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Cutting with confidence
Esko's i-XE and i-XL cutting tables integrate version 6.2 i-cut software for enhanced quality during signage and packaging production
Close collaboration between pre-production packaging specialist, Esko, and vision-based workflow expert, Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering (MGE), has resulted in the release of i-cut version 6.2, a software update for the Kongsberg i-XE and i-XL cutting tables designed to provide better support for short run production of packaging and point of sale materials.
With digital presses increasingly used for short run packaging and signage, exact registration for digital finishing machines is essential, which is why version 6.2 offers tighter integration between i-cut and the Kongsberg table. This is said to result in more accurate routing and milling, with a report module for distortion readings and an Adobe Illustrator plug-in for automatic placement of optimal i-cut registration marks.
The software comprises two elements, i-cut vision control and i–script workflow, both of which work together to improve productivity and quality of the i-XL and i-XE cutting tables by matching die-less cutting contours with printed images. The combination delivers a finishing solution for all pre-printed materials to produce packaging, signage, displays and POPs.
First up, the i-cut vision control camera is integrated in the Kongsberg cutting, creasing and milling tool head (MultiCut). This measures each printed object, using register marks to define the position and compensate for any dimensional changes, distortions or material variations like shrinkage or stretching. The i-cut software then fine-tunes each cut contour for perfect cut-to-print. Secondly, the i-script software acts as an interface between the digital print RIP software and the i-cut digital finishing system, connecting the graphic design process with the finishing data. With i-script, the operator does not have to re-register the tool head for each printed element on each sheet.
Further benefits of i-cut version 6.2 are said to include advanced routing/milling support with control of parameters such as inside/outside cutting, curve direction and tool diameter to create complex, multi-pass production settings without developing additional layers. This is said to produce clean, smooth-edged graphics on materials including acrylic, PVC, plastics and wood. For enhanced quality, i-cut also offers distortion reporting to compensate for non-linear distortion caused by material instability, finishing procedures, or even the printing process itself. This allows users to view and record distortions, saving all data for quality control analysis using spreadsheet software.
Other new features include a new toolbar, sheet feeder communication facilities, the ability to produce drill holes and a tool path preview feature to help identify cut file issues before cutting expensive materials.
