Gent, Belgium – 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.