. “I was fascinated with all the new advances, particularly all the 3D products. The 3D Store Visualizer, viewed
on a large screen with 3D glasses, was extraordinary. I attended most of the ArtiosCAD roadmap sessions, where we saw all of the 3D developments
coming in the future. It was extremely helpful.”
“Response from everyone is that EskoWorld 2012 was the best they had ever attended,” raves Mark Quinlan, President, Esko Americas. “Beyond the
complete program that had something for everyone, a track in Spanish for Latin American visitors, and overviews of a wide array of new products, the
event was extremely well-planned. The hands-on sessions and presentations helped attendees learn how to make the most of their Esko products —
and give them a glimpse into the future. There is no doubt that attendees were able to return home with ideas of how to use their Esko products
even better.”
After Simon James, Esko VP Global Marketing, welcomed and officially opened EskoWorld 2012, Bernard Zwaenepoel, Esko Senior VP Software
Business, greeted the audience and offered a complete update of Esko products that were introduced at drupa. Jan De Roeck, Esko Director of
Solutions Management, provided an overview of the fourteen hectic days of drupa, and offered a perspective of how the most important trends for
packaging and labels could influence businesses in the future. In an environment where process and market knowledge is vital to remain competitive,
Malcom Keif, Ph.D. of Cal Poly State University delivered a challenging keynote address to the audience, offering people ideas of how to create and
sustain knowledge.
EskoWorld sessions: Something for everyone
“I thought that EskoWorld was very helpful. It brought me up to speed in certain product areas. I use ArtiosCAD a lot, and attended many of the 3D
Workshops — 3D Designer and other 3D features of ArtiosCAD 12. I had not used them in the past, but now they are much more familiar to me. Now
that I have returned, I know I can bounce around from my job to the structural design department to help out,” says Devin Flores, Die Programmer at
Royal Paper Box. “I also appreciated the ArtiosCAD Manufacturing roadmap. Two others from our company attended, and they really got a lot out of
EskoWorld, too.”
More than 90 sessions covered the entire range of Esko product areas, including digital flexo, commercial print prepress, packaging prepress, structural
design, 3D design, brand management, digital print, and digital finishing. The sessions varied in nature from roadmaps, offering views of a current
product and planned development in the future; academies, providing hands-on operator training sessions on Macs and PCs aimed at increasing the
practical knowledge of a product; and presentations, sharing industry overviews or product and service information with live demonstrations. While
Esko managed most of the sessions, a few industry outsiders also participated, including:
* Dr. Andrew Hurley, Clemson University: Boxes, Bags and Biometrics: The Brave New World of Design
* Dennis Young, CPP, Michigan State University: Packaging Education in a Path-to-Purchase Environment
* Cheryl Johnson, Pantone Digital Business Unit, X-Rite: Brand Color Management with PantoneLIVE
* Steve Hosford, Enfocus: Enfocus Switch 11
* Aaron Mallory, HP: Solutions for Digital Printing and Converting
Dave Hall (EFI Radius), Willi Welsch (Quick Brown Fox – Aramis), Andy Armitage (SolarSoft), and Mike Rottenborn (Hybrid Software) participated in a
business system integration panel.
“This was my first EskoWorld, although I’ve attended similar events. I liked the Roadmap format, particularly for WebCenter, where Esko developers talk
about what’s been recently done to their products and where they are going. You get the sense that they are really moving forward. They get the
attendees involved — you’re not just listening to a lecture. I’m used to other events where attendees just sit and listen. Esko values our opinions,”
explains Michelle Talko, Prairie State Group customer service prepress manager who trains others how to use Esko WebCenter. “We brought back
the Studio design package to take a look at it. One of our production persons, a designer by profession, is going to take a look at it. Our lead prepress
person really values EskoWorld. If we don’t attend, he fears that we won’t keep up with latest and greatest technology.”
EskoWorld Partner Pavilion gets extra attention
“The EskoWorld experience was an extremely positive and exciting one for Hybrid Software. We were very pleased to participate,” expresses Mike
Rottenborn, Hybrid Software President & CEO. “EskoWorld allowed us to meet new people who might have a need for our solutions — as well as
reconnect with customers and our key contacts within Esko. We integrate MIS, workflow and ‘web to print’ together, and we spent a good deal
of time explaining how we could bridge WebCenter and Automation Engine to MIS systems. We met a number of people who are interested.”
This year’s Partner Pavilion benefited from sharing breakfasts and lunches in the same room. Attendees actively pursued Esko partners to ask questions
about shared technologies during session breaks and meals. EskoWorld Partners also delivered presentations about their companies during breakfast.
These included Cape Systems, DuPont, EFI, Enfocus, HP, Hybrid Software, MacDermid, The Quick Brown Fox, Solarsoft, Southern Lithograph, TOPS,
and X-Rite.
“HP has been supporting EskoWorld since 2006. It’s amazing to see how much it has grown and evolved from a technical event to one with both technical
and business tracks to become a ‘must attend’ event for our industry. The Partner Pavilion was outstanding this year with good traffic from the attendees,
and the breakfast speaking sessions from each partner was a great way to maximize the exposure of each partner to the largest possible audience,”
observes Aaron Mallory, Labels & Packaging Solutions Architect for HP. “Esko is an extremely important partner for HP, and we use this event to
showcase our strong partnership and combined solutions for the growing digital print & converting market. We find the event helps us each year
in reaching new potential customers and continues to build on our relationships with our existing customers who attend the event.”
We were exceptionally pleased with the fantastic turnout of the Esko community, and their extreme satisfaction with the event,” concludes Quinlan.
“We’re already looking toward another rewarding event next year.”
EskoWorld 2013 is planned for May 19-22, 2013 at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix.
At drupa 2012, Esko (www.esko.com/drupa) is launching Color Engine 12, a module within Esko's Suite 12. Esko presents Color Engine 12 on stand A23,
hall 8b.
Research by the Pantone Color Institute® shows that color increases brand recognition by 80%. And because it evokes immediate and strong
physiological and psychological bonds, color is key to brand identity. Consumers recognize a familiar brand color within seconds. Both consciously
and subconsciously, accurate color is key to quality perceptions.
"When was the last time you actually stopped to read the packaging of a product in the supermarket?" asks Jan de Roeck, Esko's Director
Solutions Management. "Color plays a vital role in consumer purchasing choices. Clearly recognizable branding - and accurate color associated
with that branding - helps shoppers make purchasing decisions. As brand owners create more versioned products to increase their market share,
colors are even more important as key differentiators at the shelf. This is why consistent and accurate brand color reproduction on packaging and
labels is one of the top five requirements for brand owners. With Color Engine 12, Esko provides packaging and label professionals an integrated
solution for accurate color reproduction."
First-time-every-time color consistency
Color Engine 12 is the leading choice for packaging and labels manufacturers and these are the reasons:
• Color Engine builds on spectral data to define ink profiles. Spectral color data is for brand colors what DNA is for humans: a unique means to
identify a color, independent of printing press or proofing device capabilities. Based on an ink's spectral definition, Color Engine predicts the
behavior of the ink and simulates the printed result on a digital inkjet proof.
• Color Engine effectively manages spot colors, ensuring that brand owners have perfect color representation - first time, every time. With unique and
patented technology, Color Engine calculates what a spot ink will look like when printed on top of another one, or printed on certain paper or board
stock, or viewed under different lighting conditions without having to fingerprint all possible combinations. This guarantees accurate and achievable
color expectations at a minimum effort and cost.
• Color Engine creates and manages multi-ink profiles, crucial for color accurate extended gamut printing and digital printing. Extended gamut printing with
a fixed set of inks on the printing press has the potential to bring considerable savings to each stakeholder in the print value chain. It's an effective
means to reduce cost and waste in the entire supply chain. Equinox, a unique color technology for extended gamut printing, manages and applies
multi-ink profiles. With Equinox, prepress operators automate the process of re-separating their jobs to the destination multi-ink profile. With the
Equinox Adobe® Photoshop® plug-in, users manipulate images to make full use of the available color gamut. Digital printing presses are operating
by definition in an extended color gamut. In a hybrid printing environment, it's crucial to manage color so the result always matches the expectation,
regardless of the printing process.
• End-to-end accurate color - from design and prepress to print production - fully integrated in the print production workflow. Color Engine is fully
integrated in the Suite 12 workflow. Easy to learn and easy to use color features provide operator interaction from within all of the editors - ArtPro,
PackEdge and DeskPack. Color Strategies bundle all color settings for usage in an Automation Engine 12 workflow ticket. Proofing devices are
fully integrated in the workflow, including an interface to GMG Proofing solutions.
Color Engine 12 provides color consistency and accuracy and ensures realistic spot color reproduction. By facilitating worldwide digital
communication of accurate color throughout the packaging supply chain, Esko helps brand owners to push products with effective shelf
appeal to market faster at the lowest possible cost and with minimum risk. "Effective color management also results in cost savings
throughout the value chain," adds De Roeck. "Getting color right the first time and simplifying the color management process cuts down the costs."
Color Engine 12 supports PantoneLIVE(TM)
Color Engine 12 is the first professional color management solution to integrate PantoneLIVE(TM) for realistic and achievable spot colors. As part of its
ongoing partnership with X-Rite Pantone, the global leader in color science and technology, Esko is the first supplier in the industry to bring to market
a color management solution that addresses the entire packaging supply chain. PantoneLIVE(TM), now integrated with Esko Color Engine 12, is a
cloud-based solution that ensures first-time-every-time color integrity.
In combination with PantoneLIVE(TM), Color Engine Pilot, a component of Color Engine 12, provides the perfect tool set for creating and maintaining
critical brand colors, creation of spot color profiles and other color conversion settings. Color Engine 12 maintains consistency throughout the
production environment by ensuring that every application and operator works with the same critical color data.
Ease of use equals added value
What makes the Esko Color Engine 12 so valuable is its ease of implementation throughout the production process, from concept to print, and its
ability to improve color communication. "Color Engine 12 is a state-of-the-art solution that ensures brand color expectations are met by printers and
converters," concludes De Roeck. "By deploying Color Engine 12 with PantoneLIVE(TM) integration, all players refer to the same color expectation
from the beginning of the process. They can be confident their color goals will be met."
Esko (www.esko.com) will officially launch Suite 12 at drupa 2012. This major update to its software suite for the packaging, label, sign making and
display industries, will play a central role at Esko's drupa stand A23 in hall 8B.
Esko Suite 12 – meeting customer needs
“Our customers reported increased demand to push more products to market faster, at the lowest possible cost, enabled by global world-wide-web
based communication. Consumer Packaged Goods manufacturers demand commitment to brand execution from the packaging supply chain and
insist on higher shelf impact designs, no-compromise print quality, more package variations and increased compliancy with regulations. The
complexity for packaging service providers and converters has increased, and in this challenging environment Suite 12 provides strong answers,”
With Suite 12, Esko provides answers to the challenges of modern brand execution. Enhanced 3D capabilities are pushing the “first moment of truth”
further upstream in the supply chain. Packaging management tools in WebCenter 12 provide an overview on the entire packaging project and more
control over each step in the process. And with Color Engine 12 a major breakthrough is set for consistent and accurate color reproduction.
“Packaging professionals looking for faster time to market, effective and reliable workflow solutions and guaranteed color consistency will be impressed by
Suite 12. They will see many examples of our commitment to our customers and our dedication to continuous improvement of our solutions," says
Bernard Zwaenepoel, Senior VP Software Business at Esko.
Esko Suite 12 - focus on value
Suite 12 brings additional productivity and efficiencies to the user.
• Integrated “best in class” applications. The new releases of the flagship applications ArtiosCAD, ArtPro, PackEdge, DeskPack and Studio combine
interactive editing power and integration with workflow automation and color management.
• Rich 3D functionality for a holistic experience. Stunning structural design in 3D and realistic graphics editing and visualization of a package “in context”
speeds up the production process and is an efficient QC tool reducing the risk at human errors.
• Mobile collaboration in a web-enabled workflow. Mobile interaction with the workflow is now possible, and with the Internet as a backbone for
collaboration and resource-sharing, Suite 12 software manages and automates every step of the production workflow.
WebCenter 12: a true Packaging Management Solution
Originally designed as an online collaboration and approval tool, WebCenter 12 has evolved into a true packaging management solution. Specify
packaging requirements, manage packaging assets and oversee the entire design and production process: WebCenter 12 creates a competitive
advantage.
Fully integrated with Automation Engine and ArtiosCAD, WebCenter 12 acts as a Web-to-Production portal and involves the packaging buyer more
deeply in the execution of package design and production. Design requests are created automatically and a range of tasks is executed on the
workflow server without any operator intervention. WebCenter also acts as the backbone for ArtiosCAD Enterprise which enables sharing of all
packaging structural assets - including designs and board specifications - between multiple packaging production facilities.
Automation Engine 12: workflow automation to the next level
Esko keeps its promise: the last step of merging three legacy workflow applications - BackStage, Nexus and Odystar - into one single platform is now a
reality. Automation Engine 12 has the Odystar PDF native processing tasks and Enfocus' PitStop server on board. Odystar users can now upgrade
to Automation Engine, maintain their current workflow and benefit from a wide selection of powerful Automation Engine concepts.
Automation Engine 12 is designed for reliability and high performance in packaging workflows. Fully scalable, Automation Engine 12 serves the needs of a
wide range of professionals: from a small sign maker using i-cut Automate to a multi-site converter.
Automation Engine 12 continues to support the high-end commercial print workflow where extreme automation is essential. With embedded JDF
connectivity, the solution provides great flexibility in configuring workflows that communicate with any JDF enabled imposition tool out on the market.
Color Engine 12: breakthrough color workflow for the entire packaging supply chain
Consistent and accurate brand color reproduction on packaging and labels is one of the top five requirements of brand owners. By integrating Color Engine
12 with PantoneLIVE, Esko is the first to bring a color management solution to market that covers the entire packaging supply chain. This solution
guarantees first-time-every-time color accuracy and ensures realistic spot color reproduction from design to ink kitchen. Visit Esko.com to view the
detailed press release for more information.
Studio 12: ever richer 3D capabilities
Now Studio 12 goes far beyond the primary pack to include secondary, tertiary packaging and any other branded elements in the design process. The
new Studio Toolkit combines all components of an integrated packaging or display design in one single application. Via ArtiosCAD, Studio links all the
way to 3rd party palletization software. Within Studio Designer 12, embedded in all Esko editors ArtPro, PackEdge and DeskPack, multiple components
can be visualized together while creating the artwork for each component. This truly holistic approach provides an efficient implementation of product
branding.
Store Visualizer 12 pushes this concept even further by placing the packaged product in a hyper realistic and dynamic retail environment. In Store
Visualizer 12, the entire store environment can be freely designed and decorated from the ground up with pre-set store furniture components.
Esko (www.esko.com) takes its packaging supply chain color management offerings to the next level through a partnership with X-Rite/Pantone, the
global leader in color science and technology. Visitors to the Esko stand at drupa 2012 (Hall 8b, stand A23) will experience a color management
workflow that encompasses the entire packaging supply chain and ensures first-time-every-time color integrity.
"Market research consistently reveals that consumers use the color and shape of a package to recognize and select the product they want when
shopping," says Geert De Proost, Director Software Engines for Esko. "That is why brand owners are so concerned about an accurate representation
of package colors. For the same reason, we decided to implement support for PantoneLIVE(TM) from X-Rite/Pantone in our workflow. PantoneLIVE
delivers an end-to-end solution that, for the first time, addresses the needs and requirements of every single discipline within the packaging supply chain.
This means that the brand manager will see an accurate representation of on-press color early in the design process, while converters can be assured of
first-time-right color proofing and easy-to-match color on press. This sets the right expectations from the beginning of the process and has the potential
to significantly reduce time to market."
Accurate and consistent color data throughout the packaging supply chain
Esko's Color Engine, the central color database to manage color and device profiles, is the enabling technology to support the PantoneLIVE color
management process across the prepress packaging workflow. The combination of PantoneLIVE spot color profiles with Esko's unique and patented
spectral ink model provides absolute accuracy and predictability for spot color simulation. This is a winning combination at the basis for a breakthrough
color workflow in the packaging supply chain.
All supply chain stakeholders can access the Color Engine from within their preferred application:
* For designers, Ink Manager and Esko Viewer are PantoneLIVE-enabled plug-ins inside of Adobe® Illustrator® and Adobe® Photoshop®.
* For prepress professionals, PackEdge, ArtPro, Automation Engine and WebCenter all connect to the same color data for editing, previewing and
proofing purposes.
* FlexProof creates accurate and achievable hardcopy inkjet proofs, either locally or remotely, based on PantoneLIVE spot color profiles.
* Brand Owners can use the PantoneLIVE portal to manage digital brand color standards.
* Printers and converters will access the exact same color references to use in X-Rite Ink Formulation Software.
The Esko Color Engine is the central color management software that brings about consistent color across the packaging and print supply chain. In
combination with the PantoneLIVE color database, the Color Engine Pilot provides the perfect tool set for creating and maintaining critical brand colors,
creation of spot color profiles and other color conversion settings. The Color Engine maintains consistency throughout the production environment by
ensuring that every application and operator works with the same color critical data.
"PantoneLIVE delivers color DNA based on real ink, on real substrates with real printing processes for predictable, repeatable results," explains
Dr. Sonia Megert, vice president of the Pantone digital business unit at X-Rite/Pantone. "We are very pleased to have Esko, the leading packaging
workflow software provider, endorse and recognize the value of PantoneLIVE. Esko plays a key, strategic role in the digital ecosystem that
surrounds PantoneLIVE."
"This is the first time that the same digital ink specification can be used throughout the entire packaging supply chain," concludes De Proost. "It
guarantees consistent color reproduction from design through production, a goal that has been difficult to achieve in the past. Integration of Color
Engine in PantoneLIVE changes the game. We are excited to support PantoneLIVE's end-to-end color workflow at drupa 2012."
EskoArtwork Shapes the Future of Signs and Displays at SGIA Expo 2011
EskoArtwork will show its design to print to cut workflows for sign and display shops at booth 2433 during SGIA Expo 2011, October 19-21, in New
Orleans, LA. EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) will demonstrate a comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end workflow and digital finishing solutions, featuring
the Kongsberg i-XP 24, the Kongsberg i-XL 24, and the Kongsberg i-XE 10 Auto finishing systems. Workstations will offer demonstrations of i-cut Suite,
a collection of pre-production tools that streamlines the workflow for narrow format and large-format printers alike, from prepress to finished product --
highlighting new automated capabilities offered by i-cut Automate.
NEW: i-cut Automate helps complete the i-cut Suite workflow
i-cut Suite offers companies that drive narrow or large format digital printers and/or digital finishing systems professional tools to streamline their
workflows -- the first workflow offered sign & display shops a complete, integrated solution. Introduced in 2010, the i-cut Suite has seen rapid
popularity throughout the world.
Launched at SGIA Expo 2011 is i-cut Automate the latest addition to i-cut Suite, built on EskoArtwork's highly successful Automation Engine. i-cut
Automate ties the pieces of the i-cut Suite together, automating the entire production process from design to print to cut. Users can build dynamic
workflows that will automate repetitive prepress tasks, thereby enhancing productivity, reducing operator intervention and errors, and saving
valuable time, money and materials in the production process.
i-cut Suite components include:
i-cut Preflight handles efficient preflighting and editing of incoming PDF files, ensuring that jobs will RIP and print correctly. It also lets users make
any corrections working within the PDF file.
i-cut Layout is a module for interactively building and editing sheet layouts, ensuring that jobs are set up to make the optimum use of the substrate
through intelligent true shape nesting and tiling. It also enables file preparation for printing, through adding grommet marks, and creating cut paths
and bleeds.
i-cut Vision Pro makes sure that die-less cutting contours match printed images perfectly. Often, slight distortions between printed graphics and contour
cut may cause unacceptable results. i-cut Vision Pro registers the actual dimensions and positions on the printed result. Then, finishing is adapted to the
shape of the graphics. Added to i-cut Vision Pro earlier in the year was patent-pending Adaptive Registration, a feature that intelligently reduces the
number of registration marks read throughout production, increasing productivity without sacrificing accuracy. Another new feature is the ability to
automatically eliminate overcuts in sensitive materials such as foam, Reboard and PSA film, by cutting away from inside corners.
With i-cut Automate, all of these functions can be automated in a single workflow, with less operator intervention required and fewer potential manual
errors. Through Mac or PC based clients, operators can easily monitor the workflow and interact when necessary through a comprehensive
checkpoint. Repetitive tasks are far less time-consuming through dynamic workflows that are easy to set up and operate in a client-server
environment. i-cut Automate can also be integrated with Management Information Systems, enabling automatic job creation and the
submission of job parameters to the workflow via XML data.
Users with more specific requirements can easily add supplementary modules: a structural design module to allow integration with all standard structural
design programs; a graphics preparation module to create the cutting contour on both vector files and images; and a true shape nesting module
offering a powerful, true shape nesting solution, particularly for irregular shapes.
The Kongsberg i-XP24: the world's fastest digital finishing system
On display at SGIA is the Kongsberg i-XP 24, the world's fastest digital finishing system. The i-XP helps turn short-run POP / POS displays work into
profitable, value added jobs, helping sign and display shops offer their customers on-demand production with just-in-time delivery. The Kongsberg i-XP
series provides a fast, flexible and highly reliable solution for short run production. With a maximum working area of 87"x126" and a maximum speed of
66" ips (inches per second), the i-XP series can convert a wide range of board, sheet and roll materials. Demonstrated at SGIA is an optional
conveyor extension is available that can work with rolls or sheets/boards with an Auto-Feeder with scissor-lift and transfer cart system, expanding
the quantity of print runs that can be pre-stacked. The seamless workflow no longer requires an operator to restack or transfer materials.
Kongsberg i-XL 24: Perfect for signs and displays
The Kongsberg i-XL 24, the workhorse of the product line and best-selling Kongsberg finishing system among sign and display companies, offers
a comprehensive finishing solution for the widest range of materials, providing automation, high productivity and outstanding precision. The i-XL
family, with a maximum material size of 87" x 120", can also be delivered with an optional conveyor extension, along with the Auto-Feeder and
scissor-lift system.
Kongsberg i-XE 10 Auto digital finishing system
AT SGIA, the Kongsberg i-XE 10 Auto is equipped with a fully automated sheet feeder and off load stacker, specifically designed for finishing
small-format, prototype, sample and short-run digital printed materials - rolls or sheets can be processed. The sheet feeder system automatically
loads and places printed materials on the table. The 'Pick and Place' automated stacker enables non-stop sorting, neatly stacking finished pieces.
The system also automatically separates waste from the finished items. As a result, the machine can run virtually unattended, delivering significant
savings on man-hours. The Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto opens opportunities for creative, new applications with irregular shapes or finishing structures.
It can handle a maximum sheet size of 35" x 47" at a maximum speed of 52.5 ips.
Kongsberg tables on display at partner booths
EskoArtwork partners Agfa Graphics (booths 935,945) and HP (booth 919) will both demonstrate complete print and finishing solutions. Agfa
Graphics will exhibit the Kongsberg i-XL24 finishing system, while HP will operate the Kongsberg i-XP24 finishing system.
"The best way to add value -- and margins -- to a sign or display business is to offer 3D capabilities," comments Bill Hartman, EskoArtwork Vice
President, Sign & Display Solutions. "Exciting opportunities are becoming available for companies wiling to invest in workflow systems that offer
some of the designing, printing and cutting steps that are unique to us. These software solutions let print providers get to grips with understanding
the steps needed for a workflow. And a starter system needn't break the bank, nor disrupt the production process. On the contrary, they can add
exceptional productivity efficiencies, from the designer's workstation all the way through to the finishing table. It gets even better with the option to
fully automate the process. The future for workflows in sign and display companies is certainly gaining momentum."
On Wednesday, October 26, from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, EskoArtwork will be holding a full day of demonstrations covering their latest and greatest products
and enhancements.
The events of the day will include:
· Exceeding demand in a Sign & Display market
· Web enabled solutions for your project lifecycle
· Color my world
· Packaging: drive cost out/drive profit up
· Start your Automation Engine - the new standard in MIS integration
· A new horizon for flexo printing
· A Jaw dropping 3D experience
· ArtiosCAD, the world's most popular structure design software
Breakfast (8:00 AM) and lunch (noon) will be provided.
If you are interested in attending, please register at http://esko.com/toronto
EskoArtwork Roadshow
Ryerson University
Oakham House/Ryerson Student Centre Conferencing
63 Gould Street
Toronto, ON M5B 1E9
EskoArtwork's ArtiosCAD 7.7 Offers New Packaging and Display Design
Tools
EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) announces the release of a new version of ArtiosCAD that offers a wide array of new features. New features help the
packaging design shop and converter, as well as sign & display shops with enhancements that make designs with special display materials
trouble-free.
New features benefit the complete supply chain, from design to diemaking to palletization
"We want to make our customer's production workflow more efficient. New features in ArtiosCAD will help converters demonstrate more efficient
palletization of packaging and produce special diemaking tools easier," explains Richard Deroo, EskoArtwork Product Manager, Structural
Design."
New features include:
* New Blanking tool: ArtiosCAD has a wide, new range of tools for the creation of steel, flattop, grid and combo blankers, including the addition of
upper and lower boards, grid holes, blank holes and pusher -- to name just a few.
* Round trip CAPE workflow: Specifications of cartons designed in ArtiosCAD can be sent to CAPE software for a pallet solution -- which can then
exported back to ArtiosCAD to create and show a realistic, 3D pallet-load.
* Enhancements in die-making and rubbering tools: Additional enhancements to the design and die-making tools increase designer efficiency and
optimize the manufacturing of cutting dies.
Structural tool of choice for Sign and Display, with a full library of design templates
In an industry that is becoming more commoditized, sign and display shops are realizing that the uniqueness of 3D display projects offers higher margins.
Thus, more and more companies are investing in ArtiosCAD as an important structural design 'tool' in their design departments, to work alongside their
digital flatbed presses and Kongsberg finishing tables. In the past, EskoArtwork has recognized the popularity of ArtiosCAD as a design tool by adding
POP display standards to the style catalog. Users browsing the POP library will find parametric design templates from which to either design POP
displays in minutes or stimulate the creative design process. The latest version of ArtiosCAD provides two important new tools:
* Support for Re-board and V-notch linetypes: Re-board and other multi-wall substrates are typically very thick. V-notches are now correctly designed,
and can be easily visualized as angle cuts. In addition, they can be accurately folded in 3D for quality control to ensure they are properly designed
and to create amazing, visually accurate client presentations.
* Tab & slot assembly tool for displays and multi-component designs: A true time saver for POP display designing. Using a 3D visual, the Tab & slot
assembly tool will help to 'assemble' components of a display with just a few clicks.
These tools are added to an already full list of features that help sign and display shops do an exceptional job creating structural designs for 3D displays.
For example, the Mate tool allows for the simple assembly and visualization of connected folds and parts. Users can identify glue areas and
corresponding targets to quickly connect designs or perform simple assembly of displays. Curved Creases, a patent pending technology only
available in ArtiosCAD, makes it easy for designers to work with curved folds and cuts by allowing them to visualize designs with curved creases
as part of its 3D module. To assist with a shop's administrative department's, ArtiosCAD can create automated bill of material reports that can be
generated on multi-part design projects with the click of a button.
V-notches on Re-board displays are much easier for Digiforma
Digiforma, based in Turnhout, Belgium, produces stands, panels, and a wide range of displays and furniture using Re-board. The Re-board is printed
on two digital flatbed presses and cut on a Kongsberg cutting table. They have been a user of ArtiosCAD for 3? years, and have been testing the
newest features of ArtiosCAD for three months.
"The most important part of ArtiosCAD is that you can virtually fold Re-board in 3D, like you do in reality. Before, designing from 2D to 3D was inexact,
especially when we created V-notches. We had to check to see how things would look when they were cut and folded. To be safe, we created scale
models and folded them to see if they were correct. With ArtiosCAD, the 3D design feature lets us cut exact V-notches all the time. We even show the
3D designs to our customers. It saves us a lot of design and approval time--perhaps a day or two-because we are making less prototypes," explains
Olivier Ceulemans, Digiforma CEO. "In fact, there was a recent job we produced: a large version of a washing powder box. It was 3.5 meters high
and contained a ton of washing powder. The entire box was done in Re-board. We designed it in 2D, checked it out in 3D, and we didn't even
have to make a prototype. Everything fit perfectly and we went straight to production."
"We are also cutting single-cut V-notches at the corner of materials. ArtiosCAD does a very nice job adding customer graphics right on our 3D designs,"
adds Ceulemans. "Everything in ArtiosCAD was on our wish list. To me, it's great. There is no other structural design software solution like it."
"EskoArtwork continues to invest heavily in the research and development of structural design -- and for good reason," concludes Bernard
Zwaenepoel, EskoArtwork Senior Vice President Software Business. "Many of our customers, both packaging and sign & display shops, rely on
ArtiosCAD to offer exceptional structural design. It is the combination of structure and graphics that makes EskoArtwork prepress and production
workflows unique in the industry -- and thus, our customers indispensible to everyone in the supply chain. This includes features such as automatic
registration of graphics with structure, that provides a seamless roundtrip workflow between ArtiosCAD and Adobe® Illustrator®. Our ArtiosCAD
customers can be assured that their investment is protected and they will benefit from continued product upgrades and enhancements."
EskoArtwork (www.esko.com), announces the release of Automation Engine 10.1, a new version of the world's leading prepress workflow software.
Packaging and label converters as well as commercial print businesses nowadays are heavily engaged in streamlining internal workflows, integrating
business systems, consolidating data and diversifying value-add services. Automation Engine 10.1 software is the gateway to more powerful automation
and considerable productivity improvements so that pre-production files are processed more quickly.
ArtPro and Nexus users move up to the next level of workflow automation from EskoArtwork
The latest version of Automation Engine takes integration, automation and central job management even further, especially by introducing functionality
formerly only available on the Nexus platform. This helps the many professional ArtPro and Nexus users all around the world to move up to the next
level of workflow automation from EskoArtwork.
Version 10.1 features a number of value added items which include:
> Fewer manual tasks, greater workflow efficiency with new Processor module - allowing customers to fully automate tasks that are normally carried out
manually in the ArtPro editor, saving time and reducing errors. This includes trapping, distortion, and screening parameters.
> Updated PDF technologies - Automation Engine 10.1 has the latest Enfocus PitStop preflighting tools on board.
> Integration with entry level business systems - for some time, customers have been able to automatically receive job data and metadata in JDF/JMF
format from MIS and ERP systems. Through XML they can now automatically draw job data from non-JDF compliant business systems such as
FileMaker Pro, Excel or home-made software solutions. No manual entry or rekeying is required, allowing automated job integration without additional
investment.
> Tighter integration with output devices - bi-directional communication and status feedback is now possible with HP's industrial presses for labels &
packaging and with the EskoArtwork CDI flexo platesetter. Operators can now monitor status and receive feedback from output devices directly
within Automation Engine.
> Simplified user interface - additional workflow logic has been added to reduce human interaction with the workflow, making operator error far less likely.
Simplified Operations
French packaging printer Cartonnages Larré has increased its prepress efficiency since implementing Automation Engine 10, and has been beta testing
version 10.1. The most impressive benefit the new workflow server brought to this Folding Carton converter is a reduction from 20 different job ticket
templates down to only two, thereby considerably simplifying operations.
"We've increased throughput and improved customer service," said general manager Hugues Larré. "Implementing Automation Engine has allowed us to
keep the upper hand and maintain a high level of customer loyalty. And all of these benefits have been achieved without increasing staff yet improving
our competitiveness."
Dries Vandenbussche, Product Manager Automation Engine at EskoArtwork, commented: "Automation Engine 10.1 will be of particular interest to our
Nexus users, who can now use Automation Engine for everything they had in Nexus whilst taking advantage of the substantial amount of features
only Automation Engine can do. The enhancements we have made with version 10.1 mark another big step towards 'lights-out' automation, and that
means that our customers can expect to achieve even lower overall prepress costs by using Automation Engine as the hub of their pre-production
environment."
Prisco to Sell EskoArtwork Sign and Display Solutions to Commercial
Printers in US and Canada
EskoArtwork announces that it has signed a reseller agreement with Newark, New Jersey-based Prisco, enabling PriscoDigital, the digital division of the
Prisco Group of Companies, to sell EskoArtwork's Kongsberg finishing tables and software solutions to commercial printers in the U.S. and Canada. This
new partnership will be evident during Graph Expo, as Prisco (booth 201) intends to display the i-cut Suite workflow along with a Kongsberg i-XL 24
finishing table, to support HP Scitex printers.
Commercial printers are expanding their business opportunities, looking for new opportunities to increase profitability. Many are choosing wide format as a
viable strategy to evolve into print service providers. According to Steve Zunde, president of PriscoDigital, what makes wide-format inkjet technologies
so special is that they enable these printers to capture new business opportunities from within their existing customer base. EskoArtwork values this
group of companies that can leverage their traditional print expertise to a growing marketplace.
"Prisco has the largest remaining field sales force calling on commercial printers in the U.S., as well as a very strong presence in Canada," notes Bill
Hartman, EskoArtwork Vice President Marketing, Digital Finishing Solutions. "Their expertise is evident as the exclusive HP Elite Partner selling wide
format printers to commercial printers -- a 100-year old company with almost twenty full-time tech support staff in addition to fifty sales reps. This is a
very important distinction to EskoArtwork, in our efforts to bring the EskoArtwork's design to print to cut solutions to graphics producers."
"Our new relationship with EskoArtwork is an important milestone for PriscoDigital. It is a significant expansion of our capability to provide complete
workflow solutions that complement our HP Scitex wide format inkjet systems. Many companies forget that printing is just one component of getting a
job out the door. Finishing is required, too. EskoArtwork has both the finishing hardware and structural and graphic workflow software to cover all
aspects of a job," remarks Eric A. Gutwillig, VP of Marketing for PriscoDigital. "This business relationship is further evidence of our commitment to
seek out and partner with companies that offer affordable leading-edge technologies that assist our customers to expand their business opportunities
and increase profitability."
EskoArtwork is partnering with ZN Production Company/Re-board and Neenah Paper to present an open house to identify Innovative and creative
ways to create value before and after print for both narrow and wide format print projects. The event will be held 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Thursday,
June 9th, 2011 at the EskoArtwork Demo Center in Lake Geneva, WI.
"Not so very long ago, a key differentiating factor between print service providers was their ability to generate image resolution and consistency in the
printed output," comments Bill Hartman, EskoArtwork Vice President, Sign & Display Solutions. "That has changed. While print quality is still a key
factor, digital printing technologies have equalized this differentiator between printers who have digital printing equipment with similar capabilities.
The result is a squeeze on printed output profit margins along with the challenge of finding new ways to differentiate the company and create
value before and after print."
A wealth of 'How to' sessions
The EskoArtwork Open House is much more than a day of demos. A number of 'how to' sessions are designed to offer printers a wealth of actionable
ways they can build business:
* Creating value before and after print: Review business models across the 'Design to Print to Cut' spectrum of printed graphics production. The session
will explain where to meet the customer -- and create value.
* Making the world less rectangular: Create value and improve margins through more creative approaches to 2D printed graphics.
* Entering the world of 3D products: There are many 3D product opportunities. They include POP/POS, retail, trade shows, events, meetings and
show rooms -- among others.
* Feeding the beast and optimizing substrate utilization: Deliver more RIP ready files for the digital printer quicker, without increasing staff, and save
money with better, more efficient layout of graphics on substrates.
* Breaking the finishing bottleneck: Automated digital finishing systems to both increase finishing capacity and broaden finishing capabilities.
* Productivity from workflow automation: Eliminate bottlenecks in the 'Design to Print to Cut' process before they occur, respond to short-run
market demands and improve delivery lead time with workflow automation.
"We can show printers specific ways to meet customers earlier in the value creation chain," adds Hartman. "They can produce more creative,
interesting and higher-margin products, respond to short run and quick delivery market demands and, most important, grow their business and
increase profits."
People can register for the event at www.icutvision.com/emails/OpenHouse/OpenHouseReg.html. For more information about the event, people are
requested to call EskoArtwork at 262.348.0400, or email SignandDisplay.usa@esko.com. For more information about EskoArtwork Sign & Display
products, please visit http://www.esko.com/SignandDisplay.
EskoArtwork to Offer GoPrint Web-to-Print Solution
EskoArtwork today announces that it will be offering Hybrid Integration's GoPrint(TM) web-to-print solution to its North American customers. This comes
on the heels of Hybrid's recent news that it has integrated portions of EskoArtwork's WebCenter viewing technologies within the application. For larger
printers, GoPrint(TM) has been closely integrated with many EskoArtwork solutions so, for example, it can be incorporated with the complete
WebCenter solution. WebCenter is a unique and powerful web-based platform that manages pre-production approval and project life cycle.
"As many of our customers are processing orders of smaller quantities -- particularly with digital presses -- there has become a greater need to automate an
order entry system to make these smaller orders as cost-effective as possible," explains Mark Quinlan, President of EskoArtwork Americas. "A
web-to-print system not only allows our customers the means to provide an easier order entry process for standardized projects. It also lets users
access private catalogs of open jobs, review them, and offer last-minute changes if necessary. This is much more efficient than requiring
face-to-face meetings to review proofs."
"We are pleased that GoPrint will be available for EskoArtwork users," comments Mike Rottenborn, President and CEO of Hybrid Integration. "As
shorter runs, faster deadlines, and the demand for client-facing systems drive the need for greater efficiencies, web-to-print portals have become
very important. The tight link between GoPrint and EskoArtwork's an integrated production workflow method that corporate clients require."
Most Web-to-print systems offer templates that let the print buyer control brand management and content. These templates can be reused on new
projects to assure consistency from one printed piece to the next -- a cost-effective process for print buyers and a faster process for the printer.
Unfortunately, many of these systems are built on proprietary database systems and software, and unavailable to smaller print providers. That is
not the case with GoPrint(TM), which allows customers to choose from a wide variety of templates, making the customer much more satisfied
with the order process.
GoPrint(TM) provides a powerful, yet easy-to-use portal for printers and their customers. It provides a database of items and jobs with tracking and
order history, fast file transfer capabilities to replace traditional FTP servers, and a customizable product catalog linked to an online order ticket
and shopping cart. GoPrint(TM) can be easily branded for each customer to provide a familiar look and feel to users.
We believe GoPrint(TM) will help our customers increase their market share, utilizing the power of ecommerce," adds Quinlan. "It simplifies the order
process for the print buyer, and reduces the ordering life cycle and proofing costs for the print provider. For new product packaging, it streamlines
the introduction process; for reorders, it minimizes the hassle."
GoPrint(TM) is available directly from EskoArtwork, Hybrid Integration, and other EskoArtwork resellers throughout North America.
EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) announces the release of WebCenter 10, a new version of its online collaboration and approval tool for the packaging and print
supply chain.
"Initial feedback and reactions from beta customers indicate that WebCenter 10 will add to the application's reputation as the most effective online approval
tool for the packaging and print market," comments Jijo Dominic, EskoArtwork Product Manager WebCenter. "From the early stages of software development,
we worked with our customers to ensure that the new release meets their expectations."
WebCenter 10 addresses industry needs
WebCenter has hundreds of installations and many thousands of users worldwide. WebCenter serves a wide range of industry players such as packaging
converters, commercial printers, pre-press service bureaus, global consumer product companies and highly regulated pharmaceutical companies.
With the packaging & print supply chain always under pressure to develop new value-add services, WebCenter 10 now addresses additional market needs.
The straightforward user interface, the powerful staged approval support, the project management tools and the tighter integration with the Automation Engine
all make WebCenter the logical choice for online collaboration and approval in the packaging and printing industry.
WebCenter dramatically reduces lead time and cost
WebCenter helps securely manage and automate approval cycles. It comes with a fast and accurate online viewing tool with unique viewing and compare
features focused on the needs of the packaging and print industry. WebCenter users report lead-time reduction by up to 25%, simply by replacing the majority of
hard copy proof iterations by online reviewing and approval cycles. Less hardcopy proofs shipped to various stakeholders equally has an important positive
effect on the environmental footprint of the packaging development process.
WebCenter as a lifecycle management system
The collaboration tools, the briefing module and task management in WebCenter 10 make it a powerful life cycle management tool. WebCenter is the linchpin
that connects, controls and streamlines the complexities of the packaging development lifecycle. WebCenter centralizes all project related data optimizes
communication between all packaging and print buyers, designers and printer/converters.
WebCenter as a packaging asset library
Its document management capabilities turn WebCenter into a centralized and secure web-based warehouse for all project related digital assets, including
technical drawings, artwork, text, logos, images and other packaging elements. WebCenter keeps track of versions of every one of these documents in a
logical and structured way.
The powerful metadata-based search tools in WebCenter make it easy to find projects and documents. Whether you want to find a label with a specific
barcode, a package design using a specific ink, a structural design for a specific kind of board, a design brief from a certain customer... WebCenter will find
it for you.
Innovative user interface
The user interface of WebCenter 10 has been redesigned to be more appealing and above all easier to learn and use. This includes an easy to configure
user interface, user-specific work spaces and viewer preferences. The interface redesign of the WebCenter Viewer focuses on faster deployment of the
approval tool, supported by a range of additional annotation tools.
Powerful Staged Approval support
The new approval module allows customers to design and automate multilevel approval cycles with support for both parallel and sequential parts in one
approval cycle. WebCenter 10 gets users the best trade-off between speed and staged control.
EskoWorld 2011: the EskoArtwork User Event Scheduled for April 17-20
in Phoenix, Arizona
The EskoArtwork User Group International (EUGI) Board of Directors and EskoArtwork (www.esko.com/eskoworld) are pleased to announce that next year's
EskoWorld 2011 for EskoArtwork customers in the Americas will be held in Phoenix, Arizona - April 17-20, 2011 at the picturesque Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs
Resort. EskoArtwork plans to offer valuable content from the company and its partners to more users, in more markets, for more applications.
"From the opening remarks on April 17, to the final session on April 20, attendees to our conference will be treated to a full agenda of educational sessions,
business networking, guest speakers and industry experts," explains Mark Quinlan, EskoArtwork Americas President. "The user conference will provide
invaluable information on EskoArtwork solutions to fine-tune and maximize system use. It's been three years since EskoWorld was held west of the Mississippi,
and now we're confident attendees will agree that again a great city and hotel has been selected. Because of its new destination point, we hope a greater
number of attendees will visit from throughout the Americas. It's an excellent time to Connect - Discover - Experience."
EskoWorld Mission: Share ideas and knowledge
EskoWorld brings together customers, industry partners, product specialists and support staff, encouraging the exchange of ideas and product and
application knowledge. The large number of EskoArtwork support staff is on-hand for conference program presentations and demonstrations, as well
as to listen to customer input and to provide feedback.
"EskoWorld is one of the most important events on our calendar, and the organization of EskoWorld and preparation of relevant content is always a
collaborative process between EskoArtwork and the EUGI leadership. During the event, users participate in training sessions, roundtable discussions,
seminars and hands-on labs, designed for novice, journeyman, as well as advanced users. Attendees often discuss product use and best practices tips
among themselves, allowing them to return home with actionable ideas that can add even more value to their EskoArtwork solutions," explains Simon James,
EskoArtwork Vice President Marketing. "It also provides us a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our customers' evolving needs while, concurrently,
getting feedback from them on our development plans. Attendees have active role in offering suggestions for improvements to EskoArtwork solutions. Their
views about our technology, service and support provide critical input for future product and business planning."
Exceptional networking event with EskoArtwork industry partners
EskoWorld also benefits EskoArtwork industry and technology partners, with its centrally located 'Partner Pavilion', a dedicated exhibition area where
attendees get ready access to demos and helpful information, along with opportunities to make presentations to the group. Once they participate,
EskoArtwork partners continue to return to EskoWorld in subsequent years.
2010 EskoWorld attendee feedback offers overwhelming support
As the economy began to rebound, the 2010 user conference was a resounding success, with strong attendance and a complete program that was
appreciated by users. 'The best event ever' was a frequently heard comment from EskoWorld attendees.
"EskoWorld 2010 was a very positive event. We wanted technical information, and that's exactly what we got," says Scott Collett, Electronic Prepress
Technician at Prime Package & Label in St. Louis, MO. "And, the dinners and entertainment made it easier to network with others."
"If I had to rate EskoWorld from 1-10, I'd give it a 25," remarks Gary Harry, Senior Designer, Advanced Design & Packaging. "The EskoArtwork people were
very helpful and went above and beyond answering any questions we had. The sessions for the new ArtiosCAD 7.6 were very informative--as were the tips
and tricks."
"I loved EskoWorld. It was really informative and it inspired us to focus and get prepared for the newest software innovations--and get the most of the software
we own. It's great to attend an event where everyone does what you do. I made great contacts and learned about different kinds of product workflows I
never considered," comments Steve Parr, Prepress Supervisor, Matthews Brand Solutions Americas. "In the Partner Zone I was impressed with the live
demonstration of the Kongsberg table, and proofing with the new Epson WT7900 printer."
Information and registration
EskoArtwork is holding to the same registration and room rate pricing structure from 2010 - assuring EskoWorld 2011 an excellent return on investment for
business owners.
EskoArtwork users can register for the conference by visiting www.esko.com/eskoworld. The site also provides frequent, updated news about the event,
offering the latest information, agenda details, speaker backgrounds, and more. More information about the venue is available at www.tapatiocliffshilton.com.
EskoArtwork "Shapes the Future" with Complete Workflow and Digital
Finishing Solutions
During SGIA 2010 at booth 447, EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) will demonstrate a comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end workflow and digital finishing
solutions. Highlights at the show - which takes place from October 12-15 in Las Vegas - include i-cut Suite, a collection of pre-production tools that
streamlines the workflow for large-format digital printing and finishing, from prepress to the finished product. There will also be demonstrations of the
Kongsberg i-XP24, the Kongsberg i-XL 24, and the Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto. EskoArtwork will also be present at the Hewlett Packard Company stand,
located in booth 2339, where the Kongsberg i-XP24 will be demonstrated along with the i-cut Suite of pre-production tools. Fujifilm North America, Graphic
Systems Division-Sericol Unit, will also be demonstrating i-cut Suite, in booth 2359.
NEW: i-cut Suite raises productivity, saves time and reduces errors
i-cut Suite is targeted specifically for companies that drive a large format digital printer and/or digital finishing system, and require professional tools to
streamline their workflows.
"For the first time with our new i-cut Suite tools, wide format printing and digital finishing companies will be able to work with a complete, integrated solution,"
explains Bill Hartman, Esko Artwork Vice President, Sign & Display Solutions. "It's comprised of different modules, including i-cut Preflight for efficient PDF
preflighting and editing, and i-cut Layout for interactive layout and nesting. For precise and accurate die-less cutting, the i-cut Vision Pro control system is
essential."
One of main advantages of i-cut Suite software is that users don't have to return to a native application, working within a PDF file. Furthermore, it reduces
errors by spotting them before RIPping, and it optimizes the layout, which ultimately reduces material costs and minimizes set-up time. Users with more
specific requirements can easily also add supplementary modules: a structural design module to allow integration with all standard structural design programs;
a graphics preparation module to create the cutting contour on both vector files and images; and a true shape nesting module offering a powerful, true
shape nesting solution, particularly for irregular shapes.
The Kongsberg i-XP 24 digital finishing system offers a completely new level of productivity and throughput
On display is the Kongsberg i-XP 24, the world's fastest digital finishing system. It perfectly complements today's wide format digital printers, enabling a
complete digital finishing production workflow.
The Kongsberg i-XP series is designed for POP and in-store displays as well as high volume signage, providing a fast, flexible and highly reliable solution for
short run production up to about 1000 sheets or stacks of material up to three feet high. With a maximum working area of 87"x126" and a maximum speed
of 66" per second, the i-XP series can convert a wide range of board, sheet and roll materials, including vinyl, all grades of display carton, corrugated
plastic, foam boards, and rigid display materials such as MDF, plywood, PVC and acrylics. An optional conveyor extension along with an AutoFeeder with
scissor-lift and transfer cart system expands the quantity of print runs that can be pre-stacked. The seamless workflow no longer requires an operator to
restack or transfer materials.
"With faster large format digital printers comes a stronger demand for a higher capacity automatic finishing solution for printed display materials," says
Hartman. "The i-XP helps turn short-run POP work into profitable, value added jobs. Sign and display shops can now offer their customers on-demand
production with just-in-time delivery.
Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto digital finishing system
The Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto is equipped with a fully automated sheet feeder and off load stacker, specifically designed for finishing small-format, prototype,
sample and short-run digital printed materials. The sheet feeder system automatically loads and places the printed materials on the table. The 'Pick and Place'
automated stacker enables non-stop sorting, neatly stacking finished pieces. The system also automatically separates waste from the finished items. As a
result, the machine can run virtually unattended, delivering significant savings on man-hours. The Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto combines high production speed
and precision with easy operation. It opens opportunities for creative, new applications with irregular shapes or finishing structures. It can handle a maximum
sheet size of 35" x 47" at a maximum speed of 52.5 inches/second
Kongsberg i-XL24: Perfect for signs and displays
The Kongsberg i-XL 24, the workhorse of the product line and best-selling Kongsberg finishing system among sign and display companies, offers a
comprehensive finishing solution for the widest range of materials, providing automation, high productivity and outstanding precision. At SGIA 2010, it will be
equipped with i-cut 7.0, the latest version of the global standard i-cut vision system. The i-XL systems, with a maximum material size of 87" x 120", can be
delivered with the optional conveyor extension, along with the AutoFeeder and scissor-lift system.
"SGIA is always an opportune time to present new products to the sign and display industry in the Americas, and it's the ideal backdrop and timing to introduce
our new solutions," says Hartman. "We are committed to "shaping the future" of our customers´ business and this industry. Across the 'design-to-print-to-cut'
spectrum of printed graphics production, EskoArtwork solutions improve each step of the process. In the design phase, application tools improve the graphic
and structural design. In the print stage, i-cut Suite tools improve prepress productivity and i-cut's workflow integration with RIP software allows the seamless,
automated creation of cut ready files for finishing operations. And, in the cut phase, the Kongsberg finishing tables provide flexible, versatile and productive
finishing, transforming printed graphics into usable products."
EskoArtwork Kongsberg XP Completed with Automation
EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) announces the Kongsberg XP Auto, an extended new version of the XP cutting table. This incorporates automatic loading
and unloading to give the highest digital converting capacity available on the market. It is the perfect complement to a wide format digital printer, enabling a
full digital production workflow for POP displays and short-run packaging work.
The XP Auto is the successor to the DCM 24 (Digital Converting Machine), which established EskoArtwork and its Kongsberg operation as a leader in fully
automatic board handling for digital cutters. The new model is based on the Kongsberg XP, the company's highest capacity cutting table, designed for high
productivity up to 24/7 continuous operation. The configuration can handle a wide range of materials from high-density, rigid sheets requiring a milling tool to
flexible materials that can be processed by knife cutting tools. The maximum sheet size for the large format XP44 Auto model is 2310 x 3600 mm.
Full automatic finishing solution
"With the introduction of faster large format digital printers, there is a strong demand for a higher capacity automatic finishing solution for printed packaging
and display materials," says Tom Erik Naess, CAM Product Manager at EskoArtwork. "The XP Auto helps to turn short-run packaging and POP work into
profitable and value added jobs. Users can now offer their customers on-demand production with just-in time-delivery."
The addition of automatic media handling transforms the XP into a fully automatic finishing system that can run unattended for long periods. Unattended
operations are aided by the XP's automatic tool calibration and a camera system for accurate print-to-cut registration. Exclusive for the XP Auto is the ability
to register sheets with the print side facing down, most useful for processing corrugated board. This is achieved by means of a camera, located below the
table top level and driven by a separate servo axis, that registers the marks as the board is moved from the in-stack to the cutting area.
"The Kongsberg XP Auto is optimized for packaging and display manufacturers that want to run production series up to about 1000 sheets or stacks of
material up to one meter high," explains Naess. "It can run without the continuous supervision of an operator, thus saving considerable costs. Operators
can also leave the machine working unattended overnight as a remote alert system automatically sends a message to the operator if operation has
stopped."
The system is particularly valuable for producing POP display work and short-run customized packaging, with short turnaround times. Compared with
conventional cutting and creasing systems for packaging, this also avoids the lead times and high cost of making cutting dies. A milling capability is optional
for materials such as MDF, Forex, Dibond and acrylic panels.
Positive customer feedback
The new Kongsberg XP Auto, including a large format XP44 model, is already operating at SCA Packaging Norway in Sarpsborg, a plant that is part of
the Europe-wide packaging production specialist SCA Group. SCA Packaging Norway specializes in short run, on-demand corrugated boxes and in-store
POP display boxes for the Norwegian and Swedish markets. In addition to the new XP Auto configuration in operation since April 2010, the company works
with two Kongsberg DCM24 cutters for automatic packaging finishing, one Kongsberg CM1320 sample table and a Göpfert Boxmaker.
"We are very pleased with the Kongsberg XP44 Auto," says Atle Andreassen, Managing Director at SCA Packaging Norway. "The big working area
compared to the DCM machines is a big advantage for us. We can produce larger boxes than before. Multiple part jobs, often needed for in-store displays,
can now fit into a single sheet which saves time and costs both at the printing and cutting stage. The XP Auto can also cut the protective foam for the
inside of the boxes, which we have not been able to do before. Also the increased speed of the XP Auto is a benefit when cutting multiple parts from a
sheet."
With a small staff of 13 people, the ability to run unattended is very valuable. "We can leave the XP Auto unattended at night and by raising our stack of
material to 100cm, we can produce till 06.00 in the morning instead of 02.00. We even already suggested EskoArtwork to further expand the automatic
loading and unloading capability," adds Andreassen. "With the Kongsberg XP Auto, we can make samples for a customer while they wait and deliver the
order in two or three days."
The EskoArtwork XP Auto is available to order. First deliveries are scheduled for Q4 2010. Existing XP installations can be upgraded on-site to the new
XP Auto configuration.
EskoArtwork Announces July 14 Open House at New North American
Headquarters
EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) announces that it is officially opening its North American headquarters with an
Open House on Wednesday, July 14, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
"After months of planning and internal construction we are ready for our community to visit us," explains Mark
Quinlan, President EskoArtwork North America. "Our new facility is a showplace for the direction of the graphics
communication industry and we look forward to hosting visitors at this special event."
A complete agenda appealing to a wide range of print and graphics interests
The Open House will begin with a light continental breakfast along with welcoming remarks from Mark Quinlan,
followed by a series of 50-minute solutions sessions covering a range of topics related to packaging, commercial
print and sign & display production.
Highlights will include:
* EskoArtwork Suite 10: Sessions will cover Color Engine 10, a centralized color management server and
database with patented spectral profile technology and unique spot-color capabilities; DeskPack 10, a series
of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop plug-in tools that provide 3D views, compatibility with structural
design, trapping, and other sophisticated functions; Studio 10, bringing 3D tools into the packaging design and
pre-production world, allowing users to check and finish artwork designs faster, and creating animated 3D
visuals for the customer; and Automation Engine 10, workflow automation and job management software with
extensive MIS integration capabilities and excellent scalability, making it the heart of any size prepress production
operation.
* Digital flexo, featuring EskoArtwork's HD Flexo, the quality standard for flexographic printing, utilizing high-
resolution optics and superior screening to deliver the full tonal range of offset and gravure. The Cyrel Digital
Imager (CDI), the leading imager for direct exposure on flexo plates, will be demonstrated. The CDI delivers the
highest quality flexo for applications in flexible packaging, labels, and folding cartons, among others.
* ArtiosCAD, the world's most popular CAD software for packaging professionals. With dedicated tools designed
for packaging structural design, product development, virtual prototyping and manufacturing, ArtiosCAD can
increase productivity throughout the company.
* Concentric screening, revolutionary and proven halftone dot technology for offset printing. It divides the
conventional round dot into thin concentric rings, limiting ink buildup on plate. Images are sharper and a wider
color gamut is achieved.
The complete agenda will be repeated in the afternoon for those who might have missed a session. During a
complimentary lunch, a trade fair will provide an overview of important services delivered by EskoArtwork North
America, including service and support, maintenance contracts, inside sales and open labs. In addition, tours of
the entire facility will be given every hour.
EskoArtwork announces that its partnership with the HP Graphics Solutions Business has been extended to the
HP Scitex Large Format Division. In reply to the fast growing need for dedicated prepress tools, EskoArtwork
and HP Scitex agreed to co-market integrated workflow solutions specifically tailored for the sign and display
market. These solutions include the complete EskoArtwork i-cut Suite, a collection of pre-production design-to-
finish software to streamline the entire production workflow.
"In today's challenging economic climate, service print providers need more than fast, high-quality printing
devices to compete," says Yariv Avisar, Vice President and General Manager, HP Scitex Large Format Solutions,
HP. "They also require automated workflows that drive efficiencies while reducing turnaround times and costs.
While many companies offer a series of fragmented tools to support the production of sign and display materials,
EskoArtwork is uniquely qualified to provide a complete series of end-to-end tools that not only offers support for
graphics, but also for the structure and finishing of displays. Our partnership with EskoArtwork brings this critical
element to our large format printing solution, enabling our customers to streamline their workflows considerably,
increase print productivity and grow their businesses profitably."
"We are delighted to partner with the world's leading provider of large format printing solutions," says Bryan
Stringer, Worldwide Business Development Manager Sign & Display at EskoArtwork. "We respect their
expertise in delivering exceptional digital print devices to the market, and feel that our know-how in developing
software solutions complement them superbly."
EskoArtwork also announces that it has entered into an alliance with EFI to co-market EskoArtwork software
solutions specifically aimed at the large format sign and display market. Under the agreement, the companies
agreed to co-market the new EskoArtwork i-cut Suite, the expanded collection of pre-production software,
beginning at Fespa 2010. In combination with EFI's Fiery XF solutions for the wide-format and super wide digital
inkjet market, the combined offering streamlines production substantially.
"EskoArtwork since long is the leader in developing prepress, automation and workflow solutions, and their
years of experience make them a key player in this market," comments Stefan Spiegel, General Manager EFI
Inkjet Applications. "Their i-cut Suite is a unique offering that, in combination with our EFI Fiery XF solutions, will
enable our EFI Rastek wide format and EFI Vutek super wide format customers in single- or multi-printer
environments to improve their efficiency and reduce costs, and ultimately increase print productivity."
"We are very pleased to enter into this alliance with EFI. As the industry continues to evolve, printing and
workflow technology must become faster, less costly and more efficient. In this highly competitive market it's
critical that suppliers are able to offer a true end-to-end automated solution," adds Bryan Stringer, Worldwide
Business Development Manager Sign & Display at EskoArtwork. "Along with EFI, we recognize the importance
of partnering and combining the unique strengths of best-in-class solutions that answer the specific needs of the
sign and display market. We strongly believe this benefits the industry by delivering true integrated solutions that
help customers to become more competitive and profitable."
i-cut Suite drives complete digital production workflow
The latest addition to the EskoArtwork workflow solutions, the new i-cut Suite, is launched at Fespa 2010. The
software is unique in the industry, as it offers a workflow solution that spans the complete print production cycle:
from initial design and layout through to print and finishing. By driving the complete digital production workflow, i-cut
Suite ensures data integrity throughout each stage of the process and will even correct errors when detected,
resulting in less reworks, minimized set-up times, and faster delivery of jobs.
EskoArtwork i-cut Suite Streamlines Entire Workflow for Large Format
Digital Print and Finishing Market
EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) announces i-cut Suite, the expanded collection of pre-production software
targeted specifically at users of large format digital printers and/or digital finishing systems. The different modules
of i-cut Suite provide such companies with all essential tools to deliver sign & display products with optimal
efficiency and productivity, regardless of the type, source and variety of the incoming job information.
"Shops producing signs and displays using large format digital devices often receive files that have not been
properly prepared, often containing errors or missing information," explains Ruben Cagnie, EskoArtwork Product
Manager Sign & Display. "Without the proper workflow tools, such deficiencies lead to costly losses of time and
materials. Using the i-cut software modules however, potential issues are caught and resolved at the beginning
of the workflow, resulting in a smooth and cost-effective manufacturing process."
A rich toolkit addressing a broad spectrum of applications
The i-cut Suite is part of the EskoArtwork Suite 10 and builds on the company's extensive experience with
advanced pre-production and workflow solutions in packaging and commercial printing.
i-cut Preflight handles efficient preflighting of incoming PDF data, thus ensuring that jobs will RIP and print correctly.
Any potential issue is automatically detected and reported in detail. A set of interactive tools makes it possible to
apply corrections without having to have access to the native design application. I-cut Preflight is based on
Enfocus technology, the leader in PDF preflight and checking technology and also a company of EskoArtwork.
i-cut Layout is the fundamental module for interactively building and editing sheet layouts, saving printing time
and increasing substrate utilization. Nesting of individual pieces can follow multiple strategies. For 'minimum
waste', different jobs will be grouped on one sheet for optimal material usage. 'Maximum productivity', best for
high quantity orders, creates as many identical sheets as possible to reduce setup times for printing and finishing.
The 'minimum cuts' approach will optimize the finishing process by allowing cutting in slices across the material;
this is ideal for rectangular designs or for manual finishing with a guillotine.
In all cases, there is full integration with the i-cut Vision Pro control system for accurate die-less cutting.
Registration marks and barcodes are added, and operator setup time at the finishing station is reduced to a
minimum.
Users with more specific requirements can easily upgrade to advanced modules:
* The module for Structural Design offers direct integration with standard structural design programs. It reads
common CAD data formats like DXF, CFF2, PDF and native ArtiosCAD. A built-in 3D viewer enables checking
the design visually or exporting a 3D PDF file. Using the powerful and brand-new 'box builder' function, boxes
can be created by just entering the dimensions, saving time e.g. when creating custom corrugated shipping
containers on-demand.
* When the graphic design comes in without a cutting path defined, the module for Graphics Preparation will
create such a cutting contour for both vector and image files. Automatic bleed generation is available to eliminate
disturbing blank spaces between the printed design and the cutting contour. Special finishing or other marks can
also be added to the sheet.
* Finally, the module for True Shape Nesting gives access to an additional level of material optimization when
dealing with irregular shapes. The nesting of individual pieces will no longer be based on the bounding box
surrounding the design, but fully take into account any unused material outside the cutting contour.
Dedicated professional tools for a fast growing market
EskoArtwork presents a complete offering for the large format digital print and finishing market, Studio and
ArtiosCAD software for creative design, i-cut Suite for the production workflow, and Kongsberg cutting tables
for digital finishing.
"The new i-cut Suite reflects the needs of today's professional large format digital printing and finishing market",
concludes Nicolai Gradman, EskoArtwork Senior Vice President CAM & Supply Chain. "Many shops have made
significant investments in equipment, but are not always aware of innovative workflow tools to reduce operator time,
eliminate waste and generally make the process less expensive. With the i-cut Suite, we are shaping the future of
our customers business. We offer them a highly effective tool that immediately delivers tangible benefits."
Busy and Eventful EskoWorld 2010 User Program Taking Shape
The EskoWorld 2010 (www.esko.com/eskoworld) worldwide conference is taking shape and promises to be
the most complete user conference for the EskoArtwork user base. The conference, organized together with
EUGI, the EskoArtwork User Group International, is scheduled for April 18-21, 2010 at the Marriott Tampa
Waterside Hotel and Marina. The upcoming event is slated to offer more valuable content to more users, in
more markets, with more partners and for more applications--with more than 75 different working sessions.
More guest speakers
"We used EskoWorld to help benchmark what our industry is doing and what EskoArtwork software could
accomplish for us," explains Tim Lewandowski, Triumph Packaging.
EskoWorld is not only a forum for EskoArtwork product discussion, but for industry perspective. For example,
a great number of guest speakers are slated to make presentations or sit on panels during EskoWorld 2010,
including:
* Ian Pike of SunChemical will be part of a discussion about brand color management in the supply chain.
* An expert from Bobst USA will explain how structural design can be optimized in ArtiosCAD and increase
efficiency of the folder/gluer.
* Ed McLeod of Procter & Gamble will discuss the business case of managing content separate from design
and layout of a package.
* Adobe will be hosting a hands-on session on Creative Suite®. James Lockman, Adobe Certified Expert
provides tips and tricks for Adobe® Illustrator® and Photoshop®.
* Christopher Wemett (BP) and Jeff Czarny (Sara Lee) will explain their experiences with brand management
and packaging.
* Ben Sligar of Moduslink will discuss their unique holistic 4d approach toward "optimized design in a
sustainable workflow" while Matthew Simmons of TTi -Torque Creative, will walk through his company's
process highlighting the key areas of environmental impact and the tools they find most valuable.
Making EskoArtwork tools more effective
"The demos and labs are great to fine-tune skills. If you have a specific problem you can ask a professional at
the lab to work with you towards a solution. You can't underestimate the value of sharing insights and tips with
peers. The group participation format offers different perspectives from colleagues, allows me to contribute from
my experience, and also provides guidance for struggles I may encounter in the future. It's why I always like to
take good notes during EskoWorld," says Kathy Brazzale, Creative Design Manager, United Engravers Inc.
EskoWorld offers solution tracks, covering a wide range of topics, including digital flexo; commercial printing
prepress; packaging prepress; structural design and short run production; 3D design applications; brand
management software; and packaging digital print.
These topics are covered in presentations as well as other session formats. For example, visitors at EskoWorld
have the unique opportunity to influence development priorities through dialogues with product managers. In
Roadmap sessions, visitors are asked for their input by submitting product feature request forms, which are
then prioritized by voting at the end of each session. Meanwhile, structured operator training sessions increase
the practical knowledge level of certain applications at operator level. Hands-on sessions inform attendees
about a certain product through a hands-on experience in a lab.
Particularly featured this year are:
* ArtiosCAD Tips and Tricks: ArtiosCAD is one of the most popular EskoArtwork applications and this session is
always very popular. This year, attendees submit one of the top five tips and tricks will win a prize. It's a "must
be there" session.
* Printing to the GRACoL7 industry standard: Attendees will learn about best practices and new technologies in
print standardization, to increase in-house color competencies.
* The power and ease of use of Automation Engine 10: Session attendees will learn how to set up intelligent
and automated workflows using the visually appealing and highly interactive workflow editor for workflow tickets.
Partner Zone puts more tools to work
"We really enjoyed the Partner Zone, and were amazed at how fast the Kongsberg XP was. We were also
able to learn how ArtiosCAD and SAP could work together, with help from one of the partners," says Michael
Pickard, Staff Packaging Engineer, SpinMaster.
EskoWorld's Partner Zone is sponsored by a broad number of supporting packaging technologies, including
those from DuPont, AICOMP Consulting, Bobst, Flint Group, HP, Dr. Lauterbach and Partner, Prism, Pantone,
Dassault Systèmes, SunChemical and Strata. In the Partner Zone, visitors can see product exhibits and talk
with EskoArtwork partners to determine how their solutions can work together.
"This year's EskoWorld program provides a wealth of information for the packaging supply chain that is
arguably the most complete that you'll find at any user conference," confirms Simon James, EskoArtwork VP
Marketing. "I can't imagine any attendee walking away from EskoWorld without a number of specific, working
ideas that will make their packaging processes more efficient."
i-cut, Inc., an EskoArtwork OEM business unit, announces that i-cut Vision Pro 7.0 is currently shipping, in time
for visitors during the ISA International Sign Expo 2010, April 8-10 at booth 1528 in Orlando, FL.
Vision control is necessary with digital finishing systems because all printed materials contain size, rotation and
scaling distortions that produce inaccurate digital die cutting, if not corrected. "i-cut is the only system that offers
the power of proven full non-linear distortion correction, a simple, intuitive user interface, and full prepress and
RIP integration so that jobs are quickly prepared and sent to the cutting device without error or miscalculation.
And, in particular, i-cut Vision Pro's patented means of distortion compensation enables digital cutting systems
to produce error free results. Print runs from just one sheet to thousands are contour-cut reliably, precisely and
economically," explains Steve Bennett, EskoArtwork Vice President, Sign and Display Business. "i-cut Vision
Pro is used by 36 of the industry's leading RIP, printer and cutter and router manufacturers--many who will be
exhibiting during ISA."
i-cut Vision Pro 7.0: more production tools and easier to use
Using Vision Pro 7.0, print material specifications are taken from the work stream - including cutting keys that
supply operators with optimized tool settings and blade/bit recommendations - and are processed with preset
cutting parameters. This makes the finishing set-up even easier and simplifies the tasks necessary for starting
each unique job. Subsequently, set-up times are minimal - and in many cases, virtually eliminated.
In i-cut Vision Pro 7.0, by eliminating a pen lift with multi-pass routing, jobs are completed faster. A new
registration algorithm--including the ability to read all registration marks before cutting--delivers improved quality
with placement registration. A new tool offset algorithm handles close curves as one unit, while improvements
have also led to smoother cuts. A new, advanced help system is available from all dialogs, with multimedia
teaching videos, schematics, and animations.
The complete i-cut product family on display
During ISA 2010, i-cut, inc. will demonstrate its complete product line, underscoring i-cut's continued commitment
to technology and product development that benefits sign and digital finishers and its OEM partners. It addition
to i-cut Vision Pro 7.0, this includes:
i-cut Pro Camera, a high quality CCD camera, lighting, optics and integrated housing with adjustable f-stop,
zoom and focus settings.
i-cut Compact Camera, a high quality CCD camera, for industrial laser applications.
i-cut Micro Camera, a super-light CCD camera for table top laser applications.
i-script, providing the protocol interfaces between printing and cutting equipment to share design, scale, rotation,
layout, registration marks and materials information--passed directly from the prepress RIP station to i-cut.
i-cut Vision Pro 7.0 and all I-cut systems and upgrades are available during ISA at I-cut booth 1528, and at
icuttools.com.
i-cut, inc. offers consumables and software at ISA 2010
i-cut, Inc., an EskoArtwork OEM business unit, will highlight and offer a wide range of consumables and cutting
tools for all popular CNC cutting and routing systems during the ISA International Sign Expo 2010, April 8-10 at
booth 2073 in Orlando, FL, booth 2073. To reinforce this effort, during the show i-cut will offer a number of
attractive show specials at its stand.
"Our icuttools.com website is the best source for knife blades, router bits and consumables for i-cut digital cutting
systems -- which as every day progresses consists of more and more of the industry's most popular systems,"
remarks Steve Bennett, EskoArtwork Vice President, Sign & Display Business. "Typical products on inventory
include kiss cut, soft die cut, hard die cut and oscillate cut blades, as well as router bits pen plotting, conveyor
belts and glue kits. Software solutions include our i-cut software upgrades, and EskoArtwork SignUp and
SignUp Auto. New cutting applications are becoming available all the time."
Reinforcing icuttools.com
The efforts at ISA 2010 are intended to publicize i-cut's online store, icuttools.com, which helps printers equip
themselves with the best possible cutting software and consumables. With more than 15 years' experience in
the sign, display, advertising and packaging markets, i-cut has conducted extensive research into all materials
common in these markets, and has created tools specifically for each type of material. The store carries
accessories for many of the i-cut enabled cutting machines on the market, as well as consumables for printers'
everyday cutting needs - from blades, router bits and conveyor belts through to i-cut software upgrades.
In addition to product sales, the icuttools.com store offers excellent advice and support. Users can contact the
Tool Support Helpline, which takes the guesswork out of cutting speeds for new materials. The Materials
Testing Service lets users test their material in i-cut's facility for free. The company tests different tools and speeds
before providing users with a detailed report on how it should be cut. Plus, registered users can take advantage
of the new Resource Center, which allows them to download software, updates, documentation and guides.
Prepaid support is also available to purchase.
"We want commercial printers, digital printers, sign makers and screen printers that digitally finish their products
using any of the popular XY cutting tables with i-cut technology to know icuttools is a one-stop destination for
consumables and innovative, control systems from i-cut --to assure that finishing solutions keep up with their
digital print counterparts," adds Bennett.
At Ipex, EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) will roll out Suite 10, a step change release of its entire suite of packaging
and print pre-production software. With Suite 10, EskoArtwork will continue to meet the most demanding design
and production needs of the packaging and print industry over the coming years.
Suite 10: focus on value
Suite 10 brings additional productivity and efficiencies to new and existing EskoArtwork customers.
* Integrated "best in class" applications. The new releases of the flagship prepress editors ArtPro, PackEdge,
DeskPack and Studio are now more integrated than ever with the workflow automation and color management
servers using the Shuttle technology.
* Quality Assurance tools for error-free workflows. Reducing the risk of human errors is built into every aspect of
Suite 10. A fast growing range of 3D capabilities are introduced as QC tools to the workflow.
* True collaboration in a global marketplace. Suite 10 adopts a more enterprise-like model with the Internet as
a backbone for collaboration and resource-sharing between distant production facilities.
* Easy to learn, easy to use, easy to maintain. The new user interface of the workflow editor is both extremely
intuitive and really powerful, making it easy to set up and manage dynamic workflows both for SME-type
operations as well as for larger multi-product facilities.
Committed development based on customer input
With the Suite 10 release, EskoArtwork demonstrates its commitment to listen to its customers and develop
best-in-class solutions. Customers in the packaging, commercial print and sign and display markets have been
deeply involved in specifying and testing Suite 10. The initial feedback from customers who are in production
with Suite 10 is unanimously positive.
Suite 10 is developed by a very experienced and stable team of software developers at EskoArtwork, some
with over 25 years of expertise in packaging and print knowledge. This release is the result of over a hundred
man years of development effort together with the input of many of our customers worldwide.
"Our software R&D team operating in our Gent headquarters have ensured Suite 10 delivers unmatched stability,
continuity and compatibility," says Bernard Zwaenepoel, Senior VP Software Business. "We guarantee that this
set of solutions comes to market in a manner that protects the investments of our customers."
Suite 10: an integrated set of solutions
The EskoArtwork Suite 10 software sets new standards that enhance productivity and reduce costs in the
packaging and print value chain. EskoArtwork customers will find their past investments well protected: the
release of Suite 10 brings significant new capabilities in prepress editing and workflow automation without the
need to re-engineer operational workflows or re-train operators.
Suite 10 brings new releases of the flagship prepress editors ArtPro, PackEdge and DeskPack, now more
integrated than ever with the rest of the workflow using the Shuttle technology. Operators will see a performance
boost with higher job throughput as an immediate result. In Suite 10, the well-known applications for prepress,
CAD, packaging design and color management are supported by server applications which execute a wide
range of automation tasks in the background.
* Automation Engine - workflow automation and job management software that supports small, single-site
operations as well as multi-site, multi-plant global production operations.
* Color Engine - centralized color management server and database with patented spectral profile technology
and unique spot-color capabilities, providing integrated and consistent color management from the design to
final print in every printing technology.
* Imaging Engine - provides consistent, high-performance and top-quality proofing, screening and printing output
across all conventional and digital imaging and print devices.
* Dynamic Content Engine - collaboration and content management for critical packaging content, including text,
bar codes and nutrition tables.
The industry drivers behind Suite 10
Suite 10 has been inspired by two principal industry drivers. Firstly, packaging converters and commercial printers
are in need for "best-in-class" tools to service their customers better. Brand Owners demand top-quality
workflow solutions that encourage innovation and provide high throughput and rock-solid quality. In today's
highly pressurized market, quality must be a given and errors are unacceptable. Reducing the risk of human
errors is built into every aspect of Suite 10 - in the first instance by automating the workflow as much as possible,
and secondly by introducing 3D capabilities as QC tools to the workflow.
The second driver is related to the increased globalization and consolidation in the packaging and print industry,
leading to larger manufacturing groups. This trend spurred EskoArtwork to adopt a more enterprise-like model for
its software.
Brand Management across the supply chain
Not only will Suite 10 appeal very much to the current customer base of converters, trade shops and printers,
the software also offers great opportunities for Brand Managers at retailers and Brand Owners that want to
streamline brand management across the packaging supply chain. Suite 10 has all the technology hooks -
advanced database technology, JDF and XML metadata and software integration SDKs- to establish an interface
between the packaging pre-production or print prepress workflow and the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
system commonly used to manage the design to shelf lifecycle of a consumer product. For Brand Managers, it
means that packaging is no longer a disconnected process step, but a truly integrated one. For Brand Owners,
this is enabling technology to reduce time-to-market of new products.
Rolling out Suite 10
As of May 1st 2010, EskoArtwork starts the controlled roll-out of Suite 10 to new and existing customers. Customers
with a Maintenance Contract will automatically be informed of the practical details of upgrading to Suite 10 by
their local Customer Services representation. Customers that are not under Maintenance Contract can contact
their regional Sales Account Manager for inquiries about upgrading part or whole of their configuration to Suite 10.
"It is important that we not only bring all our customers forward on a technical level, but that we also position them
for sustainable profitability of their business in the future," concludes Carsten Knudsen, CEO of EskoArtwork.
EskoArtwork Displays Range of Digital Solutions to Finish POP, Sign
and Display Jobs at SGIA Expo 2009
Specialty large format printed jobs aren't done until they are finished, and during SGIA Expo, October 7-9, 2009
in New Orleans in booth 1931, EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) demonstrates cutting and finishing hardware and
software tools to make shops more productive. Highlights will include demonstrations of the Kongsberg i-XE10
and Kongsberg
i-XL24 tables with i-cut, the productive Kongsberg XP24 capable of operating 24/7, and SignUp Auto nesting
and workflow optimization solution.
"EskoArtwork Kongsberg dieless cutting tables have long been the choice of sign and display companies that
require finishing a wide range of materials and applications with outstanding speed and productivity options--
such as autofeed and take-up systems. Along with i-cut technology, Kongsberg tables make it easy to assure
materials--even with unusual cuts--are finished accurately," explains Don Skenderian, EskoArtwork Vice President,
Market Development CAD/CAM. "Our software solutions, built from our experience with structural graphics and
packaging pre-press, has enabled us to develop an automatic nesting solution, SignUp Auto, that saves time
and materials by making the most out of each piece of substrate. It makes Kongsberg tables--and digital printers--
even more efficient. It's something sign and display professionals wanting to improve their productivity and
profitability should come and investigate with us at SGIA Expo."
Lights-out operation with SignUp Auto
SignUp Auto, a new product based on EskoArtwork´s SignUp technology, is a fully automated nesting and tiling
solution for companies that wish to more completely operate their workflows in a nearly 'lights out' process. It
allows sign and display companies to more efficiently utilize their range of different raw substrates, eliminate
costly operator time in Adobe® Illustrator® or other desktop publishing packages, and provides the mechanism
as a dedicated workflow tool to accept files from a digital storefront.
SignUp Auto is able to understand and process XML and JDF files as prepress input and its automation makes
it ideal as a receiver of storefront input for Web-to-print. Along with nesting and tiling, SignUp Auto supports
double-sided displays, multi-page PDF workflows, and can easily nest irregular shapes. In doing so, digital large
format printing and finishing shops get faster production throughput with little manual intervention. It offers smart
automation, allowing an operation to quickly accept more very short run jobs and deliver them to an increasing
number of digital presses.
Kongsberg finishing tables with i-cut® vision
For short run digital display jobs, the time and expense of creating a die is just not economically feasible. At SGIA,
visitors can see the Kongsberg i-XE10 in action, one of a new range of automated digital finishing systems
offering a fast, productive solution for digital finishing of signs and displays. The Kongsberg i-XE10 cuts screen-
or digitally-printed materials with exceptional productivity and quality, along with low production costs. The table
can handle kiss and through cutting of vinyl, polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene, carton and more, up to
single wall corrugated material as large as 35.4" x 47.2". Those interested in finishing signs and large displays
choose the Kongsberg i-XE10 table with small-lot production in mind, achieving a fully digital workflow that
saves the cost and waiting time for a cutting die.
The Kongsberg i-XE10 tooling system features an integrated i-cut® camera, a key component of the patented
i-cut® vision system for obtaining perfect cut-to-print alignment--a significant advantage over fixed diecutting.
The i-cut® camera measures register marks on each printed piece placed on the Kongsberg i-XE10 table, for
extremely accurate registration that compensates for local or overall distortion of the material, even handling
non-linear distortions with ease.
The Kongsberg i-XL24 offers a unique finishing solution for the widest range of materials, providing automation,
high productivity and outstanding precision. Based on the Kongsberg XL-Series of short-run production tables,
the Kongsberg i-XL24 finishing table, with a maximum material size of 69" x 135", integrates the i-cut vision
system. The Kongsberg i-XL24 can be delivered with an optional conveyor extension and scissor lift cart
system, along with an AutoFeeder with scissor-lift table that expands the quantity of print runs that can be
pre-stacked in a fully automatic operation. The Scissor lift on the cart, with the help of an electric hydraulic
system, receives artwork directly from a digital printer off-load system and can be moved and raised to the
Kongsberg sheet feeder to be immediately cut on the Kongsberg. The seamless workflow no longer requires
an operator to restack or transfer materials.
Kongsberg finishing tables that get the job done
Kongsberg XP series digital cutting machines are the first specifically designed to operate continuously in a
24/7-production environment. Positioned as true production machines, Kongsberg XP tables were developed
for manufacturers of POP and permanent in-store product displays that need a fast and highly reliable solution
for short run production. These companies will specifically benefit from the dramatically increased level of
productivity and efficiency.
The Kongsberg XP24 (with a working area of 66"x126") has a maximum cutting speed of 66 inches per second.
It has been designed to endure the continuous, high-speed manufacture of products made from the most
demanding packaging and display materials. The Kongsberg XP24 can be used effectively to convert a wide
range of display materials, including all grades of corrugated board, display carton, corrugated plastic, foam
boards, and all corresponding rigid display materials such as MDF, plywood, acrylics, ACM and Forex®. The
machines can be equipped with an optional automatic optical registration system to match structural design
with graphic elements.
EskoArtwork Prepares to 'Connect More' During Print 09
Broad range of commercial, packaging and wide format solutions on display throughout the Print 09 floor
EskoArtwork will be showing how its customers can Connect More with its products, services and people
during this year's Print '09, September 11-16 in Chicago at McCormick Place, thanks to EskoArtwork's
unique partnering approach with a range of business associates--creating the company's largest presence
ever at a show.
"We decided to forgo the traditional trade show approach of having one booth in a specified spot, and
spread our industry knowledge over a greater area on the McCormick show floor," explains Mark Quinlan,
President, EskoArtwork North America. "This year, for example, visitors can stop at the Pitman booth and
see a fully functioning Kongsberg i-XL24 dieless cutting table, or go to the Presstek booth and look at
EskoArtwork's latest software enhancements. Whether a company's needs are finishing tables or software,
they're sure to locate EskoArtwork's superior products at Print '09."
The list of EskoArtwork partners include:
* Pitman, booth 4446: Pitman, a long time partner and reseller of EskoArtwork hardware and software, will
be demonstrating the Kongsberg i-XL24 dieless cutting table along with the complete EskoArtwork
Software Suite. Visitors can discuss commercial print, packaging, and wide format solutions with
EskoArtwork and Pitman representatives.
* Compose, booth 6555: Compose, a leader in developing and integrating prepress solutions from rips and
workflows, to color management and proofing, offers a wide range of solutions for the lithographic as well
as the digital printing markets. They will be demonstrating a total solution to fully automate the pre-press
production of a narrow web printer with software modules based on EskoArtwork's Odystar and Neo and
Compose's software module, Gapfinder.
* Presstek, booth 3646: Presstek offers EskoArtwork's Odystar workflow solution under the Presstek
Latitude brand name. Presstek Latitude is a highly automated prepress workflow, powered by EskoArtwork,
which streamlines throughput and processing of files. Its flexible workflow tools allow the automation of
more production processes. Latitude includes EskoArtwork Neo, an advanced PDF editor that easily
accommodates last minute changes. Latitude helps drive the highly automated, environmentally friendly
Presstek 52DI and 34DI digital offset presses that are ideally suited for fast turnaround, short-run
high-quality color printing.
* Xerox, booth 1117: Xerox customers use EskoArtwork packaging design and pre-production
solutions--particularly ArtiosCAD, DeskPack and Plato--to drive the Xerox iGen3 and Esko Kongsberg
dieless cutting table as an end to end printing finishing solution for short-run folding carton packaging
applications. On display at the Xerox booth will be the EskoArtwork Software Suite.
* Epson, booth 7328: EskoArtwork's Software Suite, along with Epson digital presses, offers label printers
the opportunity to provide faster turn around times and shorter print runs, with variable data and
customization.
* Hybrid, booth 6758: EskoArtwork and Hybrid Integration will demonstrate how Hybrid's MIS and ERP
systems are integrated into complete web to print production systems with EskoArtwork Software Suite.
* ScreenUSA, booth 6100: The Kongsberg i-XE10 table will be on display finishing a wide range of printed
materials of various substrates and applications ranging from point-of-purchase materials to posters,
banners and textiles from the Truepress Jet2500UV grand-format UV inkjet printing system.
Other EskoArtwork partners at Print 09 include Sun Chemical (booth 3417) with whom EskoArtwork
develops an interface to the SmartColour database containing more than 100,000 full spectral color
profiles of real-world inks. The ability to make color accurate inkjet proofs of spot colors without the
need to fingerprint the press is the unique value proposition of this partner project.
EskoArtwork also partners with HP (booth 1229), whose HP Indigo industrial press works with the Esko
Variable Data Printing module -- the first variable data printing solution to fulfill the specific requirements
of the labels and packaging markets.
"We are excited to be part of Print '09 and look forward to seeing the print community at the show.
EskoArtwork account and support executives will be present at all of these booths to answer any
questions regarding printing companies' future business and production directions," adds Quinlan.
"For those who want a head start, private demonstrations during or after show hours can also be
scheduled by contacting Tim Zula, Director of Marketing, at 937-454-1721 X1073."
EskoArtwork Introduces SignUp Auto, a SignUp Brand Extension,
To Sign and Display Shops
Fully automatic nesting solution dramatically reduces material waste, eliminates costly Adobe Photoshop
and Illustrator tasks, and builds a bridge between web-to-print and the production workflow.
EskoArtwork announces the introduction of SignUp Auto, a fully-automatic nesting solution for sign and
display companies. SignUp Auto allows the sign and display companies to more efficiently utilize their
raw substrates, eliminate costly operator time in Adobe(r) Illustrator(r) or other desktop publishing
packages, and provides the mechanism as a dedicated workflow tool to accept files from a digital
storefront. SignUp Auto, a SignUp brand extension, is just one piece of EskoArtwork's product portfolio for
sign and display finishing solutions. In addition to the Kongsberg tables, and the recently acquired
i-cut technology for visual control, SignUp Auto and SignUp are based on industry leading EskoArtwork
technologies, recognized as best in class.
"During the past few years-particularly with our Kongsberg tables-EskoArtwork has taken a leadership role
in digital finishing for signs and displays. With SignUp and now, with the introduction of SignUp Auto,
EskoArtwork front-end software solutions have rapidly become foremost industry solutions," explains
Geert De Proost, EskoArtwork Director Platforms Software product group. "The automation in SignUp
Auto uses SignUp's intelligent nesting and metadata such as material and number of copies to achieve
'lights out' production reducing errors, most notably through trial and error tests. And, just as important for
the bottom line, SignUp Auto tools provide optimized material usage and cost efficiencies."
SignUp Auto, a new product based on SignUp technology, is a fully automated nesting solution for
companies that wish to more completely operate their workflows in a nearly 'lights out' process. Together
with its workflow framework, it dramatically increases productivity and optimizes the use of print and
finishing materials. In addition, because SignUp Auto is able to understand and process XML and JDF
files as prepress input, its automation makes it ideal as a receiver of storefront input for Web-to-print.
Along with nesting and tiling, SignUp Auto offers complete workflow automation, allowing an operation
to accept a fast growing number of very short run jobs to deliver to the increasing number of digital presses.
A growing list of cutting-edge SignUp features
Along with SignUp Auto, EskoArtwork also introduces a strongly enhanced update of SignUp, the graphic
layout application tool that optimizes substrate and plate use and reduces lead times through intelligent
nesting for digital press and finishing machines. It helps to reduce waste of variable resources, substrates
and ink, to an absolute minimum, ideal for digital sign and display shops as well as large format digital
press owners looking at streamlining production and minimizing material waste.
A number of new, advanced SignUp features help sign and display printers become more productive.
Automatic bleed to images: By creating a bleed to images automatically with an appropriate margin of error,
SignUp assures that any cut will be made to the edge of the image. More important, SignUp eliminates the
hours of time it would take an operator to manually build these bleeds in Adobe(r) Photoshop(r).
Offcut manager: At times, rushed delivery due dates do not allow a print shop to cost-effectively wait to fill
a full piece of material. When this happens, Offcut manager will organize the nesting of available images on
the substrate, efficiently leaving a blank area of the board so that it can be re-used. For the printer, this
dramatically reduces waste when fast delivery times occur.
Automatic White underprint generation: SignUp will automatically prepare a file for a white underprint;
particularly common with plexi displays, saving the time-consuming prepress tasks in Adobe®
Illustrator(r) and Photoshop(r).
Dramatically improved multi page support: Settings can be established for two sided displays, automatically
opening odd pages as reverse sides and even pages as front sides
Support for CAD data for displays: SignUp can accept structural data from popular CAD software, such as
ArtiosCAD.
Creation of Smartmarks: SignUp can create Smartmark dynamic job marks for displays, such as eyelet marks
for banners.
Other, upgraded features provide multi sheet generation, a real-time viewing of the progress of nesting on a
sheet of substrate, and ways to optimize nesting algorithms.
"This update of SignUp focuses on reducing material waste by re-using cut pieces. It also enhances support
for double-sided displays, multi-page PDF workflows, and can easily nest irregular shapes. In doing so, digital
large format printing and finishing shops get faster production throughput and are able to conserve
operator time," explains De Proost.
SignUp Auto will be demonstrated, and available for sale as a beta version, during ISA (US, Las Vegas,
April 16-18); Sign UK (London, April 28-30) and Fespa Digital (Amsterdam, May 12-14). It is expected
to be commercially available in July.
EskoArtwork Broadens its Sign and Display Market Presence
EskoArtwork announces that its North American sign and display division, formed when EskoArtwork acquired
Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering, Inc. (MGE), has successfully been integrated within the US EskoArtwork organization.
The group has recently expanded its Lake Geneva, Wisconsin office with a new area completely devoted to a
demo facility, material testing area for customers, and a finishing competence center. This group continues to
represent sales of Esko Kongsberg XP, i-XL and i-XE digital converting tables and supporting software and
expands EskoArtwork's industry reach from commercial print and packaging to include serving companies
producing signs and wide format displays
MGE is the developer of the patented i-cut(r) vision system. The new i-cut(r) 7.0 takes print material specifications
from the work stream, including cutting keys that supply operators with optimized tool settings and blade/bit
recommendations. MGE's i-script(tm) workflow has become the de-facto international standard through its
integration into the RIPs of all major digital flatbed presses. MGE had also been EskoArtwork's distributor for
the Kongsberg i-XL and i-XE digital converting tables into the US sign & display markets since 2004. With the
addition of MGE's advanced technology, EskoArtwork is the industry reference in vision controlled finishing
solutions for cutting tables for sign making, screen-printing and digital printing.
Extended sign & display demo capabilities
The new demo facility in Lake Geneva clearly shows EskoArtwork's commitment to providing solutions of value
to the sign and display market. The demo area holds the full representative range of Kongsberg digital finishing
tables for the sign and display industry: a new Kongsberg XP 44 table for 24/7 production environments, the
Kongsberg i-XL 24 large format digital flatbed cutting table and two Kongsberg i-XE series automated digital
finishing systems for signs and display-the Kongsberg i-XE 10 and i-XE 32.
EskoArtwork will use the center for product demonstrations. Customers are invited to bring or to send substrates
and structural files in advance of a demonstration. In doing so, EskoArtwork will demonstrate the best tools
appropriate to finish the customer's substrates. In addition to product demos, the area will also be used as a
testing facility to provide samples of customer's materials finished on the tables. EskoArtwork will produce
real-life samples created and generated from customer data and materials. The facility will also be used as a
competence center, where EskoArtwork can test new substrates developed for signs and digital displays.
"We are excited about the added sign and display expertise the MGE team brings to EskoArtwork," comments
Don Skenderian, EskoArtwork Vice President, Market Development CAD/CAM. "Their expertise, along with
the resources of the new demo facility, will allow us to evaluate the business and technical needs of the sign
and display companies, and to verify that the solutions we propose will fulfill these needs. We believe it's a
'sign' of things to come from our newly combined strong entity."
EskoArtwork Release of ArtPro 9.0 Immediate Success
EskoArtwork today announced that the latest version of ArtPro 9.0 has met with tremendous customer approval,
with 75% of current ArtPro 8.0 customers upgrading to the new version within a week of launch.
"One of our key objectives following the acquisition of Artwork Systems by Esko was to leverage the synergies
of the respective products through increased integration," said Carsten Knudsen, President and CEO of
EskoArtwork. "ArtPro 9.0 is a perfect example of the synergy that we saw between the two companies. ArtPro
9.0 is now integrated with mature EskoArtwork workflow solutions, including Nexus, Odystar and BackStage.
ArtPro users can take advantage of these efficiencies," added Carsten Knudsen.
ArtPro users are already starting to benefit from upgrading to ArtPro 9.0. "ArtPro's support for normalized PDF
allows us to submit files directly to workflows that previously were exclusively PDF, a tremendous benefit when
working with BackStage," said Tobias Frey, prepress manager of CD CARTONDRUCK AG. "We are examining
our current processes in order to take full advantage of all of the new capabilities that are now available to us."
ArtPro 9.0 offers the most advanced solution on the market, especially when combined with the rest of the
EskoArtwork product suite. The ability for ArtPro users to seamlessly exchange PDF production assets with
other EskoArtwork applications without the need for conversion and with maintenance of critical production
data boosts efficiency and reduces processing time, waste and errors. ArtPro 9.0 also imports native ArtiosCAD
structural design files, an important enhancement for users in the folding carton industry. ArtPro 9.0's direct link
to EskoArtwork Visualizer then allows instant creation of 3D mock-ups in an ultra-realistic, real-time environment
that is revolutionizing the design of packaging and other dimensional applications.
EskoArtwork ArtPro 9.0 brings unmatched productivity to the production process.
With more than 12 000 licenses worldwide, ArtPro has become the standard in the packaging prepress industry.
With ArtPro 9.0, prepress professionals can turn designs into print-ready files instantly, resulting in productivity
benefits that remain unmatched by any other solution in the market.
* Easily Import Designs. Designs become fully editable files when ingested into ArtPro using its robust import
mechanism. The import filter performs extensive preflighting and offers expert control over the incoming files,
including separation remapping; on-the-fly ink conversions to Opaltone(r), Hexachrome(r), Indichrome(r) or other
multi-color systems; OPI swapping; and font management. ArtPro's fast and accurate vectorization module imports
designs which originate from conventional scanned artwork.
* Extended Gamut and MCPP. With the Equinox module ArtPro supports the conversion of line work and
vignettes to extended gamut printing and MCPP of the entire job or on a selection.
* Advanced Editing Capability. Once the design has been imported into the ArtPro environment, all objects,
including line art, live text and images, can be checked for shape, color, screening, transparency, blend mode
and their relationships in the file structure (compound groups and layers). In addition, all parameters can be easily changed.
* Complex Trapping Made Easy. ArtPro 9.0's PowerTrapper module is based on proven 4Stage technology.
This technology flawlessly handles the transparencies and blend modes that are often included today's modern
design files. PowerTrapper is fully compliant with packaging applications and is able to handle special color
pairs, opaque inks, varnishes, white plates, rich black trapping, and more.
* ArtLink automatically renders different versions of one file with hot links built into the ArtPro production file.
These links connect the content and parameters of different objects to records in a database.
* viewX provides real-time pre-visualization depicting how the design will print and allows for verifying the printed
result before expensive proofs or plates are made.
* PowerWarp allows distortion of a partial or complete graphic image to compensate for the deformation the
printed product will undergo when it adopts its final 3-dimensional shape. Typical use cases are tin cans, cups
and shrink sleeves.
* InPDF facilitates data interchange among designers, consumer product companies and prepress professionals.
InPDF builds the bridge between ArtPro's extended imaging model and Adobe(r) Illustrator(r). With this smart
handshake format, users can open and edit print-ready production files in Adobe(r) Illustrator(r).
* Structural Design Integration. ArtPro imports the industry's most popular native CAD file formats, including
ArtiosCAD and common formats such as CFF2 and DDES. ArtPro's CAD export functionality enables the
addition of cuts and creases to existing ArtiosCAD designs for a perfect match between print and die. ArtPro
also incorporates EskoArtwork's new structural design software for flexible packaging shapes, and close
integration with EskoArtwork Visualizer allows instant ultra-realistic visualization. ArtPro also seamlessly integrates
with EskoArtwork's Studio Toolkit for Flexibles. This unique flexible packaging design application allows a
designer to build realistic structural models of common flexible packaging types in a matter of minutes.
Enfocus Brings Worry-Free Creation of Press-Ready PDFs to Design
Professionals with Instant PDF 08
Standards-compliant Certified PDFs, integration with Enfocus PowerSwitch streamline print production process
for both designer, printers and publishers
September 23, 2008 - Gent, Belgium - Enfocus continues to enhance Instant PDF, bringing unprecedented
simplicity and standards compliance to the desktops of designers and the print production workflow alike.
In addition to supporting all the latest standards and design applications, including PDF/X-4 and Adobe(r)
Acrobat(r) 9, Instant PDF 08 adds more color management options, improved preflighting, and integration with
Enfocus PowerSwitch.
"It can be difficult and confusing for designers to create PDF files for print or advertisements that result in
predictable output that is both printable and reflects their design intent," says David van Driessche, Director of
Enfocus Marketing. "Improperly created PDF files wreak havoc in the production process and can cause
unnecessary aggravation and delays for both the buyer and seller of print. With this release of Instant PDF 08,
Enfocus has made it even easier and more worry-free for designers to create perfect, printable PDF files and for
printers to benefit from reduced cycle time in the production process."
Enfocus Instant PDF 08: improved consistency, accuracy and efficiency
Enfocus Instant PDF 08 makes producing press-ready PDFs easy for creative professionals. Using
award-winning Enfocus Certified PDF(r) technology, it is the simplest and most reliable way to create PDFs
that comply with print or advertisement vendors' specifications, including PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, PDF/X-4 and
Ghent PDF Workgroup industry standards. Designers access Instant PDF 08 from within design applications,
including the latest versions of QuarkXPress(tm), Adobe(r) Illustrator(r), Adobe(r) InDesign(r) and Adobe(r)
Acrobat(r). Standard PDF Queues or custom PDF Queues created by the print service provider can be quickly
and easily imported into design software to ensure consistent and accurate PDF generation that meets all job
specifications.
With Instant PDF 08, print providers will see a significant reduction in customer service and pre-press operator
workload because Certified PDF files are always output correctly from the designer's workstation. With Enfocus
Certified PDF(r) technology, the files are flagged as ready for output as soon as they arrive in the inbox.
For print service providers who have adopted Enfocus PowerSwitch to automate prepress tasks, Instant
PDF 08 now delivers final PDF files directly to a Submit Point in PowerSwitch, making communication
between the designer and the printer even more efficient.
"Also new in Instant PDF 08," adds Mr. van Driessche, "are new preflight checks that correct even more
problems during PDF creation, including automatic detection of printer marks, setting the page boxes in the
generated PDF file accordingly. In addition, we have embedded the open-source Little CMS color
management engine to ensure color consistent conversions for both Mac and Windows. These additions align
with our goal of making desktop PDF generation faster, easier and more accurate than ever before, removing
stress and headaches for both the designer and the printer."
Enfocus to Debut Brand-New Solution Suite at Graph Expo
Enfocus Version 08 Solutions Bring Updated Standards Compliance, Improved Productivity to Graphic Arts
Professionals
September 23, 2008 - Gent, Belgium - Enfocus continues to bring unprecedented simplicity and standards
compliance to the desktops of designers and the print production workflow alike. PitStop Professional, PitStop
Server, Switch and Instant PDF have all been updated and will be shown for the first time at a U.S. show
during Graph Expo, at McCormick Place, Chicago, October 26th through 29th (Booth #5463).
"Our 08 solution suite was very well-received at drupa," said Peter Camps, Senior Vice President, Enfocus.
"Since that time, we have added Instant PDF 08 to the mix to make it even easier and even more worry-free
for designers to create perfect, printable PDF files and for printers to benefit from reduced cycle time in the
production process. We are excited to be showing these enhancements to the U.S. market at Graph Expo."
The updated Enfocus 08 line includes compatibility with the latest versions of Adobe(r) Illustrator(r), Adobe(r)
InDesign(r), Adobe(r) Acrobat(r) and QuarkXPress(tm). For PitStop Professional 08 users, Acrobat(r) 9
compatibility is being made available as no-charge upgrades for all 08 users. The latest versions of PitStop
Professional, PitStop Server, Instant PDF and the Switch product family, as well as fully-functional trial
versions of all Enfocus products, are available for download from the Enfocus website at: www.enfocus.com.
"As the global economy continues to suffer uncertainty," added Camps, "it is critical for graphic arts businesses
to introduce as much automation and efficiency as possible into their workflow in order to remain competitive
and profitable. Our goal at Enfocus is to provide the latest and most innovative tools, compatibility and
functionality to drive increased productivity. The Enfocus 08 suite does just that. In addition, we are planning
an exciting new product announcement at the show-stay tuned for more information as the date gets closer."
Enfocus products will also be demonstrated at the Ultimate Technographics booth (#5425). Ultimate
Technographics is a Crossroads Partner. Crossroads, a unique multivendor communication platform that
draws together a large ecosystem of software vendors offering automation products for publishing workflows
around Enfocus Switch, will also debut at Graph Expo, bringing this innovative initiative to the North American
Market. For more information about Crossroads or Enfocus solutions, visit crossroads.enfocus.com.
Product Details
PitStop Professional 08: Adobe(r) Acrobat(r) 9 compatibility, enhanced ease-of use, productivity
PitStop Professional has long been the de facto standard for preflighting, editing and repairing of PDF
files among graphic arts professionals who use a PDF workflow. PitStop Professional 08 takes this
functionality to the next level with Adobe(r) Acrobat(r) 9 compatibility.
Other new capabilities include sign-off on preflight errors, a redesigned and significantly more compact
PitStop Inspector, better page configuration handling, faster access to common functions through expanded
contextual menus and conformance to the latest standards and operating systems.
In addition, PitStop Professional 08 offers a choice of multiple color engines including the industry standard
Adobe(r) CMM, PDF/X-4 compliance in PDF Profiles and Action Lists (in addition to support for earlier PDF/X
levels), easy PDF Profile adaptation to create new preflight profiles from existing items, and user-configurable
viewing preferences.
PitStop Server 08: improved performance, full compatibility with new standards
PitStop Server is a Hot-Folder-based application for graphic arts professionals who need unattended
PDF document processing or need to process high-volumes of PDF documents. It is the indispensable
tool for pre-flight checking of PDF documents, with facilities for fixing many common problems without
human intervention.
New PitStop Server 08 capabilities include a totally redesigned and more intuitive user interface, server-based
processing (PitStop Server now runs as a service on Windows and as a login item on Mac OS X), the ability to
process two PDF documents in parallel for faster performance, more powerful Hot Folder processing, import and
export of Hot Folder settings, a detailed history log, improved security and expanded e-mail notification.
Switch 08: improved productivity, more effective device management
Switch 08 is a major upgrade for all products in the Switch family of automation-enabling software (entry-level
LightSwitch, mainstream FullSwitch and advanced PowerSwitch), adding significant new functionality and
offering new workflow automation opportunities for ad agencies, publishers and printers alike.
With Switch 08, job processing is more predictable even with complex flows, and the implementation of real
job priorities allows fast-tracking jobs through a flow. Switch 08 also optimizes the time it takes the first job to
flow through a complete flow, enabling better resource management for devices such as proofers and rips.
Hot Folders, FTP and email-receive tools can be scheduled to automatically activate only in a predefined time
window and now offer a "read-only" processing mode where the original jobs are left on the server and a copy
is processed through the flow. Switch 08 also includes many improved and new tools, and enhances variable
data support. Metadata support and scripting capabilities have been greatly expanded in PowerSwitch,
offering, for example, support for compression, database access and SOAP or web service communication
directly from within Javascript.
Instant PDF 08: More color management options, improved preflighting and integration with Enfocus
PowerSwitch. Enfocus Instant PDF 08 makes producing press-ready PDFs easy for creative professionals.
Using award-winning Enfocus Certified PDF(r) technology, it is the simplest and most reliable way to create
PDFs that comply with print or advertisement vendors' specifications, including PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, PDF/X-4
and Ghent PDF Workgroup industry standards. Designers access Instant PDF 08 from within design
applications, including the latest versions of QuarkXPress(tm), Adobe(r) Illustrator(r), Adobe(r) InDesign(r) and
Adobe(r) Acrobat(r). Standard PDF Queues or custom PDF Queues created by the print service provider can
be quickly and easily imported into design software to ensure consistent and accurate PDF generation that
meets all job specifications.
With Instant PDF 08, print providers will see a significant reduction in customer service and pre-press operator
workload because Certified PDF files are always output correctly from the designer's workstation. With Enfocus
Certified PDF(r) technology, the files are flagged as ready for output as soon as they arrive in the inbox. Full
integration with Enfocus PowerSwitch now delivers final PDF files directly to a Submit Point in PowerSwitch,
making communication between the designer and the printer even more efficient.
EskoArtwork Completes Acquisition of Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering
EskoArtwork has closed on the acquisition of Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering Inc. (MGE). No financial details
will be disclosed for the transaction.
MGE is the developer of the patented i-cut vision system. Its i-script workflow has become the de-facto
international standard through its integration into the RIPs of all major digital flatbed presses. MGE also is
EskoArtwork's distributor for the Kongsberg i-XL and i-XE digital converting tables into the US sign & display
markets since 2004.
"Following close to four years of intense cooperation, EskoArtwork and MGE will now address and serve the
sign&display and screen and digital printing markets as one strong entity," said Carsten Knudsen, president
and CEO of EskoArtwork. "Our Kongsberg i-XL and & i-XE digital finishing systems, that incorporate MGE's
i-cut vision system, are broadly recognized as leading and powerful solutions to all kinds of converting
applications driven by the growing installed base of digital printers. Well over 50 percent of all Kongsberg
tables sold during drupa will be delivered with MGE's intelligent vision system included."
"Getting full access to EskoArtwork's innovative hardware and software technology base and being a part of its
global distribution network will improve our abilities to provide the best possible solutions for our customers and
partners across all market segments and geographies," said Steen Mikkelsen, founder of MGE and now vice
president at EskoArtwork. "The team at MGE and I are looking very much forward to join forces with our
EskoArtwork colleagues and to take on the new initiatives we have identified together during the planning
of this acquisition."
MGE's operations will be organized as a strategic business unit within the EskoArtwork structure under the
leadership of Steen Mikkelsen.
EskoArtwork to acquire Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering, Inc.
Gent (Belgium), June 11, 2008 - At the closing of its very successful participation to drupa 2008, EskoArtwork
today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent regarding the acquisition of Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering,
Inc. (MGE), the industry reference in vision controlled finishing solutions for cutting tables in the sign-making,
screen-printing and digital printing marketplaces. The transaction, for which no financial details will be disclosed,
is expected to close by end of July 2008.
MGE is the developer of the patented i-cut® vision system. Its i-script workflow has become the de-facto
international standard through its integration into the RIPs of all major digital flatbed presses. MGE also is
EskoArtwork’s distributor for the Kongsberg i-XL and i-XE digital converting tables into the US sign & display
markets since 2004.
"EskoArtwork and MGE started their close cooperation in 2004 with the integration of MGE’s i-cut vision system
onto our Kongsberg digital converting tables", comments Carsten Knudsen, President and CEO of EskoArtwork.
"The resulting i-XL and & i-XE digital finishing systems have seen great success in the market, with today over
350 such systems installed and operating worldwide. The rapid adoption of digital printing devices by the
producers of signs and displays is accelerating the demand for our products, as we could very well witness
during this drupa. I am extremely pleased to extend our partnership with MGE, now working as one team to
deliver even stronger solutions to our customers."
"It's not just accurate cutting anymore that drives profitability, it's the addition of workflow capabilities that
increases the competitiveness of our user base", observes Steen Mikkelsen, Owner and President of MGE.
"Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering prides itself on excellent customer service, technical support, and in providing
the best possible solutions for its customers and partners alike. By fully aligning our development and distribution
efforts with EskoArtwork’s hardware and software technologies and global sales and support channels we will
be able to bring even more attractive and performant converting systems to the digital printing and sign &
display markets."
MGE’s operations will be organized as a strategic business unit within the EskoArtwork structure under the
leadership of Steen Mikkelsen.
Esko Improves Control on Kongsberg Table with Update of MGE's i-cut
Vision Control System
Gent (Belgium), November 16, 2006 - Esko, the market leader in packaging pre-production solutions and MGE,
the market leader in vision based cutting workflow, announce that they have released the i-cut(r) 6.2 update to
their joint i-series of Kongsberg tables (i-XE and i-XL). With further use of digital presses for short run packaging
and point of sale materials, exact registration for digital finishing machines is essential. Esko partner Mikkelsen
Graphic Engineering (MGE) developed the new i-cut in close cooperation with Esko.
The version 6.2 release of i-cut is now able to take more direct control of the Kongsberg's robust features.
Combined with tighter integration between i-cut and the Kongsberg table it delivers better support of routing
and milling, a report module for distortion readings, and an Adobe® Illustrator(r) plug-in for automatic placement of
optimal i-cut register marks.
The i -cut Vision control system and i -script(r) workflow allows die-less cutting contours to perfectly match
printed images, improving overall productivity and quality for the Esko Kongsberg i -XL and i -XE series of cutting
tables. The combined offering delivers a very powerful finishing solution for all pre-printed materials to produce
packaging, signage, displays and POPs. The MGE i -cut(r) Vision control system is integrated in the Kongsberg
table with the i-cut camera inside of the Kongsberg cutting, creasing and milling tool head (MultiCut). With the
camera, each printed object is measured, using register marks, to define the position and to compensate for any
dimensional changes, distortions or material variations like shrinkage or stretching. The i-cut software automatically
fine-tunes each cut contour for perfect cut-to-print. The i-script(tm) software is the interface between the digital print
RIP software and the i-cut(r) digital finishing system, and connects and automates the graphic design process
and the finishing data. With i-script(r), the operator does not have to re-register the tool head for each printed
element on each sheet.
With i-cut version 6.2, more than a dozen new features have been implemented. Along with tighter integration
between the i-cut system and the Kongsberg table, some of the more significant new features include:
* Advanced routing/milling support: Several new routing/milling features are available directly from the i-cut
software. These include, among others, control of inside/outside cutting, curve direction, tool diameter, material
thickness, and pass depth. By editing these simple parameters, users are able to create complex, multi-pass
cutting production settings without developing additional layers, or editing curves. They will easily produce cleaner,
smoother-edged graphics on virtually all materials, including acrylic, PVC, plastics, and woods. This is extremely
significant with the number of wide format digital presses that are being tied to Kongsberg tables for full production
systems.
* Distortion reporting: i-cut is the only vision registration system that is able to compensate for non-linear distortion
caused by material instability, finishing procedures, or even the printing process itself. Now, with distortion reporting,
an operator can understand how much distortion is really occurring in jobs. This new feature allows the user to
view and record distortions measured by the i- cut Vision registration system. i-cut is also able to save all distortions
to a .CSV file that can easily be imported into Microsoft(r) Excel(r) or any similar spreadsheet application, for further
review or systematic quality control.
* ai-cut(tm) Plug-In for Adobe(r) Illustrator(r): MGE's Adobe Illustrator plug-in was specifically built to help designers
prepare files faster and easier for the i-cut workflow. It allows users to automatically, with the click of a button,
insert register marks in the best positions for achieving the highest accuracy, and provides a tool for quick
manual insertion, if preferred. Selecting different mark types, sizes and colors is accomplished from a simple
user interface. In addition, the plug-in can generate pre-defined i-cut layers and preflight check for cut files for
output. The ai-cut plug-in is absolutely free, and can be downloaded from the MGE website: http://www.mge-us.
com/aicut.html.
Other new i-cut features include a new Kongsberg toolbar when running i-cut, providing instant access to
several features; sheet feeder communication, allowing automatic loading and pre-loading of sheets on the
Kongsberg table, as well as support for sheet feeding jobs longer than the table; the ability to produce drill holes,
allowing for easier routing of mounting holes in various types of sign graphics; a Tool Path preview feature to
help identify cut file issues before cutting expensive materials; and a pressure ramping control for kiss cutting.
"The improvements to i-cut and the Esko Kongsberg table enhance the system by providing a single user interface,
while improving functionality. Close cooperation between the MGE and Kongsberg development teams to provide
a tight production system and an optimal workflow has been the driving force in the development of these features.
The end result is a complete, well-integrated, easy-to-use system," comments Tom Naess, Kongsberg
product manager.
