Gent, Belgium – EskoArtwork is to introduce Studio 10 at Ipex 2010. Studio 10 is a fast-growing range of interactive 3D packaging design tools, and now includes the new Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves, a Studio Toolkit for Labels, and an online library of 3D packaging shapes – an industry first. With the introduction of Studio 10, EskoArtwork is giving packaging and label designers and manufacturers easy access to a considerable number of tools to integrate 3D functionality in their workflows.

Studio 10 comprises Studio Designer, which provides 3D preview windows in Adobe Illustrator and now also PackEdge and ArtPro; the different Studio Toolkits supplying the 3D models and Studio Visualizer, a hyper-realistic on-screen mock-up including finishing effects.

This comprehensive portfolio is fast becoming a staple among packaging designers, brand owners and converters. Studio allows designers to create stunning 3D visuals which are representative for the real production artwork. Studio is more and more deployed as an effective quality assurance tool. The 3D preview helps correct design flaws as early in the process as possible. For example, early detection of artwork that is oriented incorrectly or text that is misplaced on glue flaps avoids a considerable waste of resources, substrates and time. As Studio exports industry standard file formats (3D PDF, QuickTime movies, jpg), the virtual mock-ups are easily shared with all supply chain partners, thereby speeding up the design and approval process.

"Studio comes equipped with something no-one else can deliver – built-in EskoArtwork packaging knowledge," comments Kris Van Bael, Product Manager 3D and Visualization at EskoArtwork. "As we learned from our customers, Studio reduces the need for costly multiple mock-ups, quickly spots design errors, and takes away the guesswork from 2D flats."

What's new in Studio 10?
Next to Adobe Illustrator, Studio 10 Designer will now also work within ArtPro 10 and PackEdge 10, a first step to bring the complete Studio 10 solution to users of other EskoArtwork editors. Giving customers access to the 3D technology regardless of their configuration lets them take advantage of Studio tools in whatever workflow environment is most comfortable for them.

Studio 10 will include a new Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves and a Studio Toolkit for Labels, complementing its toolkits for folding cartons, corrugated and flexible packaging.

Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves significantly automates the design and prepress for shrink sleeves on round or irregular shapes, and even multi-packs. Until today, shrink label designers avoid the challenge of artwork distortion. This toolkit not only provides 3D visualization of shrink sleeve packaging, but also tools for artwork distortion. Users can preview the artwork on the screen as it is shrunk on the packaging, making it much easier, cheaper and faster to make instant design corrections. The pre-distortion tools can compensate for the complex combination of horizontal and vertical distortions that come with irregular shapes.

In addition, the Studio Toolkit for Labels is a practical solution for all kinds of labels on bottles. This toolkit includes a distortion tool for designing conical labels (like neck labels), ensuring total brand consistency without loosing track of the technical accuracy. Plus users can reduce shipping costs by emailing brand owners a 3D-enabled PDF file as virtual mock-up instead of shipping real mock-ups. And the brand owner benefits because the faster approval process reduces their time to market.

EskoArtwork will also introduce Shapes, a new online library of 3D packaging shapes – something that has never been seen before in the industry. Creating 3D previews in Studio Designer is only possible when the necessary 3D CAD structure is delivered through ArtiosCAD, any of the Studio Toolkits or a third party application using the Collada file format. When this data is missing, Shapes brings the solution. From within Studio Designer, users can access the store and acquire technically correct, 3D enabled structures of popular packaging shapes. Shapes offers total flexibility, even when no CAD structures are available and complements the most versatile 3D solution dedicated to packaging and labels. It even helps generate new business opportunities as users can sell their CAD designs on the Shapes platform.

Files in Studio 10 can be exported to the open Collada interchange file format to link with other rendering software for interactive 3D applications. This takes the benefits of 3D even further within the packaging supply chain, as objects designed with Studio can be used in market-shelving simulation software, narrow-casting video production, or as realistic models for online marketing surveys.

Studio Visualizer 10 will support the CHROMOLUX label and board range of M-real Zanders. This well-known and colorful set of premium high-glossy boards and high quality label papers can be used in virtual mock-ups. This is part of an ongoing effort from EskoArtwork to broaden the packaging variations available to designers.

At the EskoArtwork stand C150 in Hall 12 at Ipex 2010, May 18-25, visitors can learn more about Studio 10, the new Studio Toolkits for Shrink Sleeves and Labels, and the Shapes online library. All of the new Studio features and components will be available for delivery at Ipex.