– During very busy appearances at Graph Expo 2011 and Pack Expo 2011, EskoArtwork successfully demonstrated that the print and packaging worlds are no longer solely dedicated to 2D projects, developed with 2D software solutions. EskoArtwork offered a Clear Choice, with very distinct, multi-dimensional reasons why it is the preference among commercial, packaging and sign & display print providers, for 3D design and production. To help their efforts, EskoArtwork gave away 3D graphic materials explaining what they do — and materials finished on a Kongsberg table.

“EskoArtwork was very pleased with both Graph Expo and Pack Expo. This was the first time EskoArtwork had attended Pack Expo in years. Booth traffic was phenomenal at both shows, and we met many brand owners and converters we had never met before at Pack Expo,” remarks Mark Quinlan, President, EskoArtwork North America. “We conducted many intense, high-level demonstrations. In fact, there were many times when our demo pods were all booked up — for both hardware and software. What also made it successful for us was that the people we met at the booth were serious about making investments for their facilities. Our partners at Graph Expo, PRISCO and xpedex, reported that traffic at our Kongsberg tables was excellent. From our perspective at this year’s shows, the industry is pretty upbeat.”

EskoArtwork demonstrated a number of tools that help print providers and designers work within a 3D world. EskoArtwork’s Suite 10 is a software solution for packaging prepress, 3D structural design and quality assurance, collaboration and automation, and color management. A popular component, Studio, offers a unique set of tools for 3D packaging design made specifically for packaging artwork professionals. In addition, EskoArtwork demonstrated i-cut Suite, a collection of pre-production solutions that streamline the digital printing and finishing workflow throughout the entire production process. Materials finished during Graph Expo and Pack Expo on Kongsberg finishing tables were folded and assembled as handouts.

EskoArtwork products rate important looks at Graph Expo

Three EskoArtwork products received recognition the day before Graph Expo opened as significant products to see, by the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK staff. Products included:

• EskoArtwork i-cut Suite received an Encore Must See ‘em — its second consecutive Must See Em.
• EskoArtwork Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves, which can virtually predict the shrinking of graphics rather than utilizing a tedious manual process, also received a Must See Em. The solution was also one of this year’s InterTech Technology Award recipients.
• Meanwhile, EskoArtwork Automation Engine 10 received a Worth-a-Look. Automation Engine 10 is a modular workflow server that is easy to set up and operate dynamic workflows, reducing manual operator interaction, increasing throughput and efficiency.

A gala time for InterTech Technology Awards during Graph Expo

EskoArtwork took time from its Graph Expo schedule to attend the presentation of the 2011 InterTech Technology Awards during the Premier Print Awards and InterTech Technology Awards Gala on September 11, 2011. Carsten Knudsen, EskoArtwork President and CEO, accepted the award for Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves on behalf of the company.  At the same event, Fabian Prudhomme, Vice President of Enfocus, an EskoArtwork company, received Enfocus’ own InterTech Technology Award for Enfocus Switch.

Appearance with the press during Pack Expo

During Pack Expo, EskoArtwork presented during a news conference offered by its sister company, Videojet. Aleks Zlatic, Vice President Sales, Western US & Latin America, offered an overview of the company as well as a review of ArtiosCAD 7.7 structural design software and Kongsberg finishing tables.

Clear activity at partner booths

During Graph EXPO, Partners PRISCO, Xeikon and xpedx reported brisk activity at their booths around the i-cut Suite, Suite 10 production software, and Kongsberg i-XL 24 finishing tables.

The HP, Epson, and Xeikon booths at Pack Expo focused on digital front-end packaging solutions offered by EskoArtwork. In addition, an EskoArtwork demonstrator offered structural design demonstrations on the HP booth.

“EskoArtwork has spent a good deal of effort focusing on return on investment discussions and demonstrations. We understand that companies in our industry are under pressure, and need to be assured that their investments in hardware and software can take production time and costs out of the supply chain,” adds Quinlan. “We also have seen a definite trend toward diversification. While it is not surprising to see commercial printers exploring packaging, at the same time we have observed many packaging companies making a natural progression by branching out to signs and displays. EskoArtwork has efficient software and hardware to fit those business models, while providing effective returns on investment.”