Epson to offer Esko’s highly functional Digital Front-End with its SurePress L-4033 series, bringing improved productivity and quality to digital label
printing
Esko announces that it has entered into an OEM relationship with Epson 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.
A game-changing release addresses four challenges to simplify packaging management for brands and their suppliers
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, 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
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. "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.
Esko Enters Strategic Partnership with CHILI Publish for Online Packaging Editing
Esko, a global supplier of integrated solutions for packaging, sign and display finishing, commercial printing and professional publishing, will
integrate the online editing technology of CHILI Publish, the Belgian developer of the 'hottest online editor', into its WebCenter web-based
packaging platform. Esko will also develop a new plug-in for Adobe® Illustrator®, enabling users to open packaging designs in WebCenter to
create, edit and modify the packaging content.
With this new integration, a designer or artwork creator will be able to publish an Adobe® Illustrator® document to a WebCenter project. Content
like barcodes, nutrition facts, regulatory compliance data and other can then be provided by the brand owner simply by going online, opening and
editing the document using the CHILI Editor within the WebCenter browser window.
Bjorn Willems, Product Manager Interactive Applications at Esko, explains: "There is a trend in the packaging industry for prepress companies to
move upstream in the supply chain toward packaging artwork design and creation. Now, thanks to CHILI Publish, we are the first to make
available a robust platform for content collation of packaging designs. This further complements our portfolio of WebCenter applications that
manage the approval, collaboration, project management and planning for the packaging life cycle."
"We experience a huge interest in online document editing, and users also ask us for packaging functionality," adds Kevin Goeminne, CFO and
managing partner of CHILI Publish. "Working with Esko, the technology leader in this domain, is a logical and important strategic step that helps
us launch our technology into a new market."
The new online packaging editing functionality will be available through Esko channels by the end of 2012.
This new capability will be demonstrated in North America at Graph Expo 2012, scheduled for October 7-10 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Esko
will be located in Booth 427 and CHILI Publish will be located in Boot 971 at the show.
New ArtiosCAD 12 Brings a New Dimension to Structural Packaging Design
Added 3D features, Intelligent Dielines tools and cloud-based enterprise collaboration help bring products - including Retail Ready Packaging - to
market faster
With the introduction of a new major release of ArtiosCAD, version 12, Esko 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.
Dynamic prepress workflow completes Odystar/Nexus/BackStage integration; now fully automated workflow for hybrid press jobs
Esko 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.“
Portfolio
Esko is the worldwide market leader with software for artwork creation, structural design, pre-production, workflow automation, quality assurance
and online collaboration. Esko solutions support and manage the packaging and print processes at brand owners, retailers, designers and
packaging manufacturers.
CDI flexo computer-to-plate imagers and Kongsberg digital finishing systems complete the portfolio for the packaging, label, signage and display
industries.
Enfocus, with its suite of PDF tools for graphic designers and print production professionals, is part of Esko.
Facts & numbers
Esko employs around 1200 people worldwide. Its direct sales and service organization covers Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific region,
completed by a network of distribution partners in more than 50 countries.
Esko is headquartered in Gent, Belgium, and has R&D and manufacturing facilities in five European countries, the United States, China and India.
At Labelexpo Americas 2012, Esko Solutions Offer Label Printers 'Results That Make You Smile'
Booth showcases PantoneLIVE™ support, hybrid printing workflow, remote proofing solutions, and more new tools for tag and label printers
At booth 5202, Esko (www.esko.com) will participate at Labelexpo Americas 2012 (September 11-13, Chicago) with its largest presence ever.
Esko will demo a range of products and services that offer tag and label printers 'Results that make you smile' - the company's campaign theme
launched at drupa. In addition to a host of products introduced at drupa, the company is unveiling new solutions that will be of specific interest to
tag and label printers.
“Over the past year Esko has been developing a number of new prepress applications for label printers working with flexo, digital, gravure or
offset. We offer an extensive array of sophisticated software tools, flexo plate imagers and finishing systems. All of our solutions have one
objective: to help companies optimize costs, streamline workflows and improve quality and consistency,” remarks Mark Quinlan, President, Esko
Americas. “I am confident that any visitor to our booth will find a number of solutions capable of delivering results that will make them smile.”
New product focus for label production
At Labelexpo Americas, visitors can expect the commercial availability of PantoneLIVE™ support within Esko’s workflows. PantoneLIVE™ delivers
an end-to-end color management and color communication solution that, for the first time, addresses the needs and requirements of every single
discipline within the packaging supply chain. 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. Experience with beta sites that have been
testing the solution show very positive ROIs.
In a related development to PantoneLIVE™, Esko recently developed an improved ink model. This is a critical component to the definition of color
from the PantoneLIVE™ cloud. The new ink model helps to predict how PANTONE® colors interact, and overprint on press. Using spectral
analysis, the technology will produce an inkjet proof that shows an accurate representation of what the result of two overprinting spot colors will
look like on the press.
Esko will be also be describing its ongoing efforts in remote proofing, where this technology produces the same results remotely as they do at the
primary prepress site. Esko will be offering a softproofing solution first, with easy off-site calibration.
Historically, when labels are produced with hybrid printing – typically a screen or flexo press in tandem with a digital press – separate workflows are
required to drive each station. That’s because each printing process requires different parameters such as inks and distortions. Esko will be
introducing new automated production software that requires just one workflow to drive all the stations – with the elimination of many steps, and
reduction of errors as a result.
North American premiere of latest solutions for label prepress
During Labelexpo, a raft of new solutions launched earlier this year at drupa will be shown for the first time in North America. On twelve
workstations, visitors will discover a wide array of software solutions addressing label and tag artwork, management, design and prepress, color
management, workflow automation and process integration. With the release of Suite 12, Esko focuses on adding value for the user by
introducing new productivity and efficiency benefits. This is done by closely integrating all flagship tools and engines, by adding rich 3D
functionality for a holistic experience, and by enabling mobile collaboration and web-based packaging management.
Featuring WebCenter 12, Automation Engine 12, Color Engine 12, Studio 12 and the version 12 editions of flagship editors ArtiosCAD, PackEdge,
ArtPro and DeskPack, Suite 12 raises the bar for process integration from design to press, involving all players in the supply chain. It provides a
complete answer to the challenges of a modern label preproduction workflow.
The Digital Finishing highlight of the event will be the new Kongsberg XN: a highly versatile and productive digital finishing table that can be
configured easily for the widest range of applications from kiss-cutting to packaging mockups, heavy-duty milling and simple to complex flexo plate
cutting with ID marking. This new table comes equipped with the impressive milling spindle MultiCUT-HP, boosting overall milling productivity.
Along with the Kongsberg XN20 will be the Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto, a versatile and productive digital finishing system, perfect for all kinds of
labels. Equipped with a stacker and sheet feeding system, the Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto finishes small-format, short-run digital printed materials,
accepting sheets as large as 35.4" x 47.2".
Esko’s Digital Flexo Suite automates and improves plate preparation activities in the flexo plate room and reduces plate waste by at least 15% — as
well as significantly reducing errors and labor. By nesting label artwork onto plates and cutting them automatically on the Kongsberg cutting table,
printers save plate material and produce label artwork faster.
Esko digital flexo plate imaging: delivering label printers outstanding print quality
At Labelexpo, Esko will showcase its leadership in advanced digital flexo solutions. Combining CDI digital flexo imagers with HD Flexo technology,
Esko has driven flexo printing to quality comparable to gravure and offset, delivering customers the high quality print results they demand.
Worldwide, hundreds of HD Flexo Certified customers, digital flexo partners and vendors benefit from accurate, sharp imaging quality combined
with greater consistency and full tonal range, including highlights with gradients down to zero, stable mid-tones and higher ink density solids. This
means end users can have more striking and visually impressive products with all-important shelf impact. In addition, the innovative development
of creating flat top dots with Inline UV generates sharper definition for outstanding image results. A wide variety of brilliant real-life label and flexible
packaging samples will be presented on the stand. Also on display will be the economically priced new size of CDI 2420 for small label companies
working with tight budgets.
Esko shares its passion for label printing with strong partners throughout the show
HP Indigo (3223) and Esko have a close, successful strategic partnering and pioneering relationship in digital print for labels and packaging. This
collaboration has been well received by converters who are making the transition to digital production in a highly competitive market. The
combination of Esko’s leading workflow tools and the unmatched quality and efficiency of HP Indigo digital presses has set a lofty standard for
labels and packaging. HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging workflow solutions, powered by Esko, simplify prepress and color management in
digital label and packaging workflows for HP Indigo industrial presses. Advanced capabilities include color space conversions and color
management, bar code generation, step & repeat and variable data capabilities. To demonstrate their partnership, on the Esko booth photos of
visitors – in front of a green screen – will be taken and processed through Esko Automation Engine 12. Completed images will be sent to the HP
booth, where they will be printed on an HP WS6600 digital press as personalized portraits in front of a Chicago landmark.
Next to the Esko booth, DuPont Packaging Graphics (5403) and Pitman Company will display the CDI Spark 2530, showing how plates can be
imaged and labels automatically cut on the Kongsberg XN. The CDI 2530 images digital flexo plates up to 25” x 30” and comes with an
incorporated plate loading table and a EasyClamp II drum for easier and faster plate loading.
Other partners, such as Anderson & Vreeland (booth 929), JV Imaging Solutions (booth 5523), Xpedx (booth 3908) and others are likely to display
Esko software, CDI imagers and Kongsberg finishing tables during Labelexpo.
Esko to share its knowledge during a number of Labelexpo events
Esko is significantly involved not only with product demonstrations at its booth, but also in educational activities for the benefit of attendees.
On September 13, the Digital Printing Master Class will help label and packaging converters looking to invest in digital printing for the first time.
The master class will feature key industry experts who will explore the current state of the art in digital printing, analyze the primary digital printing
technologies, evaluate workflow and color management and identify in- and off-line finishing options – among other topics. Jan De Roeck, Esko
Director Solutions Management, will offer a presentation covering prepress solutions for cost efficient and profitable digital printing of labels and
packaging.
Esko also participates in the Labelexpo technology workshops. This year's Laser Die Cutting workshop will feature Sei Spa, Spartanics, AB
Graphic International and Delta Industrial in four workshops overseen by a neutral moderator, cutting different profiles for labels. During the
workshop, Esko will be receiving web-to-print and MIS data and provide the front-end design and workflow support for all participants.
Package printing is one of the fastest growing areas in the industry. New technologies in this area will be showcased in the Package Printing
Zone in a dedicated area in Hall C during three daily workshops. Preceding each session, Esko will be offering insight into the design and color
management considerations for digitally printed folding cartons and in-mold labels.
“Esko has always taken a leadership role teaching printers about the nuances of package and label printing,” adds Quinlan. It’s not just enough to
offer exceptional solutions. We want our customers – and the industry – to make the most of the tools they have. An educated industry is more
competitive and more successful, which is good for everyone.”
Esko Secures a Color Future with Color Engine 12 Launch
Breakthrough color workflow for the entire packaging supply chain delivers improved shelf appeal
At drupa 2012, Esko 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."
EskoWorld 2012, the Esko user event, is coming to 'The Big Easy' June 17-20
Esko brings drupa to EskoWorld in New Orleans in June, with updates about new products, enhancements, and industry trends
The Esko User Group International (EUGI) Board of Directors and Esko (www.esko.com/eskoworld) are pleased to announce that this year's
EskoWorld 2012 for Esko customers in the Americas will be held in the historic and exciting New Orleans, June 17-20, 2012, at the Hilton New
Orleans Riverside, conveniently located in the heart of New Orleans on the banks of the Mississippi River and right next to the Riverwalk
Marketplace.
No Limits
EskoWorld will offer a total print experience: Packaging, labeling, commercial print, digital finishing, digital flexo, ArtiosCAD and color -something
for everyone. There is no limit where the EskoWorld User Conference can take a customer - which is why Esko is adopting "No Limits" as its
event slogan for 2012.
Last year's EskoWorld event drew a record 350 attendees, and Esko expects even more visitors this year. "We know that it is getting harder to
travel to Düsseldorf for drupa, so Esko is bringing May's drupa to EskoWorld in June -- all of Esko's new products, all the most recent and greatest
enhancements to existing products, and reports of all the latest printing trends," remarks Mark Quinlan, Esko Americas President. "As always, the
user conference will provide invaluable information about Esko solutions to help print providers squeeze productivity from their print operations and
explore new revenue-building opportunities. We particularly look forward to hosting a number of guests from Latin America. A special feature this
year is that more than 20 sessions will be presented in Spanish."
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. A large number of Esko 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 Esko and the EUGI leadership. This year is particularly special, because EskoWorld falls right after our presence
at drupa. It will offer a unique view into industry outlooks, new product presentations and roadmaps, and workshops for anyone with an interest in
packaging, displays, and printing. Users participate in training sessions, roundtable discussions, seminars and hands-on labs, designed for novice,
and journeyman, as well as advanced users -- providing them with information to add even more value to their Esko solutions," explains Simon
James, Esko Vice President Marketing. "Esko also receives a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our customers' evolving needs while,
concurrently, getting feedback from them on our development plans. Their views about our technology, service and support provide critical input
for future product and business planning."
Exceptional networking event with Esko industry partners
As in past years, Esko plans to have a variety of supply chain partners participating in the centrally located Partner Pavilion. Last year sixteen
companies offered assistance in various areas of print technology. EskoWorld attendees make it a point to visit the Pavilion and view solutions
from a wide range of vendors. The dedicated exhibition allows attendees to get easy access to demos and helpful information.
A little bit of team building and fun
An event in New Orleans would not be complete without some downtime. As one of the evening events, Esko has rented the House of Blues,
which will be filled with the sound of authentic Dixieland jazz for the night.
"Many people told us that EskoWorld 2011 was the best they ever attended," adds Quinlan. "The program offered them both hands-on sessions
and presentations to help them make the most of their Esko products -- and understand where Esko will take them in the future. We are confident
that anyone who attended EskoWorld returned with a list of productive, actionable ideas - but just ask them."
"Our company has had a long-standing relationship with Esko since 1998, when we decided to buy our CDI with all of the supporting workflow
tools. Since then, our entire prepress workflow system has been built with Esko products," recalls Sebastian Longo, President, Fotograbados
Longo S.A. in Avellaneda, a Buenos Aires suburb in Argentina. Because of this long-term relationship, we decided to visit EskoWorld to see what
is coming but, more important, how to make our current tools even more productive. The hands-on sessions, product roadmaps, and Open Labs
were the keys the program. It was very important for us to have conversations with all of Esko's staff, but the most amazing thing is what all of
them asked me, from software to hardware: 'What do you need? How can we help you?' We were happy to be there."
"This was my first EskoWorld conference, and I was pleased with the experience," comments Joseph Maurer, Prepress manager, Collotype
Labels in Napa, California. "I appreciated the interaction with Esko management, as well as product developers. The sessions I attended included
presentations that showed future product roadmaps, in-depth technique seminars as well as open labs with production technicians available for
help. I especially appreciated the ability to offer input to guide product development. I also spent some time in the Partner Pavilion and made
valuable connections with other key individuals in the industry. This all holds a lot of value to us."
Information and registration
This year, EskoWorld is holding the line on price increases and is encouraging companies to send more employees to the event. Until April 30, a
single registration is only $495. For every four registrations paid in full a fifth is free. Esko 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 <>.
About The Esko User Group International (www.eugi.org)
The Esko User Group International (EUGI) is open to any company that has Esko solutions, or has signed a purchase order for scheduled solution
delivery. EUGI exists in partnership with Esko to learn about and direct the future of Esko's structural & pre-production solutions. EUGI immerses
members in a network of fellow users, all willing to share information and tips. EUGI also provides invaluable information to experienced Esko's
users to fine-tune and maximize system use.
EskoArtwork donates new CDI Spark 2530 imager to Dunwoody College of Technology
Newest donation joins a significant collection of EskoArtwork packaging software and applications already in place at award-winning Minneapolis-
based school
As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering education in the packaging industry, EskoArtwork has donated a CDI Spark 2530 imager to The
Harper Center of Graphics Technologies at Dunwoody College of Technology. This latest donation adds to the multiple seats of EskoArtwork
packaging design and prepress software already in place at the Minneapolis-based school.
Dunwoody College of Technology offers a two-year graphics communications program divided into three tracks: design, premedia and press.
Class sizes are kept small, and students get heavy doses of real world experience, digging deep into applications and press operations.
The formula is working: graduates hit the streets well versed in today's technology, giving Dunwoody a very successful placement record with
local industry. Just recently, for example, six students armed with ArtiosCAD experience obtained jobs involving structural design.
Plus, for the second year in a row and the third time in four years, Dunwoody's team took first place in the Phoenix College Challenge, an annual
product design and printing competition for colleges held during the Flexographic Technical Association's Annual Forum and Info*Flex event. This
year's event, with 30 colleges participating, was held April 30, 2011, in Indianapolis.
"Every year the schools have to come up with a solution to a problem and then offer a 20 minute presentation talking about the technical aspects
of the process,' explains Shawn Oetjen. "To solve the problem, we used a wide range of EskoArtwork tools, from structural design, to a prepress
workflow and RIP software, to making the flexo plates."
Learning a complete workflow
With the latest CDI Spark donation, Dunwoody students are able to learn all the tasks involved in an all-digital workflow, from project design to
making plates. "Before we got the CDI, we were using film and, let's be real, nobody is using film," says Oetjen. "It was a huge gaping hole in our
workflow. We had to outsource the film for processing--there was an entire part of the workflow that we were missing. The CDI just completes the
workflow--our students can really see how it all comes together."
Within the graphic design track, classes in structural design and package layout and design make complete use of ArtiosCAD, used as part of the
program for the past three years. "Once we had ArtiosCAD, there was a significant change in how we taught that part of the program," notes
Gerald Timmreck, Program Manager, Design & Graphics Technology. "Students can actually see how to make a die and do it themselves. In the
past, we had to design it in Adobe ® Illustrator ® and then send it to a vendor who would make the cuts. If it the cuts were bad, the student was
of luck. With ArtiosCAD, we can make an actual prototype, and test the die; if it's not right, we can make adjustments."
As part of the structural design class, students are required to seek a college employee to recruit as a 'customer'; the customer comes up with a
product that requires packaging. The product can be something that is really sold. For example, one instructor used the packaging for a jewelry
line she creates. Or it can be for a toy in the instructor's office. In either scenario, the process is the same.
"Students use ArtiosCAD to offer the internal client a demo of what their packaging will look like before the project is finished," says Timmreck.
"The 3D feature is a very valuable real-work tool that lets students see on a computer monitor if the prototype works before it gets to the cutting .
The animation features in Visualizer are really great; students can see how the prototype will lay out and fold."
Adds Timmreck, "There's a lot of 'oohing' and 'ahhing' of what the students can do with ArtiosCAD, which is a big factor because it makes the
student much more interested in what they are doing."
From start to finish
In the Production Workflow class within the press track, students are expected to create a packaging label from start to finish: design an image,
lay it out, trap it and make the plates. "We use DeskPack, Automation Engine 10, and FlexProof to make proofs and FlexRIP to RIP files," says
Oetjen. "We use Color Engine to color manage the proofs, and CDI to make the plates."
The theory is that the more students can touch the software, the better. By the time they graduate, they are expected to be able to design and lay
out a file, trap it, make a plate, and run the project on press.
"A lot of the tools that EskoArtwork has incorporated into their software are cool and fun, so they keep the students interested in learning," says
Oetjen "But they also make sense. Seeing that the students 'get it', and why trapping, for example, is so important, is a great thing. They aren't just
listening to us explain theories -- they are seeing it for themselves. I show them what to do the first time around, but then they have to do it on their
own."
While using DeskPack and PackEdge, for instance, students on the premedia and press tracks are learning the ins and out of trapping. "A
designer will design the file," says Oetjen. "The students see the trap before it goes on press. When they see what happens to the design on
press they can physically see the results and why they're trapping. It's a powerful tool. When they actually see it, the light bulb goes on; they get it.
It's a beautiful thing."
EskoArtwork and VT Group, A Partnership that Keeps on Growing
Packager moves into new display markets and meets customer quality and turnaround demands with help of EskoArtwork technology and
solutions.
Miamisburg, OH (USA), December, 2011 -- The VT Group is not content to stand still. Established in 1966 as VT Graphics, a manufacturer of
flexographic plates, the company continues to evolve and expand, and today VT Graphics is now one part of a company known as The VT
Group, which also consists of Digital Impact LLC and Ocean Design LLC. Together, these three companies offer a full complement of services for
the manufacture of POP displays and corrugated shipping containers, including flexographic design and prepress; negative and plate
manufacturing; short run digital printing; and pre-mounting and plotter capabilities. Located in a 45,000 square foot campus in Yeadon, just outside
of Philadelphia, the VT Group services Fortune 500 and top name brand companies both nationally and internationally.
No matter what the product or service, the company strives to provide innovative and cost effective solutions for its customers. To that end, the
company has continually looked to EskoArtwork to help it meet customer demands for quick turnaround, high quality, short run packaging, and
POP displays.
Ahead of the curve
"The only way to be successful in packaging is to stay at least one step ahead of the competition, and to continually invest in technology that lets
you not only meet your customers' requirements, but exceed them," says Robert Mormile, President and CEO, VT Group. "A big part of the reason
we have been able to do that is because of EskoArtwork."
Digital Impact houses the group's most recent EskoArtwork acquisition, the Kongsberg XP44 Auto, the first installed in North America. Digital
Impact, which focuses on POP counter and floor displays and retail signage, is partnering the finishing table with the company's new six-color UV
Durst Rho 900 large-format printer and Drytac laminator.
"The Kongsberg XP44 Auto, working with our new Durst large-format printer and Drytac laminator, has doubled our capacity and boosted our
quality in short run production, given us even greater competitive advantage over offset," says Mormile. "Our original Kongsberg DCM die cutters--
with their ability to cut a huge number of substrates without having to cut dies--helped move us into the short run arena, generating new business
opportunities, With the recent addition of the Rho 900, a 98-inch wide UV flatbed, we needed a digital die cutter that could keep up with its
production and handle the larger format sizes. As far as we were concerned, there was only one clear choice--the Kongsberg XP44 Auto."
The EskoArtwork Kongsberg Auto XP44 Auto forms the perfect complement to Digital Impact's two older-model EskoArtwork Kongsberg DCM 24
digital cutting machines, driven by EskoArtwork's ArtiosCAD structural design system. The Kongsberg machines are an integral part of Digital
Impact's full digital production workflow for POP displays and short-run packaging, which includes the new Durst printer as well as a six-color HP
Scitex FB6700 industrial flatbed printer.
"The Kongsberg XP44 goes a long way in helping us meet customer demands for fast turnarounds of large-format displays," says Mormile. " Like
our Kongsberg DCM 24 units, it automatically loads and unload sheets, letting us run the machine without being attended by an operator. We can
fit all the parts of a display job onto a single sheet, because of the large working area, which not only saves us time, but cost. We can also work
with a lot of different materials--even acrylics."
The Kongsberg machines manufacture from one to 1,500 pieces, reliably delivering rapid-fire turnarounds and letting Digital Impact offer specialty
converting as well as short run work. Both models feature a scope of quick creasing, cutting and crushing tools, and can cut at maximum speed
through a broad range of substrates up to double wall corrugated.
Key ingredient
EskoArtwork technology is also a key ingredient to VT Group's ability to meet customer quality and turnaround demands. In March of 2010, VT
Group made headlines, becoming the proud owner of the 1500th EskoArtwork Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI). The CDI 5080 Spark flexo plate imager
has allowed VT Group to expand its plate offerings for POS displays and shipping containers and to enter new markets--the result of the CDI's
ability to deliver 135-150 lpi screens.
Also at VT Group is Esko's Color Management System, which forms the foundation for the company's proprietary Trucolor dot proofing system,
giving the shop the necessary ability to fingerprint clients' presses for more accurate printing.
Meanwhile, Ocean Design runs ArtiosCAD packaging structural design software, which delivers intelligent drafting tools specifically designed for
product development and virtual prototyping and manufacturing. ArtiosCAD lets Ocean Design create 3D versions of prototype samples, allowing
customers to see what their package or display will look like without having to go through the process of making a sample. This not only saves
the client money but also lets displays get to market faster.
"The VT Group uses a lot of EskoArtwork technology, from software suites to color management to production machines," says Mormile.
"EskoArtwork is definitely an important asset for the corrugated industry -- and, of course, the VT Group -- coming out with cutting edge software
and hardware, so we can succeed as the industry evolves and changes."
Adds Mormile, "We will be updating to EskoArtwork Suite 10 production workflow software over the next few weeks. We have a good
partnership with EskoArtwork that benefits us both, as we help them by beta testing new technology and they help us by continually remaining on
target, delivering what we need to navigate through this extremely complex industry."
EskoArtwork Offers Print Providers a Clear Choice for Packaging
EskoArtwork offers print providers a clear choice of packaging, sign & display and commercial print applications, at Graphics Canada 2011
First EskoArtwork booth (#3906) at Print Canada offers new ways to work on print projects -- and to look at print businesses
At Graphics Canada 2011, booth #3906, EskoArtwork will demonstrate its extensive range of innovative solutions for packaging, sign & display,
and commercial print providers.
Visitors to the show will benefit from a visit to the EskoArtwork booth, where the company will display its end-to-end workflow solutions,
showcasing its Suite 10 portfolio of print and packaging pre-production software, featuring Studio, a unique set of tools for 3D packaging design
made specifically for packaging artwork professionals. For sign and display shops, EskoArtwork will highlight i-cut Suite, a collection of pre-
production solutions that streamline the workflow for digital printing and finishing throughout the entire production process.
Graphics Canada, held November 10-12, 2011 at the Toronto International Center, is Canada's largest and longest running showcase for the
graphic arts and printing industry, ranked 13th largest trade show of any kind in Canada. With 250 exhibitors representing over 500 companies
and held in 4 exhibit halls at the Toronto International Centre, the event provides an unique opportunity to inspire, influence, entice and persuade
the largest gathering of graphic arts and print buyers in Canada -- more than 12,000.
"This is the first time that EskoArtwork has exhibited at Graphics Canada with its own booth. Over the past couple of years, EskoArtwork has
made a specific effort to make its presence known in Canada, offering print providers throughout the country easy access to our products and
expertise," explains Marc Raad, EskoArtwork Account Manager, Canada. "We look forward to showing visitors to Graphics Canada our
extensive range of software solutions and answering all their questions on how to achieve the best possible results from their prepress production."
Suite 10: Complete prepress solution
Automation is becoming an extremely important determinant of print provider profitability. Automation could be adding simple trapping programs to
the prepress department, introducing advanced, 3D design software, or building full-fledged, sophisticated prepress production automation.
EskoArtwork's Suite 10 is a software solution for packaging prepress, 3D structural design and quality assurance, collaboration and automation,
and color management. Visitors can follow demonstrations of Automation Engine 10 and editor applications: ArtPro 10, PackEdge 10, DeskPack
10, ArtiosCAD 10 and Studio 10. Automation Engine 10 adds capabilities to the automation of repetitive tasks and takes more human interaction
out of prepress production.
EskoArtwork Studio: creating artwork in 3D
Rather than working on 2D flats, designers can create projects in 3D -- designing with finished lines, adding graphics, and wrapping them around
to see how they fit. Graphics can be designed on 3D materials using EskoArtwork Studio and Visualizer, plug-ins for Adobe ® Illustrator ® that put
interactive 3D display creation in the hands of the designer, letting them see their artwork applied instantly on the screen. Studio also allows
designers to create exciting 3D visuals to show to their clients, ranging from PDF files with 3D content, to movies, or virtual pack shots. Visualizer
adds the finishing touch, showing a wide range of substrates, printing and finishing effects in real-time.
One of Studio's featured options is EskoArtwork's Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves, the recipient of a 2011 Printing Industries of America
InterTech(TM) Technology Award. Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves creates artwork for shrink sleeves (labels placed around a package or
packages and shrunk around them during production).
i-cut Suite production software for digital printing and finishing, featuring new i-cut Automate
In the business of signs and displays, creativity generally breeds opportunities for more, higher-margin jobs. Typically, print providers who offer only
two-dimensional displays can be caught bidding on projects that are more and more commoditized. The 'winner' is caught working on marginally
profitable projects. Three-dimensional projects offer an entirely new world of possibilities for print buyers, and help the print provider to differentiate
himself on creativity.
i-cut Suite is a collection of pre-production software for users of digital printers and/or digital finishing systems. The different modules of i-cut Suite
provide sign and display companies extraordinary efficiency and productivity, regardless of the type, source and variety of incoming job
information. i-cut Suite tackles all bottlenecks in a workflow, from preflighting PDF files, preparing graphics, creating layouts, to printing, and
finishing in perfect registration.
New, and demonstrated for the first time in Canada, is i-cut Automate, 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.
Clear choices at partner booths
A number of influential printing industry partners will be participating with EskoArtwork, showing hardware and software solutions for a diverse
range of print applications, featuring the Kongsberg i-XL 24 finishing table and i-cut Suite software:
* Access imaging, booth 3535
* Ernest Green & Son, booth 1270
* Fujifilm Canada, booth 1200
The Kongsberg i-XL 24, the workhorse of the product line, 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.
"We look forward to showing print providers at Graphics Canada how they can produce work more efficiently, while finding new, profitable
services to offer," concludes Raad. "Our customer base is growing because we offer a wide range of ways to help redefine and grow their
businesses."
Structural Designers Share Data and Improve Workflow Processes with ArtiosCAD Enterprise.
The ArtiosCAD Enterprise enabled "private cloud" provides a collaborative environment that combines data integrity and security with web-based
data storage and more.
EskoArtwork recently introduced ArtiosCAD Enterprise, a new release of the world's most popular structural packaging design software, and
customers are already reporting internal cost savings from using the product. With the new release carton converters set up their own private
cloud to deploy a process-driven workflow, connecting all stakeholders in a project. All assets are centralized in a corporate private cloud, a
secure web-accessible database enabling dynamic on-line collaboration between design groups, CAD and graphic designers, suppliers, brand
owners and production. Easy to use on-line dashboards deliver users and management real-time feedback on project status, task lists and other
parameters.
Cloud Concepts
The paperboard packaging industry, the majority of the ArtiosCAD installed base, has always followed their brand owner customers to provide
packaging services at the location where the consumer product is manufactured. This has led to a landscape with large conglomerations of
players with multiple geographically spread production plants. So far, structural design operations in these plants have been operated as
disconnected silo's, but those times are now over.
ArtiosCAD Enterprise was introduced in April, 2011 and has since then been installed in sites across Europe and the US. Customer feedback has
been overwhelmingly positive with packaging converters reporting major improvements in their workflow processes. wellcarton Verpackungen und
Displays, a leading German carton packaging specialist, recently rolled out a private cloud using ArtiosCAD Enterprise and was particularly
impressed with the efficiency gains it has already achieved.
"We installed ArtiosCAD Enterprise just a few months ago," says Herr Gernot Thiele, Director of Creative Services at wellcarton. "The Esko team
did a brilliant job getting the software installed, deployed and making sure that our whole Creative Center team was well trained. They're now
working live with the product, creating more than 10 projects per day and are all extremely happy with the software" explains Gernot. "But what's
really amazing is that with the new workflow in place, it only takes one-fourth of the time compared to before. That's a whopping 60% saving in
time, which is really significant. The next project we have kicked off is to integrate ArtiosCAD Enterprise with our Order to Cash system which will
allow us to recognize even further business process efficiencies and savings for our company."
Technology behind the Cloud
ArtiosCAD Enterprise is built on two reliable and field proven software applications: ArtiosCAD and WebCenter. WebCenter is the EskoArtwork
web-based communication platform that is fast becoming the standard for web-based collaboration and approval in the packaging industry with
over 400 installations and 40,000 users worldwide.
With ArtiosCAD Enterprise all valuable corporate assets that you need to access, such as common board tables, customer lists, projects, CAD
files, specs, bills of materials and forms are at your fingertips and shared between all users, no matter to which production plant they report. This
cloud-based solution means all data is centralized in a common, secure, web-accessible database making it mobile, transferable and instantly
accessible. Users can access data directly through the ArtiosCAD client or via a web browser. ArtiosCAD Enterprise will assure the common
database in the cloud is always the latest, most immediate data while at the same time synchronizing a user-level cache to insure optimal
performance and accessibility. All this is deployed under most stringent data security measures to make sure all valuable corporate assets remain
private and secure.
A Cloud of Benefits
With one central repository shared by all users, designers collaborate more easily and search for existing designs without duplicating efforts. All
players in the supply chain -- structural designers, graphic designers, suppliers, brand owners and production managers -- share the common,
centralized database ensuring much stronger, more dynamic collaboration across the whole supply chain.
"ArtiosCAD Enterprise makes collaboration with clients and suppliers straightforward," explains Richard Deroo, EskoArtwork Product Manager,
Structural Design. "For example, a converter who needs a die created by an outside vendor can invite the diemaker to the project to access the
most recent version of the file -- rather than sending an email document with a file attachment. This eliminates any risk of a die being created from
the wrong version of a CAD file."
A Scalable Cloud
ArtiosCAD Enterprise is a scalable solution that meets the needs of both single-plant and multi-plant enterprise users. Deroo explains: "Single
location users will increase their productivity with a process-driven workflow, reducing the number of data entry points. Larger global accounts will
benefit from the online, secure, central database that allows for instant access to corporate design assets from any location. Thus companies with
plants in multiple locations can centralize files and collaborate on projects and structural designs. They can import work from other projects and
adapt them to their own specific jobs."
Standardization
By enabling all ArtiosCAD users in a corporation to access the database via the private cloud, corporate standards are developed and shared
across all locations and users, resulting in common workflow practices across multiple plants.
Controlled Access and Security
Security and privileges to the database are protected by a user login, ensuring that all projects, files and database information are fully protected.
User access is controlled and permissions are granted based on need. As this is truly a private cloud, the customer determines access rights for
any outside user, eg. clients or suppliers. This is done at user or file level within a project.
Simplifying IT support
With only one single database to administer and maintain, IT support is simplified. Unlike other systems, where IT departments are responsible for
managing replicated databases at every location, ArtiosCAD Enterprise reduces the risk of 'data collision', should the on-site databases be out of
synch with the master database.
EskoArtwork i-cut Automate Brings Automation to Design-to-Print-to-Cut Workflows for Sign and Display Production
Wide format customers remove prepress bottlenecks and reduce time and material waste
EskoArtwork announces i-cut Automate, built on Esko's highly successful Automation Engine, the latest addition to i-cut Suite. i-cut Automate ties
the pieces of the i-cut Suite together, and automates 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.
"Sign and display graphics producers are constantly looking for ways to run more efficiently so that they can meet their customers' needs,"
explains Isabelle Noppe, EskoArtwork Product Manager i-cut Suite. "Automating their prepress workflow with i-cut Automate will enable them to
handle greater volumes of work more economically, and to shorten their cycle times. In turn, this will lead to greater profitability."
Major addition to an advanced suite of tools
i-cut Automate is an addition to the i-cut Suite, part of the EskoArtwork Suite 10 - a set of integrated software tools for the packaging, printing and
sign & display industry. i-cut Suite also includes i-cut Preflight, i-cut Layout and i-cut Vision Pro - tools.The i-cut Suite has been launched in 2010
and since then has seen rapid growing popularity at large format printing plants allover the world.
i-cut Preflight handles efficient preflighting and editing of incoming PDF files, ensuring that jobs will RIP and print correctly.
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.
With i-cut Automate, all of these functions are now possible in a single automated 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 can be made far less time-consuming through setting up dynamic workflows that are easy to 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.
Positive customer feedback
i-cut Automate is already being used by customers the world over to reap significant efficiency benefits. For instance, the professional photo
laboratory APLUS, in Nanterre ,Paris , uses it to satisfy the exacting requirements of its discerning customers, including professional
photographers, portrait photographers and even websites specialising in imagery. Arnaud Le Nedelec, technical manager of the APLUS
laboratory, explains: "In terms of printing on rigid materials (Plexiglas, Dibond aluminium, PVC, etc.) for high-end displays, i-cut Automate allows us
to manage our web-to-print process in a completely automated workflow, from the acceptance of the order to the printing/cutting stage. Our
customers' files are supported right from the order, grouped together by type of material, printed and cut out. In this workflow, the only manual
intervention required is to position the sheets on the printing and cutting table. This saves precious time, which allows us to be more available for
our customers. It also saves material because the sheets are perfectly optimised."
Availability
i-cut Automate will be officially launched at the SGIA Expo wide format tradeshow in New Orleans, USA from October 19-21, 2011, and will be
released to customers in the weeks following the show: sgia.org/events/current_expo/sgia11/.
As a scalable solution, the pricing of i-cut Automate depends upon the number of clients who will interact with the system, and on the required
productivity.
EskoArtwork Adds 3D Viewing and Approval, and iPad Features to New WebCenter Version
New version 10.1 marks major leap forward in online packaging approval experience
EskoArtwork, announces a new version of its WebCenter online collaboration tool for the packaging and print supply chain, with new features
that remove unnecessary time and expense currently incurred in bringing packaging to market. WebCenter connects, controls and streamlines the
complexities of the packaging development lifecycle, centralizing project data and optimizing communication between packaging and print
buyers, designers and printer/converters.
WebCenter now features EskoArtwork's class-leading Visualizer technology. Virtual 3D designs can be shared and viewed from every angle, to
communicate realistic final packaging concepts to clients. There is no need to create and ship expensive physical mock-ups - the 3D Viewing
and Approval functionality in WebCenter 10.1 enables better communication and verification. Deadlines can therefore be more easily and more
cost-effectively met.
New! WebCenter iPad App
Version 10.1 of WebCenter includes, for the first time, the WebCenter iPad App. Users can now unlock WebCenter's powerful functionality while
on the move, consequently speeding up approval cycles. Viewing, annotating and approving designs is a simple matter, thanks to the intuitive
interface and fast performance of the iPad App.
Jijo Dominic, EskoArtwork Product Manager WebCenter, comments: "WebCenter 10 has proved to be extremely attractive to packaging
converters, pre-press bureaus and global consumer brands. The install base grew from 330 to 385 sites in just six months after launch. This new
release is another great step forward for customers. With the innovative new online 3D viewing and approval capability, and the slick design and
performance of the WebCenter iPad App, we've been true to our commitment to focus on developing packaging-intelligent online collaboration
solutions.
"It allows our customers to position themselves as value-adding service innovators, and provides massive benefits both for them and their
customers in bringing greater efficiency to all types of packaging projects."
3D Viewing and Approval
The integration of Visualizer viewing in EskoArtwork WebCenter enables an interactive virtual pack shot experience on the web.
Customers can:
* Upload, view, rotate, zoom, annotate and approve virtual 3D packaging designs
* See realistic visualizations of all used inks, materials and finishing effects in their chosen environment
* Eliminate time consuming and expensive approval stages that use physical 3D mock-ups, allowing more time devoted to innovation and
speedier completion of packaging projects
* Use their favorite packaging design applications, with integration to Adobe Illustrator, ArtiosCAD and many more; and
* Create, view and approve all packaging formats, including complex, multi-piece displays
WebCenter iPad App
The WebCenter iPad App delivers the full power of WebCenter performance with the convenience of mobile access. WebCenter users can:
* View, compare, annotate and approve packaging designs through a simple and intuitive interface
* View, markup and approve CAD files, PDFs and image files in high resolution
* Use advanced tools such as separation views, ink details, and CAD overlays; dimensions can be measured and document history consulted
* See differences in multiple versions highlighted with a compare tool
* Compare virtual with printed samples through a powerful real-size view
* Manage multiple WebCenter accounts within the App
* Undertake more advanced tasks such as creating projects, setting up approval cycles and consulting on project progress
Further enhancements to WebCenter in version 10.1 are a new Compare mode with a three-window view, making it easier for reviewers to spot
differences between documents; and a new Task Scheduler to improve project management. With Task Scheduler, users can try different
options and quickly adjust timelines with a few clicks. The impact of such project changes can also be visualized using a Gantt chart view.
Availability
WebCenter 10.1 is available now through EskoArtwork and its distribution channels. The WebCenter iPad App can be downloaded from the
Apple App Store.
EskoArtwork's ArtiosCAD 7.7 Offers New Packaging and Display Design Tools
The world's most popular structural design software now offers greater productivity, error elimination, operator time-savings and a true WISIWYG
design experience.
EskoArtwork 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
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."
Enhanced automation, improved productivity and speedier file processing power at the heart of packaging and print pre-production.
EskoArtwork 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."
Availability
Automation Engine 10.1 is commercially available worldwide.
EskoArtwork Equipment and Software Find an Academic Home on the West Coast at Cal Poly
Packaging and digital print solutions put to good use in the classroom and in the research labs
EskoArtwork investments at Cal Poly State University's Graphic Communication Department offer not only digital print and packaging learning
opportunities in the classroom, but cutting edge printable electronics research in the laboratory.
The leading program of its kind in the western United States
Cal Poly State University's Graphic Communication Department is one of the best-known programs of its kind in the nation. The program is the
largest in the western United States with over 33,000 square feet of modern laboratories, including two cutting-edge laboratories: the Design
Reproduction Technology Laboratory and the Electronic Publishing Laboratory. The department has one of the largest industry support programs
in graphic arts education with the vast majority of its equipment and facilities donated by industry. The department maintains an enrollment of
approximately 300 students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Communication with concentrations in Graphic Communication
Management, Web and Digital Media, Design Reproduction Technology, and Graphics for Packaging. The Electronic Publishing Laboratory
(EPL) is a state-of-the-art graphics imaging laboratory used during regular classroom instruction with open lab time for the Graphic Communication
Department.
"Partners in Education" has been the theme of Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department's ongoing relationship with industry. It is the driving
concept that brings the industry and university together for the benefit of both. Through laboratories supported by industry, students become
acquainted with the companies and technologies that drive the graphic communication profession. Through cooperative education and
internships, industry has access to some of Cal Poly's finest Graphic Communication students who can immediately contribute on-the-job while
learning from company leaders.
Through the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly (GrCI), industry has access to research, testing, product evaluations, consulting,
seminars, workshops, and conferences. Established in 2001, GrCI is an outreach effort of the university's Graphic Communication department,
created to provide industry professionals with access to Cal Poly's state-of-the-art resources via workshops, custom training programs, consulting,
laboratory testing and research initiatives. GrCI educational programs involve the participation of Cal Poly faculty, leading industry experts and
advanced students from the Graphic Communication program.
Kongsberg tables, a CDI and software in use in the classroom
"The Cal Poly education emphasizes hands-on learning by doing. Students get experience using professional equipment, which is a key to
success of the program at Cal Poly," explains Harvey R. Levenson, Ph. D., Department Head, Graphic Communication. A wide range of
EskoArtwork software and hardware technology can be found in two lab areas. An extremely high resolution CDI with SecuFlex and HD Flexo
technology and a Kongsberg finishing table are devoted to packaging work, particularly from flexo and gravure. Along with the CDI and
Kongsberg XL 20 table in the flexo and gravure imaging lab, Cal Poly operates the EskoArtwork Digital Flexo Suite, allowing them to position many
images on a plate to save plate material and automate the plate cutting process. The graphic pieces are cut, drilled and mounted on a cylinder.
"Students at Cal Poly are able to explore some of the latest productivity advancements because the EskoArtwork CDI has inline UV capabilities,"
adds Levenson.
Cal Poly will be using its other Kongsberg table; an i-XE10 Auto; with its new HP 4000 Indigo digital press to create labels and other materials such
as thin gauge flexible packaging and paperboard packaging. "We're going full speed ahead," enthuses Malcolm G. Keif, Ph. D., Professor, Cal
Poly Graphic Communication Department. "Students will be able to 'prepare' materials online, print them on the Indigo press, and finish them on
the Kongsberg table."
Recently, Cal Poly upgraded its software to Suite 10, featuring Automation Engine 10. "Automation Engine 10 is a cleaner, more visual workflow
for our students," says Keif. "EskoArtwork offered us an extremely generous license so all our students can work on the software at the same
time." Cal Poly uses the software throughout the entire curriculum. In their flexography class, students will work with HD Flexo, pushing the
envelope with 200 lpi screens. They will also be creating prototypes in their consumer packaging class and using the Kongsberg table and
Equinox color management for the Indigo press in their digital printing class. There are even applications for JDF with a Heidelberg press and a
CIP3-compatible Polar-Mohr cutting system.
Cal Poly students used the Kongsberg XL20 for this year's Phoenix Challenge. In the future they will use both the Kongsberg table and their
EskoArtwork workflow for the competition.
Taking advantage of EskoArtwork equipment in the lab
Cal Poly has plans to develop a graduate program for printed electronics and functional imaging -- topics such as electro luminescence and
photovoltaics -- overseen by Keif. It is one of the reasons why EskoArtwork installed the highest, 10,160 ppi resolution CDI at Cal Poly, the most
advanced digital imager available. It allows the school to conduct research into functional materials and fine patterning.
Two broad projects will rely on the high resolution CDI imager. One is creating print technologies for electronic signs or displays. Almost any
electronic display or sign requires a transparent conductor as a front layer that we can see through. One of the strategies is to print a very fine
conductive silver grid -- an electrode front, like a screen door. "We need super fine imaging, explains Keif. "We will be running a number of tests
to see how fine a grid pattern we need to replace a transparent conductor. A 10-micron line is fine enough for most people, which means there's a
burden on the plate manufacturer to provide a fine, crisp 3 micron line that we can hold on the press."
The second project is testing the idea of printing small features tiny enough for a transistor for circuitry. The first step is to print and attain very fine
gaps between the source and drain of a transistor, preferably below 10 microns. Cal Poly is researching the ability of the imager to produce fine
plates for print. Producing high-resolution ablative films for screen printing of thicker, conductive inks are envisioned for the CDI.
Cal Poly has aspirations to develop research seminar programs through the Graphic Communication Institute. "The lab is really an EskoArtwork
lab," says Levenson. "It's open to EskoArtwork to bring anyone to view their equipment in an independent setting." Cal Poly expects to conduct
two public workshops in the fall -- one focusing on HD Screening and the other on process color for packaging, focused on near-neutral
calibration. EskoArtwork will play an active role in these sessions.
"One of the rationales to fit Cal Poly with EskoArtwork equipment is that it is the premier graphic arts school in the western US. Now we have a
nice location from which to reach out to our customers. It's a nice fit for students and for EskoArtwork," explains Larry Moore, EskoArtwork
director of software services in North America. "They have built a nice laboratory setting for a West Coast presence. We know that Cal Poly
appreciates our commitment to them and we appreciate their commitment to growing their packaging and printed electronics curriculum."
"EskoArtwork is indicative of the partners we seek for our education program at Cal Poly," concludes Levenson. "Cal Poly is committed to
providing an education to assure that our students are viable in the industry; not only processes and technology for here and now, but in the
future as well. EskoArtwork technology falls into that category. We are fortunate in that we can pick and choose the equipment we place at Cal
Poly. EskoArtwork tools offer our students the most relevant experience with solutions they will likely use in industry, once they graduate."
EskoArtwork Hardware and Software Find a Busy, Academic Home at Clemson University
EskoArtwork's investment in software and equipment at Clemson University's Department of Graphic Communications continues to reap rewards --
both to students' education and to research for the graphic arts industry.
Clemson University's Department of Graphic Communications' mission statement is to develop dedicated, practical problem-solving people for the
print, packaging and allied industries. While the program focuses on packaging in particular, it covers all facets of commercial printing. The
technologies students use on a daily basis complement every one of the print market areas. Over the years, every student in the department's
major, literally hundreds, has been exposed to EskoArtwork technologies. The experience has been enhanced by the most recent upgrade to
university efforts: the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics, which utilizes EskoArtwork software and a CDI Spark imager.
The school utilizes a number of seats of EskoArtwork software technologies -- in addition to licenses for DeskPack plugins for Adobe® Illustrator --
to complement the platemaking system. Some seats are in the department's lab, while the Sonoco Institute utilizes the others. "We have the
technologies spanning on both ends of the campus -- traditional classrooms and the Sonoco Institute. It's an ongoing process to determine where
and how to best use the technologies," explains Dr. Sam T. Ingram, Chair and Professor, Clemson University Department of Graphic
Communications. "Without EskoArtwork's support, we would not be able to graduate students so well versed, exposed to, and using
technologies they will need in the workplace. We just wouldn't be able to give them the experience they need."
EskoArtwork gets placed on classroom desks
Two departments, Graphic Communications and Packaging Science, offer specific coursework that utilizes EskoArtwork equipment. All students
are exposed to foundation concepts from the first freshman course. Clemson's curriculum plans for upward-spiraling complexity. The school
considers problem solving as the crucial element students work though when developing, creating, printing and finishing work. EskoArtwork
technologies have similar layers of technologies that a student can undertake on any given level.
Examples of courses include:
* in a freshman course, Adobe® CS and EskoArtwork PackEdge are used to create graphics, while ArtiosCAD offers an introduction to CAD.
Students create a packet structure with graphics design components, which is ultimately output to inkjet and diecut on Kongsberg tables.
* a second year course covers more complex prepress and color management tools, employed to help make an image printable. PackEdge and
Intellicurve are central to instruction.
* in second and third year packaging science courses, students use ArtiosCAD, DeskPack and SolidWorks to create packaging designs through
prototyping, using Visualizer.
* a senior level course involves a major use of PackEdge and other EskoArtwork tools for packaging and specialty printing. A number of live
projects include multicolor labels, flexible packaging, and corrugated, which ultimately go on press.
In the packaging and specialty printing class, students develop a targeted product marketing program. Components must include project work in
POP materials, labels, flexible packaging, and folding carton. The work involves printing some items on digital inkjet--and others on an offset or
flexo press.
One recent project was an all-paper, reading lamp. Everything was constructed of paper except the battery and lamp. "Our students are often
challenged to design functional products, from 'gee whiz' lights, and unusual boxes, to anything from labels to 'you name it' ideas," remarks Ingram.
Making many designs that work
EskoArtwork products are also used for research projects conducted by Clemson University. For example, one was a prototyping project in
printed electronics -- a fast food 'talking' package. "It was a comic character animated package with graphics that came together for a kid's meal
package," recalls Ingram. "In addition to the graphic design, what was critical was that the materials selected required a fair amount of accuracy
to print and integrate them into the design." A prototype was created on a digital inkjet press and finished on a Kongsberg table.
Clemson has worked on innovative projects leading to green activities, and new products. At other times, EskoArtwork tools are used for special
industry research projects. "In particular we have students who focus on research projects with color and or materials. Most involve flexo,
although some cover offset. Support will include running experiments and data to measure flexo quality control through the FTA Flexo Quality
consortium," comments Ingram. "Others measure expanded gamut and other benchmarks. Lately we've been using a lot of technologies involving
smart materials for printed electronics that complement and provide levels of precision to set benchmarks. We've also looked at conductive or
other OLED coatings."
"We will provide support for other projects that are involved, in some way, around packaging, such as looking at color, or other components such
as anilox rollers. We often use the EskoArtwork prepress front end to assure whatever our testing protocols are, we are in good hands with the
technology," adds Ingram.
A company involved in the academic process
EskoArtwork also has a strong tie to Clemson's academia. For example, it has participated in symposia, workshops and seminars where
EskArtwork's brain trust offers assistance.
Every year, Clemson's 12-15 week internship program involves nearly two hundred students, spread out across the US. They help to prepare
students, whether they are involved in design phase, prepress or manufacturing. Many of the companies meet and select their interns at Intern
Employer Day. "EskoArtwork always participates in our program, looking for students and interviewing graduates for careers. We could never
claim that our teaching activities would make all students 100% expert. They know that Clemson students are, at the least, well versed in the
technologies," admits Ingram.
"While we have other software technologies, for us, the significant advantage of EskoArtwork technologies is the diversity of the solutions and
the ease to use many of them with Adobe® Creative Suite," concludes Dr. Ingram. "And, the complement of traditional and digital press
technologies, plotting labels and 3D modeling is a lot of fun. We like to say our labels are like puzzle palaces. Here, students have an idea and
they work with the faculty to figure it out. At the end, it is not the project that attains the lofty goal but, rather, the process to learn how to think
through a project, in a positive, productive fashion -- and EskoArtwork offers the tools that allow that to happen."
"EskoArtwork is proud to support educational institutions with tools and know-how throughout the world. For example, in North America there are
more than a hundred schools and universities--and more than another fifty in EMEA--where EskoArtwork software and hardware is installed," adds
Mark Quinlan, President, EskoArtwork Americas. "We are pleased with the two-fold benefit. We are helping to educate students to be productive
when they join the work force, and they are contributing to industry research while in school."
EskoArtwork to Offer GoPrint Web-to-Print Solution to its North American Customer Base
Package printers now can provide an easy, efficient means to place print orders
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 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 is available directly from EskoArtwork, Hybrid Integration, and other EskoArtwork resellers throughout North America.
EskoArtwork Creates Value Before and After Print with Design, Pre-Press, and Digital Finishing Solutions
EskoArtwork highlights Kongsberg finishing systems with the new i-cut Vision Pro 7.1 at booth 3512
During the ISA International Sign Expo 2011, from April 28-30 in Las Vegas, NV, booth 3512, EskoArtwork will demonstrate a comprehensive
portfolio of end-to-end workflow and digital finishing solutions. Highlights at the show include the Kongsberg i-XP 24, the Kongsberg i-XL 24, and
the Kongsberg i-XE 10 Auto finishing systems, all with the new i-cut Vision Pro 7.1. 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.
NEW: i-cut Vision 7.1 adds significant productivity, making it easier to cut difficult materials
i-cut Vision 7.1 software will be launched at both the EskoArtwork and the i-cut, inc. (#2415) booths during ISA.
Vision control is necessary for digital finishing systems because all printed materials contain size, rotation and scaling distortions that will produce
inaccurate digital die cutting, if not corrected. i-cut Vision's patented means of distortion compensation lets digital cutting systems produce error-
free results. i-cut Vision Pro is a fully integrated hardware and software solution that turns a digital cutting table into a true, short-run production
system, utilizing a camera system that individually adjusts cut files to perfectly match printed graphics. New to i-cut Vision Pro 7.1 is patent-pending
Adaptive Registration, a feature that intelligently reduces the number of registration marks read throughout production, increasing productivity
without sacrificing accuracy. Another new, significant feature is the ability to automatically eliminate overcuts in sensitive materials such as foam,
Reboard and PSA film, by cutting away from inside corners.
During ISA, i-cut Vision Pro 7.1 systems will be available for purchase at the EskoArtwork and i-cut, inc. booths.
i-cut Suite: Streamlining the entire workflow, from design to print to cut
i-cut Suite was designed specifically for companies that drive narrow or large format digital printers and/or digital finishing systems, and that require
professional tools to streamline their workflows. It is the first workflow that offered wide format printing and digital finishing companies a complete,
integrated solution. It is comprised of different modules, including i-cut Preflight for efficient PDF preflighting and editing, and i-cut Layout for
interactive layout, tiling and nesting of graphics.
i-cut Suite software doesn't require users 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 at ISA 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. An optional conveyor extension
along with an Auto-Feeder 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.
Kongsberg i-XE 10 Auto digital finishing system
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 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 ips.
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 be delivered with an optional conveyor extension, along with the Auto-Feeder and scissor-
lift system.
"EskoArtwork continues to extend the productivity of sign and display print providers, with both a complete, integrated workflow and extremely
sophisticated digital finishing systems," explains Bill Hartman, EskoArtwork Vice President, Sign & Display Solutions. " There is much more to the
production of signs than just printing. We are committed to "shaping the future" of our customers´ business and this industry. Sign and display
shops also need to focus on the structure -- or shape -- of a sign. They need machines to efficiently cut displays when they are printed. They also
need a workflow that can combine graphics with the structure. At the EskoArtwork booth, we can demonstrate solutions that cannot be found
elsewhere."
Advanced tools for 3D packaging visualization and increased efficiency in the production process; these are the main reasons for packaging and
display specialist Seyfert GmbH to opt for ArtiosCAD (www.esko.com/artioscad). Based in Reichenbach/Fils (Germany) and with several
production sites in Europe, Seyfert is a leading supplier of high-quality transport packaging, shelf-ready packaging and display products. Since
implementing ArtiosCAD, Seyfert benefits from a significantly simpler and faster workflow, thanks to the advanced design and drafting tools.
Moreover, the sophisticated 3D tools integrated in ArtiosCAD opened new paths in 3D visualization and design for the company.
"With our previous CAD solution it was a struggle to keep up with customer demand. We required a solution that enabled us to work faster and
process more jobs. We were looking for an open system that included complete 3D visualization, the latest structural design tools and an efficient
administration. ArtiosCAD was just the solution we needed," says Thomas Spittler, Packaging Development Manager at Seyfert. Especially the
sophisticated 3D tools had a big impact at the company: "We can now design exact-fitting packaging and inserts. And because ArtiosCAD is an
open system, we can import clients' 3D models of their products and design highly accurate packaging without inputting measurements or having
the product on site."
Workflow automation and reduced turnaround times
With ArtiosCAD, Seyfert's workflow is now highly automated, resulting in the elimination of repetitive, time-intensive tasks and significantly
shortened job turnaround times. When the first design draft is generated, ArtiosCAD provides 3D samples via PDF for clients' approval:
"ArtiosCAD 3D tools have made the approval cycle much shorter and easier," explains Spittler. "In the past, we had to build expensive models
and mock-ups at each construction phase. Now we can simply discuss the design with the client via a video conference call, so everybody can
see the latest 3D draft, discuss any adjustments required and progress quickly to the final version. ArtiosCAD eliminates any waste in this process
because the final 3D sample that the customer approves is generated from the 2D design which can automatically be converted to a
manufacturing file for die-making."
ArtiosCAD offers tools specifically designed for structural design, product development, virtual prototyping and manufacturing. It allows Seyfert to
quickly create design standards for their corrugated, folding carton and display orders, saving time and eliminating errors. One feature that is
particularly of interest for Seyfert is the capability to automatically create different basic parametric designs based on one single Standard, making
standardization and recurring packaging concepts easier.
"The thorough analysis conducted by EskoArtwork before the installation, highlighted how ArtiosCAD could improve the way we operate - and
after implementing the software with a Seyfert specific roll-out plan those projections have certainly been realized within a short time frame,"
concludes Spittler. "ArtiosCAD has made our workflow more efficient and saves us a lot of time. We now have more resources for developing
new creative applications, and can dedicate more time to our clients."
Portfolio
EskoArtwork is the worldwide market leader with software for artwork creation, pre-production, automation, quality assurance and collaboration
targeted at brand owners, retailers, designers and packaging manufacturers.
The CDI flexo computer-to-plate imagers, Kongsberg short-run converting and signage finishing systems complete the portfolio for the packaging,
label, signage and display industries.
The company provides a range of workflow, automation and quality assurance solutions for the commercial printing and publishing market. For
graphic designers and print production professionals there's also the Enfocus suite of PDF tools.
Facts & numbers
EskoArtwork employs around 1050 people worldwide. Its global sales and support organization covers Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific
and is completed by a network of distribution partners in more than 45 countries.
EskoArtwork is headquartered in Gent, Belgium, and has R&D and manufacturing facilities in five European countries, the United States, China
and India. The consolidated full year financials ended for 2010 with revenue of EUR 184.1 million.
EskoArtwork Announces that Axcel has Signed a Share Purchase Agreement with Danaher for the Transfer of Ownership
EskoArtwork today announces that its shareholder, the Danish investment group Axcel enters into a definitive Sales Purchase Agreement with the
US industrial company Danaher (NYSE: DHR) for the acquisition of 100% of the shares in EskoArtwork for a purchase price of ?350 million.
The closing of the transaction is subject to customary approvals and is foreseen to be concluded within the first half of 2011.
Danaher is a diversified technology leader that designs, manufactures, and markets innovative products and services to professional, medical,
industrial, and commercial customers. Their portfolio of premier brands is among the most highly recognized in each of the markets they serve.
Driven by a foundation provided by the Danaher Business System, their 47,000 associates serve customers in more than 125 countries and
generated $11.2 billion of revenue in 2009.
Upon closing, the business will become a part of Danaher's Product Identification platform.
"We have been extremely satisfied with our investment in EskoArtwork", says Sigurd Lilienfeldt, Partner at Axcel and responsible for the
investment in EskoArtwork. "During Axcel's ownership, EskoArtwork has repositioned itself into a world leading company within its field. This is not
only due to the merger with Artwork Systems, but also because of significant R&D investments leading to a range of new leading edge solutions.
This innovation capacity of EskoArtwork has been instrumental for the impressive EBITDA growth during our ownership leading to this very
successful exit for Axcel", ends Sigurd Lilienfeldt.
"Esko has a leading market position, great products, and a strong team who we are counting on to drive future growth" said Matt Trerotola, Vice
President and Group Executive of Product Identification.
Mr. Carsten Knudsen, CEO of EskoArtwork says: "This is an important and very positive step in the continued development of the company. I and
the entire management team are excited to see Danaher's strategic interest to acquire the company and develop EskoArtwork as an autonomous
business. We see this as a vote of confidence in our strategy and a strong belief in our ability to continue to grow in the future."
Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Monard-D'Hulst acted as advisors to EskoArtwork on this transaction.
New Project Management capabilities, Staged Approval tools and an innovative User Interface move WebCenter users to a new online
collaboration experience
EskoArtwork 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.
Seamless integration with Automation Engine
WebCenter 10 has a stronger, bi-directional connection with the Automation Engine to extend workflow automation outside the walls of the
printshop. In fact, Automation Engine can simultaneously execute a job, while building a project in WebCenter, using the new 'Create WebCenter
Project' task. In the other direction, when WebCenter is used as the online briefing tool, it can create a job folder in Automation Engine. Sales
account managers, customer service representatives or even customers can now place requests directly to the design or prepress department
using the WebCenter interface. The connections facilitate sharing of data, transferring files and exchanging status information between two
systems.
DCP UK: a successful customer application
Based in Cheshire, DCP UK is a creative packaging design agency specializing in developing unique designs, from creation to final print, for an
array of customers including Harrods, Tesco, Asda, Kelloggs, Rowntrees, Del Monte and Dreamworks Animation. As a regular user of WebCenter,
Dave Hicks, owner of DPC UK, was a perfect beta tester for the version 10 release. He explains: "We took on WebCenter a couple of years ago
and we have used it intensively ever since. Our clients use it too, and rely on it day-to-day."
After providing feedback and a wish list of options he is delighted with the enhancements: "The main benefits now are integration with the other
software EskoArtwork provides, the ability to simplify and customize a page, as clients can see as little or as much as they want to, and the
general increase in clarity. We also like the look and feel of the software."
As a result, Hicks has high expectations of the potential economies as well as of improvements in customer accessibility: "Ultimately there should
be time savings in terms of the interaction with the automation software from EskoArtwork and the customization of customer projects which, to a
large degree, is taking some of the onus off us."
Hicks also points out greater visibility in the software allows clients to see at what stage the projects are at and who else is involved in the
approval process. As for being a beta tester he adds: "Evaluating software and reporting feedback is time consuming but the benefits far
outweigh that. We get the software sooner than the others and we are able to provide our personal input and our customers' input. That gives us
a little bit of control over how the final software will meet our needs more specifically. We end up with a solution more tailored to our requirements."
The future of WebCenter
"Globalization and regulatory compliance remain manifest and persistent trends in the fast moving consumable (FMCG) business. As a
consequence, the packaging industry is in need of innovative solutions to streamline the packaging supply chain", comments Bernard
Zwaenepoel, Senior Vice President Software Business at EskoArtwork. "We identify and confirm this end-user requirement and will - today and in
the future - maintain an intense focus on developing packaging-intelligent online collaboration solutions. WebCenter 10 is a milestone in our
roadmap for the future and positions our customers as value-added service innovators in a globalized economy", concludes Zwaenepoel.
WebCenter 10 is available immediately throughout EskoArtwork's distribution channels.
ArtiosCAD Enables ModusLink to Reduce Time and Costs While Designing Sustainable Packaging
Supply chain leader uses virtual 3D designs and ArtiosCAD integration with palletization and environmental software to design cost-effective,
sustainable packaging
As the supply chain evolves into a global, dynamic value chain -- and sustainability becomes not just a social cause, but also an economic issue --
product packaging has developed into a critical component of a sustainably designed value chain. With the help of EskoArtwork products,
ModusLink Global Solutions is saving time and maximizing value for its clients through 3D virtual samples.
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. is a leader in executing value chain strategies to drive the supply chain, aftermarket and e-Business processes
of the world's largest technology and consumer goods companies. Its solutions span the cradle-to-cradle, multichannel product lifecycle, from
supply chain activities such as sourcing, configuration and fulfillment; to revenue-generating e-commerce, customer service, and brand loyalty
solutions; to aftermarket returns, repair and asset recovery.
"ModusLink works with many of the world's largest consumer electronics companies to help them get their products to market," explains Ben
Sligar, global packaging engineer for ModusLink. "For example, a product is manufactured in Asia and sent to one of ModusLink's more than 25
facilities worldwide for final configuration, kitting, assembly and packaging. We also fulfill to multiple channels, including distribution centers,
retailers and end users. In addition to these physical processes, we work closely with many of our clients to optimize their product network to
determine the best time and place in the supply chain to perform these critical functions."
Designing for the environment
In early 2009, ModusLink introduced its Sustainable Solutions Suite to help clients reduce the environmental impact of their supply chain
processes, including sustainable packaging redesign. Using the Walmart Sustainable Packaging Modeling tool, COMPASS, ArtiosCAD and other
industry tools, ModusLink measures and analyzes the amount of carbon emissions of various packaging types and provides customers with
feedback as to whether or not their traditional packaging is eco-friendly. "At ModusLink, we use a 4Dmethodology of ergonomics, cost,
sustainability and logistics for cost-effective, environmentally sound packaging design. We model current packaging along with multiple new
variations for the client to consider that compare labor, material pallet density and carbon emissions. "With the 3D design capabilities, we can
email designs for review, and ask for a physical mock-up when we are close to the final design," Sligar says.
Saving time with virtual samples
The virtual modeling and Webex presentations save travel and time. "One of the key benefits of ArtiosCAD is the large sample library and that it
can do virtual prototyping," comments Sligar. "Instead of making physical models to show our client and changing them for multiple revisions, we
can stick to virtual presentations. We can also create designs with graphics, spinning a virtual 3D prototype. With Esko Visualizer, we can show
customers what packaging will look like in a store environment. Once a customer picks a virtual design, we'll make a physical prototype.
"Many times, a customer will tell me that they need something as soon as tomorrow. I can design a package and set up a Webex presentation
quickly," says Sligar. "Getting approvals is often 50% faster. While it depends how complicated designs are, prototypes are faster to make. Then
we can easily go right into production, and speed up the production timetable."
When less is more
ModusLink uses a number of tools to produce the most efficient packaging and to reduce greenhouse emissions. "We can create different
structural styles, look at different boxes, look at the blank sizes, and reduce the amount of materials as we design the package. With ArtiosCAD, I
can go through a sample library and design with less board, searching for the most efficient use of materials. Of course, when virtual prototypes
are made, we save the cost of shipping prototypes and with online presentations, I can reduce travel expenses," explains Sligar. "Some of our
work is done on existing packaging. Often, I visit a store and look at a package that, for example, has too much plastic. There are many cases
where I have redesigned packaging with virtual prototypes to calculate the impact on greenhouse gas emissions. We'll integrate CAPE to see
how many more packages we can fit on a pallet, and work with operations to figure labor adjustments.
"I've used several of the packaging design software solutions, and ArtiosCAD is one of the best. It's an industry leader for structural design
and virtual prototyping," concludes Sligar. "The best part about working with EskoArtwork is that they invest in development to make their
products even better, with great customer support."
Both EskoArtwork and ModusLink have a deep commitment to sustainable practices evidenced by their recent formation of the
EskoArtwork/Compass Integration Focus Group to outline and define a process for formally integrating the software platforms. ModusLink is also a
member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Walmart's Sustainable Value Network, The Greener Package Advisory Board, the European
Organization Packaging and Environment and is an Advisor in the U.S. Delegation for the development of an ISO standard for packaging and the
environment.
The EskoArtwork User Event is Scheduled for April 17-20 in Phoenix, Arizona
Extensive product and technology sessions set to help 'Connect - Discover - Experience' EskoArtwork solutions, for users and the Industry
Partner community
The EskoArtwork User Group International (EUGI) Board of Directors and EskoArtwork 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 tapatiocliffshilton.com.
EskoArtwork Kongsberg XP Completed with Automation for Unattended Highest Speed Digital Finishing
High speed and full automation cut time and costs of large format POP and packaging work
EskoArtwork 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.
The Kongsberg cutting tables are available in three series. The XE series is intended for relatively small formats and lightweight materials from
papers up to vinyl and thin card, plus blankets for spot varnish work on printing presses.
The XL series are large format production machines featuring high throughput and tooling for a wide range of packaging and sign & display
material. They are available in two size ranges, the XL20 models which all have a working width of 1680 mm; and the XL40 models with widths of
2210 mm.
The XP series are the workhorse models, offering market-leading speed and acceleration. The XPs are available in three sizes (1680 x 1430 mm,
1680 x 2210 and 2210 x 3200 mm). Introduced in 2009, the XP series models are intended to work with corrugated board and other rigid materials
used for packaging, POP and product displays. They are designed to operate continuously at high speed in a 24/7 production environment. The
Auto configuration announced today can be specified on new machines or retrofitted to existing installation.
Industry leaders join forces to co-market integrated workflow solutions tailored for sign and display market
EskoArtwork 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."
Streamlined production workflow with i-cut Suite, introduced at Fespa 2010
With i-cut Suite, EskoArtwork offers companies that drive a large format digital printer and/or digital finishing
systems a complete end-to-end workflow solution. The company stands alone in delivering prepress and
automated workflow solutions specifically for the large format digital printing and finishing industry. That
industry has no truly integrated solutions available, but relies on fragmented tools that lead to trial and error
and create problems for production shops. With the i-cut Suite, users can smoothly and efficiently resolve
problems associated with file preparation and layout.
i-cut Suite is comprised of i-cut Preflight for efficient PDF preflighting and editing and i-cut Layout for
interactive layout and nesting. The precise and accurate die-less cutting, the i-cut Vision Pro control system
is essential. With i-cut Suite, users don't have to go back to a native application, working within a PDF file. It
reduces errors by spotting them before RIPping, and it optimizes the layout, which ultimately reduces material
costs and minimizes the set-up time.
At Fespa 2010, the full range of EskoArtwork products will be demonstrated on the EskoArtwork stand,
located in Hall B1, stand 270.
EskoArtwork and HP join forces to deliver integrated workflow solutions tailored for sign and display market
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."
Partnership in action at Fespa 2010
Visitors to Fespa 2010 will have the opportunity to see the new partnership in action. On the HP stand,
located in Hall B2 stand 120, they can experience a live demonstration of the end-to-end workflow - from
design to finishing - integrating the EskoArtwork software solutions with HP Scitex large format printers. The
initial creative design will be performed using EskoArtwork Studio 3D design software. i-cut Suite will show
a prepress solution handling files with i-cut Preflight for efficient PDF preflighting and editing while interactive
nesting, data and cut path preparation are done through i-cut Layout. Once the layout is prepared, the job
will be produced on HP Scitex FB7500 and FB500 Printers, before printed sheets are moved to a Kongsberg
i-XL24 die-less cutting and creasing table. Throughout the entire workflow, the advanced automation
functionalities of the EskoArtwork Automation Engine, reduce the manual operation to a minimum. It also
improves the integration with structural data and allows users to detect errors at an early stage which
increases overall quality and reduces costs.
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.
The full range of EskoArtwork products will also be demonstrated on the EskoArtwork booth, located in Hall
B1 stand 270.
EskoArtwork i-cut Suite Streamlines Entire Workflow for Large Format
Digital Print and Finishing Market
Collection of sign & display production software solutions eliminates errors, saves time and reduces waste
EskoArtwork 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
ther 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.
New Enfocus PitStop Connect Makes Room on the Internet for
5,170,000 More Links
Next Up: Hundreds of Hours Given Back to Designers
The Internet can "lose" the 5,170,000 files Google returns on a search for "Preparing Files for Print",
because Enfocus has automated that preparation for everyone with the release of new PitStop Connect.
From the developers of the world's most popular PDF correction and preparation tool, PitStop, comes a
solution that will give creative professionals hundreds - maybe thousands - of hours back in their lives
when they start using free PitStop Connect "Connectors". The Connectors automatically prepare files for
output, according to print or display specifications. Designers just drop their files on the Connector and
they are done. The files are fixed using the power of PitStop - but designers don't pay for it, or do the work.
Gone are missing fonts and low-res images. Plus, production partners' custom specifications are added and
also automatically applied. And then the Connector sends the file to production.
"It's like having an assistant skilled in PDF, checking, fixing, and sending your files, but at no cost," says
industry guru David Blatner. "What are designers going to do with all that extra time?"
The Real Deal on PitStop Connect
PitStop Connect bridges the gap between creative professionals and printers/publishers with a free droplet,
called a Connector, that automatically preflights and delivers files according to print or display specifications.
PitStop Connect is insurance that the files designers create will reproduce properly, thereby eliminating
time-consuming, frustrating, phone calls and returns for changes.
Bridging the Gap Between Two Worlds
Despite the fact that PDF has become the dominant file format for graphic design and printing, roughly
25% of PDF files still fail preflight.
Even if designers have developed PDF expertise, it is difficult to consistently create production-quality PDFs
because systems, software, substrates and applications are so varied and dynamic. Settings are not easy to
find and installation can be complicated. The few solutions available to help creative professionals generate
perfect PDFs have proven to be too expensive or too complex.
By using PitStop Connect, printers and publishers can set specifications in a free "Connector" that
automatically and transparently prepares files according to those parameters.
Regular partners are not the only ones who will appreciate the use of Connectors. Now creative
professionals can supply quality jobs, with confidence, to new or less-frequent clients - and increasing the
odds that they will want to work with them more!
Easy to Set-Up & Use
A simple interface allows printers/publishers to create Connectors for their creative partner suppliers. The
Connector contains settings like Preflight Profile, Actions Lists and delivery specifications.
Delivery settings define whether the preflighted PDF file should be sent to the printer or publisher's FTP
server, or directly to Enfocus Switch. Printers and publishers may also brand the Connector icon itself with
their own logo, a company background, or URL.
Printers/publishers only pay for PitStop Connect once, but it allows them to create an unlimited number of
different Connectors, which can be distributed to all of their design and creative partners. There are no extra
costs for the numbers of Connectors created, or the number of suppliers they distribute the Connectors to.
The Connectors can be posted on the printer/publisher partner website, where designers download and use
them free of charge.
Perfect PDFs, Tailored to Customers' Needs
The printer/publisher partner will define PitStop Connect's preflight and correction process using a standard
GWG profile, or using their own specifications expressed via an Enfocus Preflight Profile and/or Action List.
In case of errors, designers receive a preflight report identifying problems that they can still solve on their side.
Depending on the printer/publisher partner's settings, they can allow creators to send Certified Not Ok files,
or allow the creators to sign-off on errors and still allow a file that failed preflight to be delivered.
When delivering directly to Switch, it is also possible that the designer will be asked to supply additional
information before sending the file. This metadata can be used to automate processes directly in Switch (e.g.
preflight, impose or archive depending on the metadata delivered with the PDF file).
Easy file delivery
Design partners only need to put the Connector on their desktop and literally start to "drop" files on it. There
is no installation or set-up needed. The Connector automatically does the rest: checking, fixing, making the
file comply with customer specs, and then sending it to their partner's FTP or to Switch.
An Easy Relationship
By using the PitStop Connect tool, designers will give print and publishing customers consistent, quality files
they can rely on; without frustration and delays on either side. The improved, positive atmosphere can make
all the difference in an industry where communications can make or break business relationships.
EskoArtwork's New ArtiosCAD 7.6 Boosts Designer Productivity and
Provides Seamless Workflow Integration
New release delivers automatic graphics and structure design registration, integration with CAPE palletization
software and advanced 3D performance
Gent (Belgium), March 29, 2010 - EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) announces the release of ArtiosCAD 7.6, the
latest version of the world's most popular structural design software for all corrugated, folding cartons and POP
displays. Highlights of the new version include extended connectivity to other applications and import file
formats, new reference POP display standards, automatic registration between graphics and structure, and
improved 3D rendering.
Complete 3D integration allows for quick prototyping of designs and presentations, eliminating communication
errors and reducing design review cycles. ArtiosCAD 7.6 also offers the greatest options for seamless
interoperability throughout the entire packaging production workflow, particularly with 'round trip' design
connectivity between structural and graphics design with Adobe® Illustrator®. It assures that structural design
assets can be repurposed for each step of the packaging supply chain. The structure file provides the physical
constraints for graphic design and helps build high-resolution 3D client presentations using the actual
production files. It is also used to produce manufacturing files for die-production and step-and-repeat layouts for
print. And, the structure file is used to produce palletizing solutions.
Brad Leonard, VP, CAPE Systems, comments: "This new feature was developed to meet a very important
customer requirement, and reinforces our commitment of joint integration efforts to provide a seamless product
design tool. It enables packaging converters to layout a pallet of die-cut sheets using the structural design file
to automatically run solutions in CAPE PACK. We are very pleased with our on-going development activities
with EskoArtwork. They are one of CAPE's most dynamic technology business partners."
"ArtiosCAD 7.6 completes a true end-to-end packaging design workflow, delivering integration between
structural design, graphic design, packaging production and palletization. In fact, much of the ArtiosCAD
technology resides inside other EskoArtwork software applications'," explains Richard Deroo, EskoArtwork
Product Manager, Structural Design. "And, EskoArtwork continues to invest heavily in the research and
development of structural design. ArtiosCAD customers can be assured that their investment is protected
and they will benefit from continued upgrades and enhancements to the product."
New features in ArtiosCAD 7.6
ArtiosCAD delivers greater productivity for users by making design more efficient with easier user features and
repurposing capabilities, and interoperability between a number of new 3D model formats.
The new, significant features include:
* Seamless integration with CAPE PACK palletizing software: a layout pallet of die-cut sheets using the
ArtiosCAD file can be exported to CAPE PACK, eliminating duplicate data entry and streamlining shipping
estimates. Direct connection eliminates the potential for human errors.
* New POP display standards: new POP display standards have been added to the style catalog. Users
browsing the POP library will find new parametric design templates from which to either design POP displays
in minutes or stimulate the creative design process.
* New 3D imports for Collada, OBJ and Esko flexible bag (.BAG) file types: Collada is a generic 3D
interchange file format supported by most 3D applications. It provides interoperability between other
EskoArtwork products and third-party 3D products. ArtiosCAD 7.6 also comes with import file formats for
OBJ and EskoArtwork flexible bag (.BAG) file types.
* Automatic registration of graphics with structure: along with a roundtrip workflow between ArtiosCAD and
Adobe® Illustrator®, ArtiosCAD can deliver registration between CAD and graphics automatically.
* Improved 3D rendering resolution and performance: ArtiosCAD now outputs high resolution graphics for client
presentations. The increased 3D performance eliminates the need for additional 3D rendering software.
Paul Connolly, Corporate Accounts Design Specialist at Smurfit-Stone and one of the first users of the latest
ArtiosCAD version, certainly agrees with this statement. The Smurfit-Stone facility in East Longmeadow (MA,
USA), uses ArtiosCAD 7.6 to develop packaging including work for many beverage companies. "We work
with the EskoArtwork Studio plug-in for Adobe® Illustrator®. It opens ArtiosCAD files, allowing our designers
to create graphics to the structure of our packaging," he explains. "When the graphics are complete, we
export a PDF file. As soon as we open the PDF file in ArtiosCAD 7.6, the graphics are completely registered
to the structural design, seamlessly. From there, we develop 3D renderings, or sometimes a solid model, for
client presentations. The entire process cuts down on approval times because we can easily create PDF
files and send a number of rough designs. Our customers are very impressed. In addition, the rotating 3D
PDF files and new project functions have proved to be very helpful as well."
ArtiosCAD 7.6 is easier to use because a designer does not need to enter as many keystrokes for many 2D
structural design tasks, and new nudge enhancements reduce the time to perform repeat design tasks.
Meanwhile, a new hatch catalog allows the designer to dynamically change hatch patterns in designs,
dramatically reducing keystrokes. Extended VRML support allows designers to import full assembly structures
of products--with the ability to select individual assembly parts around which to build packaging. With the help
of Strata Foto 3D, realistic 3D product models can be imported, allowing designers to demonstrate the actual
product within the package.
Ramsey Fisher, Malnove Packaging and Packaging Solutions Design Manager, reports that the challenge of
securing approvals from the NFL and Visa was streamlined through the use of ArtiosCAD 3D software. They
worked with StadiumTRAY(TM) to snare another Super Bowl advertising success as Visa teamed up with the
NFL for a commemorative tray. The 3D online approval process followed, expedited the production ordering
process. It allowed Dale Houck, Plant Manager of Malnove's Jacksonville, Florida Plant to produce the
StadiumTRAYS and meet the NFL's requirement of receiving the trays at Sun Life Stadium one week prior to
the Super Bowl. "It is really the power of teamwork, using proven systems and procedures, that allows Malnove
to respond to our customer's 'Speed-to-Market' needs," comments Houck.
EskoArtwork launches new Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated Digital
Finishing Solution
Fully automated, die-less finishing solution for all digital print, small sign & display and packaging work
EskoArtwork announces the introduction of the Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated, a complete solution in the
market able to fully automate the entire finishing process. Equipped with a newly designed stacker and
sheet feeding system, the Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated has been specifically designed to meet the
growing demand for finishing small-format, short-run digital printed materials.
With the new automation features of the Kongsberg i-XE10, digital printing companies can bring production
in-house, which reduces costs and dramatically improves turnaround times. The redesigned sheet feeder
system automatically loads and places the printed materials on the table. The automated stacker enables
non-stop sorting and stacking of the finished parts. The system also automatically removes waste. As a
result, the machine can run unattended, which saves significant man hours.
"In line with the philosophy of Kongsberg equipment, this new Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated is a true
production machine - it's based on our proven and robust Kongsberg technology, so users can trust that it
will keep going and won't let them down," says Einar Ek, CAM Business Development Manager at
EskoArtwork. "The new and unique automation enables 24/7 operation of the finishing stage and keep the
whole process in-house. Not having to outsource any of the production process reduces a print house's
operating costs, reduce throughput time and increases the number of jobs it takes on - which ultimately
increases profitability."
Exploiting new markets with creative finishing options
Print houses can attract new business by using the Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated finishing solution to offer a
range of creative finishing options. The solution can work alongside any small-format to medium-size digital
press and is ideally suited to finish just about everything that can be printed on light or flexible materials:
shaped business cards, creasing and cutting brochures with a special cut-outs, folders, small signs and
displays, creative invitations and even digitally printed sheet labels that require kiss and through cutting
operations.
"We've seen an increase in the use of creative applications printed on digital presses, and Web2Print
customized product offerings are also on the rise. Typical production runs for such items range from one
hundred to several thousand or even more, depending on the application," explains Ek. "And with minimal
operator intervention required for the Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated, these can now be handled more
efficiently. With the Kongsberg i-XE10 there are few limits to the type of items that can be produced, offering
our customers a significant competitive edge."
Software and tooling to drive versatility and productivity
The Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated integrates seamlessly with EskoArtwork software for optimized file flow
and creative design. PDF file preflighting and last minute corrections, nesting and structural designs all can
be provided through EskoArtwork's portfolio of dedicated software and workflow tools. The Kongsberg i-XE10
comes with the i-Cut® vision system that ensures automated and perfect registration between the print and cut.
The solution is complemented by an extensive tooling system that features a variety of tool stations suitable for
a wide range of materials -including paper, thin plastic, carton, vinyl and polycarbonate- and provides quick
throughput and superb accuracy. Assisted by a rack-and-pinion X/Y drive with precise motion control, an
innovative, fast servo system and the comprehensive tool set, the Kongsberg i-XE10 combines high production
speed and precision with easy operation. It can handle a maximum sheet size of 900 mm x 1200 mm at a
maximum speed of 80 m/min.
The Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated will be on show and available for sale at Ipex 2010, which is held at the
Birmingham NEC, 18-25 May 2010.
Major new release of packaging and print pre-production software makes its debut at Ipex 2010
At Ipex, EskoArtwork 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 Announces EskoWorld 2010 Global User Event to be
Held April 18-21 in Tampa, Florida
Comprehensive program of EskoArtwork product and technology sessions helps users to get more: more
information, more value from their systems, more partnerships and more opportunity to influence the future of
EskoArtwork applications
Gent (Belgium), November 2009 - EskoArtwork (www.esko.com/eskoworld) has announced that, following
last year's success, its next EskoWorld worldwide conference will be held at the Marriott Tampa Waterside
Hotel and Marina, from April 18-21, 2010. EskoArtwork plans to broaden the program for the upcoming
event to offer more valuable content to more users, in more markets, with more partners and for more
applications.
EskoWorld Mission: Share ideas and knowledge
EskoWorld brings together customers, EskoArtwork partners, product specialists and support staff into an
environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and product knowledge. To support the event,
EskoArtwork assembles a large number of staff for conference program presentations and demonstrations
and to ensure that they have ample time to listen to all the customer input and to provide feedback.
EskoArtwork partners are also on-hand to provide answers to questions on how workflows can be extended
and integrated.
"During EskoWorld, users participate in training sessions, roundtable discussions, seminars and hands-on labs,
designed for novice, journeyman, and 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 SVP Marketing. "Most important, EskoWorld
allows us to share product plans with our users and to listen carefully to their feedback. Attendees have had
an 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."
The organization of the event and preparation of relevant content is always a collaborative process between
EskoArtwork and the EskoArtwork Users Group International (EUGI) leadership. "The conference continues
to grow in scope and usefulness. Many attendees find EskoWorld very helpful because they can receive
in-depth insight into their use of their products and solutions--not just from EskoArtwork but from other users,
too. Attendees can choose to attend seminars, or view demos, all in the same place, any time they want,"
observes Greg Wishon of Temple Inland, and EUGI Board Member. "We expect that EskoWorld 2010 will
extend offerings from more third party vendors, as well as provide more hands-on workflow training sessions
from EskoArtwork. It's an invaluable resource for all users."
Global representation from the complete spectrum of packaging and print providers
While based in the U.S., EskoWorld draws strong worldwide interest. For 2010, EskoArtwork expects more
of its attendees to arrive from overseas, adding to the substantial growth in attendance. "Our primary goal is
to attract attendees from the complete spectrum of the many thousands of EskoArtwork users worldwide:
packaging and graphic arts companies such as converters, commercial printers, publishers, sign and display
firms, to packaging designers and brand owners," adds Simon James. "In this global economy, we believe
our users benefit significantly from interacting with others from around the world."
High praise from 2009 attendees
Even during the difficult economy in 2009, the user conference was a resounding success, with strong
attendance and a complete program that was appreciated by users. "The sessions I attended were very
informative, and useful," commented Jonathan Peace of nVIUS Graphics, Inc. "The speakers did an excellent
job answering and explaining all questions asked. I was very pleased with the conference and how everything
turned out."
"The conference was better than I even thought it would be," added Suzanne Fontana, of Pamco Label.
"Since attending, my company has experienced even more value from our system. The wealth of information
and the networking is a great benefit."
Exceptional networking event with EskoArtwork partners
EskoWorld also benefits EskoArtwork industry and technology partners, with a dedicated exhibition area that
allows them to offer attendees ready access to demos and helpful information, along with opportunities to
make presentations to the group. "The 2009 event was a great opportunity for us to introduce our company
and solutions to an exclusive audience. For us, the event was much more efficient than any tradeshow,"
explains Michael Lauterbach, head of customer relations and business development, Dr. Lauterbach & Partner
GmbH, SAP Business Partner and supplier of ERP solutions for the packaging industry. "I thank EskoArtwork
and their user group for the professional event management and great support. We will definitely participate in
the 2010 event."
Information and registration
EskoArtwork users can register for the conference by visiting www.esko.com/eskoworld. The site also operates
as a central communications platform and will be frequently updated with latest information, agenda details,
speaker backgrounds, and more. More information about the venue is available at
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpamc-tampa-marriott-waterside-hotel-and-marina/.
An 'early bird' fee is available for those who register before March 19. Customers from EMEALA and ASP who
register by the end of 2009 are also eligible to enter a drawing for a series of free flights.
EskoArtwork releases Results of Survey of Brand Owners
Results reinforce EskoArtwork's position as innovator and complete solutions provider in Brand Owner market
Gent (Belgium) - May 14th, 2009 - EskoArtwork partnered with Adobe(r) and the International Packaging
Institute (I.P.I.) and conducted a remarkable survey of brand owners to gain an understanding of trends in
packaging design. The survey results provide better insight into packaging trends that will assist both brand
owners and suppliers to the industry in preparing to meet emerging market demands.
"Today's brand owners have more capability at their fingertips than ever before as they manage an
increasingly complex packaging supply chain," says Prof. Dr. Ingo Büren, the Director of Science and
Technology and Academic Director at the International Packaging Institute, located in Neuhausen/Switzerland.
"This research validated much of our understanding of upcoming trends in the packaging market from the
perspective of the brand owners, and provided new insight in several areas that will benefit the market as a
whole."
In launching this survey, EskoArtwork's objective was to ensure that its product portfolio is appropriately
structured to meet the emerging needs of brand owners, as well as to provide insight and guidance for its
customers as they work to support brand owners in the packaging design process. Respondents from
across Europe, of which 62% worked in companies with 500 or more employees globally, cooperated to
the survey.
"We were pleased with the cross-section of respondents to the survey," says Dieter Janout, Global Director
Brand Owners at EskoArtwork. "While most of the respondents represented global companies, half are
operating in small marketing workgroups and are senior managers or professionals. We believe their responses
provide an accurate portrayal of the current state of mind for most brand owners. This survey is very important
to EskoArtwork as we work to bring to market the most functional and relevant solutions to support both brand
owners and their packaging supply chain business partners."
The majority of brand owner respondents reported that prepress/repro work, creative surface design and
creative structural design are currently outsourced; outsourcing of these functions is expected to remain the
same or increase in the next few years, according to respondents. Forty percent of respondents reported
having no design department in their company.
"As the packaging supply chain grows increasingly complex and as global competition and regulatory
oversight continue to grow," adds Dr. Büren, "the ability for brand owners to efficiently collaborate with
outsourced partners will gain in importance. Yet over half of respondents have never been involved in
online design collaboration. This is one area in which we expect to see significant change in the near
term. About a third of respondents believe online collaboration will become a widely used industry
standard."
The survey also reaffirmed the growing popularity of and demand for, private labeling, with 54% of
respondents reporting that their private label business accounted for up to 25% of revenues.
Other key survey findings included the following:
* Respondents strongly believed that the packaging's ability to make a product stand out on the shelf is
paramount. Equally strongly held is a belief that packaging will increase in importance in its role in the
marketing mix.
* 56% expect a significant increase in the use of digital prototyping either 'definitely' (12%) or
'probably' (44%).
* Only 15% said that providing sustainable packaging solutions was critical to or already addressed in
their businesses today. Key drivers for sustainable packaging identified by respondents included
consumers (70%), regulations and legislation (64%) and retail requirements (57%). 84% thought that
'environmental and sociological constraints' would require 'significant change' (63%) or 'new ways
required' (21%).
* 50% thought that packaging design will adapt to the opportunities presented by the Internet as online
shopping becomes more prevalent.
* 71% agreed that 'data consistency across products will have to be managed more effectively', 65%
agree that 'data ownership' will need to be clarified more than it is at present'. This includes structured
management of artwork and other digital assets, although the majority has neither of these capabilities in
place today.
* Respondents gave a score of 7.8 out of 10 to the assertion that 'right-sized or optimized packaging sizes'
will increase in importance over the next few years.
Brand owners and suppliers to the market can find more information on the dedicated EskoArtwork solutions
by visiting www.esko.com/cpc. In addition, a detailed article written by Dr. Büren, Revolutionizing the
Packaging Supply Chain: Taking Technology to the Limit for Competitive Advantage, is available at
www.esko.com/cpc.
EskoArtworks' Newly Released ArtiosCAD 7.4 Offers Easier Design
and Project Management Tools
Virtual 3D folded curved creases, mating glue flaps, and ability to tie complete projects to bill of materials,
highlight new version of the world's leading structural design packaging software
EskoArtwork announces that the newly released ArtiosCAD 7.4, the latest version of the world's most popular
structural design software for packaging focuses on much easier administration of packaging projects,
along with new design features for curved creases and 'mating' folding parts and multi-component designs
ArtiosCAD increases productivity throughout the entire packaging supply chain, a significant reason why
nearly 70% of all structural packaging worldwide is designed on ArtiosCAD.
ArtiosCAD is the ideal product for all corrugated, folding cartons and POP displays. Complete 3D integration
allows for quick prototyping of designs and presentations, eliminating communication errors and reducing
design review cycles.
3D Product Enhancements
A number of significant features have been added to enhance the 3D design and viewing experience within
ArtiosCAD. For example, 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.
Designing and viewing curved creases in packaging, signs and displays adds variety and creativity to the
design process. Green Bay Packaging Inc. (GBP), a privately owned, diversified paperboard-packaging
manufacturer headquartered in Green Bay, WI (USA), GBP was one of the first users of ArtiosCAD when it
was launched in 1998, and beta-tested ArtiosCAD 7.4. "The new Curved Creases function will let us
deviate from straight lines when displaying 3D packaging ideas," explains Brian Walker, manager of
technical services and product design at GBP, Fremont. "It's great for creative presentations and
development of customer ideas. We don't have to waste time and money, making samples of curved
crease designs for initial concepts."
For 27 years, The BoxMaker Inc, Kent, WA (USA). has been a single-source packaging supplier of
corrugated shipping containers, foam materials, point of purchase displays, wholesale packages, retail
containers, and custom printed labels. "Using 3D 'Curved Creases', we can visualize curved creases in a
folding carton without first cutting a sample to determine if we got it right. It's nice to see it on the monitor
first to see if the concept it going to work," remarks Darren Neupert, BoxMaker structural designer. "We
can send an image via email to a customer and get a preliminary OK before we go ahead with mock-ups.
It will allow us to be much more creative with folding carton designs."
A new Mate tool, available in ArtiosCAD 7.4 as part of the 3D module, 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.
It is also easy for users to create 3D animated AVI or QuickTime movies, file format compatible with most
computer systems.
"What is cool in ArtiosCAD 7.4 is the new 3D 'Mate' tool. We can now mate a glue flap to a panel and fold
all of the corresponding scores at once in 3D," comments Neupert. "Before, we couldn't form a knockdown
flat and move panels in coordination with each other. We had to fold each flap individually. Now we can
virtually glue and erect or knock-down a design."
ArtiosCAD 7.4 also includes a bend tool for visualizing bends in 3D. Bend lines can be specified in 2D, and
then visualized in 3D using various angles and radii. By supporting all these new visualization features in 3D,
ArtiosCAD users can use the actual 2D design files to make 3D presentations for their clients. This saves
hours of design time within other 3D applications, re-creating additional 3D models or mockups just for
presentation purposes.
Version 7.4 has new design geometry and file integration features. ArtiosCAD 7.4 can extract vector geometry
data from PDF files and automatically create ARD structure files-the native file format of ArtiosCAD.
Meanwhile, the 3D rendering performance of ArtiosCAD has been enhanced so that 3D solids with edges
are rotated faster. By supporting VMware Fusion for the Mac using Windows XP Professional, users can
run ArtiosCAD on the Mac, and Score! native files can be opened directly in ArtiosCAD. Within the 3D
animation module, ArtiosCAD 3D outputs now allow for the creation of AVI and QuickTime movies.
Enhanced project management
ArtiosCAD 7.4 includes more powerful tools to manage CAD Projects. A project is a container that organizes a
series of single designs, which exist as resources, into a unit of work. These designs might comprise a display
or have something in common. "With Projects, we can take a multipart component design-anything from a
cereal box to packaging for a spoiler for a car-roll them into one bundle, and save them together," says
Walker. "It's easy to manage. All files for a project reside in one folder. I can pull it up and refer to all the
parts. If I need to create a similar project, I can review all the items at the same time, save it with a new
name, and run parametric analysis. It could take hours and hours, instead of 30 minutes with ArtiosCAD 7.4."
Using the Reportmaker module, Bill of Material Reports (BOM) can be created that list all the elements of a
project as an item within the BOM. BOM reports may be configured in a variety of ways: as a table of items,
or one page per item using printers, PDF files or customized files. Furthermore, if PDF file is used, U3D may be
specified for 3D visualization of folded designs. "Projects ties in with the Bill of Materials to show all the
packaging parts in one 'display'," says Neupert. "So, now we can create a Bill of Materials that's much
easier for accounting."
"Previously, we had to create individual prints of each package piece. A seven-item piece took seven pages,
which could be confusing for estimators. Now, we can print a Project's images and specs on one or
two pages," adds Walker.
Design tools have been enhanced
Other tools have been added that make the use of ArtiosCAD more productive for designers. A new Circle
diameter tool can draw circles using controls similar to the ArtiosCAD line tool. The Line join tool has been
extended so that an angle from the originating arc can be specified. The Trim selection tool has been
extended so a designer can assemble a selection for trimming against or extending to. The Hatch tool has
been added to the Annotation toolbar and extended so that closed regions can be hatched more easily.
Having completed a successful beta testing, ArtiosCAD 7.4 is currently available for delivery. This upgrade is
free for EskoArtwork customers with a full software maintenance contract.
EskoArtwork Enables Business Success for Digital Label and
Packaging Converters
EskoArtwork powers HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging solutions to simplify HP Indigo digital label and
packaging prepress workflow and color management
Gent (Belgium), March 24, 2009 - EskoArtwork announces a successful collaboration with HP to support
HP Indigo digital label and packaging presses with EskoArtwork Digital Front End tools. This combination
has been well received by converters who are making the transition to digital production in a highly
competitive market. HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging workflow solutions are powered by EskoArtwork
to bring advanced RIP, workflow and color management tools to HP Indigo users for unmatched quality and
production efficiency.
"The collaboration between EskoArtwork and HP has brought a new level of predictability and ease-of-use to
the demanding digital label and packaging market," said Carsten Knudsen, CEO of EskoArtwork. "By
leveraging the combined expertise of these two market leaders, a growing number of label and packaging
converters are taking advantage of the seamless integration of EskoArtwork's powerful software suite with
the HP SmartStream workflow family for a unified approach to business and production management.
Owners of HP Indigo ws4000, ws4050, ws4500 and WS6000 digital presses benefit from the ability of this
professional and highly automated digital front end to increase their share in the rapidly growing digital
segment of the label and packaging market."
"With the latest version of the already successful HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging Print Server, HP
and EskoArtwork continue to accelerate the significant growth of digital," said Alon Bar-Shany, vice
president and general manager, Indigo division, HP. "The combination of this print server and the new
HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press empowers converters to pursue profitable growth with higher-volume,
high-quality label and packaging production printing."
HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging workflow solutions, powered by EskoArtwork, simplify prepress and
color management in digital label and packaging workflows for HP Indigo industrial presses. The combination
of EskoArtwork's leading workflow tools and the unmatched quality and efficiency of HP Indigo digital presses
has set a new standard for the label and packaging converting markets. Advanced capabilities include color
space conversions and color management, bar code generation, step & repeat and variable data capabilities.
"By integrating the proven EskoArtwork suite into the HP SmartStream workflow family," added Knudsen,
"label and packaging converters have the added flexibility of late-stage decisions about whether to produce
a job conventionally or digitally, depending upon individual job economics, for a seamless hybrid workflow
unique to the industry."
HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging workflow solutions consist of a broad range of well-integrated tools,
combined with expert training and consulting services. This includes the HP SmartStream Labels and
Packaging Print Server, capable of driving the HP Indigo ws4000, ws4050, ws4500 and WS6000 digital
presses and features HP Indigo SmartStream Designer PPML connectivity for variable printing applications.
EskoArtwork solutions are unique in their ability to manage packaging and label jobs from initial creative design
through high-quality screened and color-managed output. The color management capabilities that are
embedded in EskoArtwork applications deliver consist color regardless of the output device selected, using
the same proven, industrial strength methodology and technologies that are at the heart of EskoArtwork's
market-leading workflow solutions for commercial printing. As a result, label and packaging converters
benefit from increased daily production with streamlined prepress processes; the ability to match PANTONE(r)
and spot colors with greater efficiency; enhanced color consistency, repeatability and predictability; and the
ability to satisfy more customer demands with an expanded color gamut.
Product Details
HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging workflow solutions, powered by EskoArtwork, include the following
components:
* HP Indigo Labels and Packaging Server, powered by EskoArtwork, establishes PDF 1.6 workflows,
eliminates time needed to prepare files for raster image processing (RIPing), and enables on-screen soft
proofing and ICC color management. The server also gives operators the ability to reduce waste by creating
repeat-length settings in prepress, plus it offers HP Indigo press users PANTONE(r)-certified conversion
tables for four-, six-, and seven-color printing; "double-hit" separations for more effective use of white ink;
and options for high-definition or standard screening.
* HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging Color Kit expands color gamut by mapping any seven colors
installed on the HP Indigo digital press, then performing an automatic conversion from any given color or
color space to the color space of the press. The kit includes EskoArtwork's Kaleidoscope, a
device-independent color management tool that delivers absolute color accuracy.
* HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging VDP Tools feature a new level of automation and accuracy for
VDP prepress. Creative professionals can create simple or complex variable elements, including barcodes,
numbers, text and images, in the familiar Adobe(r) Illustrator(r) environment, quickly producing print-ready
layouts with robust automated tools. Featured EskoArtwork components include VDP, an authoring tool
that addresses industrial VDP needs from within Adobe(r) Illustrator(r); BarX, an advanced barcode tool for
Adobe(r) Illustrator(r); and StepX, a comprehensive set of automatic and interactive tools to create Step &
Repeat arrangements for single or multiple jobs.
A Sign of Growth: EskoArtwork Broadens its Sign and Display
Market Presence
Sign & display division from recently acquired Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering seamlessly integrates into EskoArtwork North America, and builds a
new demo facility.
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 Takes Print and Packaging Efficiencies on the Road for
a Nine-City Tour
EskoArtwork's Spring 2009 Innovative Solutions learning seminars to focus on efficiency improvements for
packaging, commercial print and signs & display production.
Vandalia, OH (USA), February 2009 - In printing today, successful companies continuously push the limits
of efficiency and strive to adopt the best operational practices to create value and remain competitive.
EskoArtwork helps its customers by bringing together all the systems, the software and the hardware,
people and information assets and effectively connect these into high-performance workflows. To that
end, EskoArtwork announces its series of Spring 2009 Innovative Solutions learning seminars, conducted
from March 10 to April 9 at nine cities throughout the US. Attendees will learn how in each step in the
production workflow they can raise productivity, reduce time-to-market, lower costs and expand business.
"EskoArtwork is very much aware that times are tough for everyone and there are budget constraints on travel,"
explains Carrie Conard, EskoArtwork VP, marketing and operations. "It's why we decided to hold local one-day
events where we're coming to our customers; where printers and brand owners can spend some time with us
without the stress and cost of long-distance travel."
Each Roadshow event will feature product management executives from EskoArtwork headquarters in
Europe-all technical and user-oriented experts. Reflecting the broad expertise throughout all facets of
printing, seminar content contains valuable information for manufacturers in any packaging or commercial
print market segment, in two separate tracks. Sessions have been developed that assure visitors who
are able to attend for only half a day will still benefit.
The printing track includes topics covering full solutions overviews for commercial print, and sign & display.
Sessions for packaging cover packaging prepress tools, workflow automation and collaboration, and color
management and proofing.
Event schedule and registration
The free events are scheduled for:
* Los Angeles: DoubleTree, Commerce, CA, March 10 (3rd track for brand owners this event, only)
* Orlando: Crown Plaza Orlando Universal, March 12
* Boston: Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, March 16
* NYC/Philadelphia: Doubletree Guest Suites, Mt. Laurel, NJ, March 19
* Cincinnati: Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter March 24
* Chicago: Hilton Indian Lakes Resort, March 25
* St. Louis: Airport Marriott Lambert/Sheraton Westport, March 26
* Dallas: Sheraton Suites Market Center, April 7
* Minneapolis: Marriott Minneapolis West, St. Louis Park, MN, April 9
Anyone interested in registering for one of these upcoming seminars can visit www.esko.com/roadshows2009.
Guests are also invited to e-mail info.usa@esko.com or call 413-583-4100. Attendees will receive full details of
seminar locations after registering. Lunch is provided.
