Gent (Belgium), July 10, 2007 - Esko, the leading global system integrator for packaging pre-production, announces it will exhibit Esko Visualizer, Esko Variable Data Printing, and Esko Digital Flexo Suite-all part of the newly released Esko Software Suite 7 at Labelexpo Europe 2007, booth 5B30 from September 26-29, 2007 in Brussels, Belgium. On its stand, Esko brings a range of innovative label and tag workflow solutions in design, pre-press, workflow, plate preparation, flexo plate production and digital finishing. All of these contribute to a faster, more efficient and error-free workflow for the entire label and tag production. These solutions will not only be present at the Esko stand, but at partner booths including HP Indigo (Booths: 5D30, 5D40).
A number of applications demonstrated and featured for the first time at Labelexpo are:
NEW UPDATE - Esko Software Suite 7, demonstrated with specific software modules aimed at labels and tags, is a complete update of Esko's design and pre-production software tools offering significant improvements in features, productivity and compatibility with third party software. Esko Software Suite 7 is entirely based on Adobe(r)'s PDF and is compatible with Creative Suite(r) 3. Esko Software Suite 7 further adds new capabilities for variable data digital printing and JDF integration with business systems. Esko Software Suite 7 components include a full range of structural design, graphics design, project management, and prepress production tools for packaging. Users get additional value from the Esko Software Suite by combining it with other software and hardware products from Esko as well as from third party suppliers.
NEW - Esko Visualizer will be demonstrated live for the first time. It is the first product resulting from Esko's cooperation with (and acquisition of) Stonecube Ltd (UK). Esko Visualizer takes graphic information of a label or package, interprets or adds information about substrates, special inks and finishes, and delivers a variety of realistic moving, interactive 2D and 3D representations of the final product. Esko Visualizer incorporates patented technology to accurately render the resulting effects from various paper grades and other substrates, types of inks including metallics, and finishes such as varnishes, foils, embossing, glitter and flitter, and this in a specific surrounding of choice.
NEW - the Esko Variable Data Printing module expands Esko's capabilities in digital printing for HP Indigo industrial presses. This new software module was developed specifically to be the first variable data printing solution to fulfill the requirements of labels and packaging markets, and is based on Esko's extensive experience in this domain. The application works from one-up files, using Adobe(r) Illustrator(r) or Esko PackEdge, and focuses on variable barcodes, formatted texts and images.
NEW - Esko Design Wizard for Adobe(r) Illustrator(r) is a tool that reduces errors and automates repetitive design and layout operations by pushing content management to the brand owner. "The software creates a dynamic link with the content management system," remarks Frank Adegeest, Director Design Software Product Group at Esko. "No more cut and paste needs to be done by the creative professional, dramatically reducing the number of touches per SKU and leading to significant reduction of errors and lead time."
The Esko Digital Flexo Suite for Labels includes a number of post-Rip tools to increase efficiency in the plate-room, also specifically for label printers. For example, PlatePrep automatically crops, sorts and arranges labels on a large flexo plate for an efficient and cost-effective plate output -with as little waste as possible. As soon as a plate is filled with label separations, it is sent to an Esko CDI flexo plate imager. At the same time, information about the plate is sent to a Kongsberg cutting table, where the individual label separations are cut automatically. With increasing design variations and ever shrinking print runlengths, this automated solution saves time and money for tradeshops and label converters.
Esko software for JDF integration and workflow automation
Esko has also pushed the integration of JDF systems for tag and label converters. Wim Delagrange, Esko Product Manager Packaging Workflow, comments: "A number of our customers are utilizing JDF systems for various uses. At Labelexpo, we will demonstrate how Esko can integrate JDF-compliant systems to realize significant manufacturing efficiencies. There will be different case examples we will be able to demonstrate. For example, one of our clients expressed the need for financial savings by automating order information processing while accelerating print job processing time. By working closely with the client's internal IT organization as well as other external partners, we created and implemented an integrated JDF architecture, which achieved substantial process improvements throughout the entire workflow. All folder structures are now created by the job ticket. Our client is now working much faster and with reduced errors."
Also on display at the booth will be the dedicated digital flexo imaging devices aimed at the label and tag markets, the Esko CDI Spark 2120 and Esko CDI Spark 2530 and the digital dieless cutting table Esko Kongsberg i-XE10.
"For years, professionals in the packaging industry have relied on Esko software to create and prepare designs for high-quality production," explains Arjen Maarleveld, Senior Vice President, Packaging Solutions. "The entire supply chain recognizes the value and expertise Esko delivers with its integrated solutions. Esko Software Suite 7 and its new tools set new standards for state-of-the-art packaging design and pre-production. We like to think of Esko as our customers' long-term partner providing both the 'pain killers' and the 'vitamins' required to make them more profitable and successful. With the ability to provide complete solutions, including hardware such as Esko CDI flexo platesetters, Esko is shaping the tag and label workflow of tomorrow."