EskoArtwork Offers Integrated 3D Design Capabilities
MIAMISBURG, Ohio—At PACK EXPO, EskoArtwork spotlighted its 3D design and production solutions for converters and packagers of corrugated packaging.
The latest version of its structural design software for packaging design, ArtiosCAD Version 7.7, hosts a an array of new features, not only offering greater productivity but also providing error elimination, operator time savings, and a true WISIWYG design experience. These new features help converters realize more efficient palletization of packaging, while making it easier to produce special diemaking tools.
ArtiosCAD 7.7 delivers advanced tools for the creation of steel, flattop, grid, and combo blankers, including the addition of upper and lower boards, grid holes, blank holes, and pusher—to name just a few. A roundtrip CAPE workflow allows specifications of cartons designed in ArtiosCAD to be sent to CAPE software for a pallet solution, which can then exported back to ArtiosCAD to create and show a realistic 3D pallet load. Also, enhancements in diemaking and rubbering tools increase designer efficiency and optimize the manufacturing of cutting dies.
“EskoArtwork offers a clear choice for the packager and converter, providing tools, like ArtiosCAD, that enable true integration between structural design, graphic design, and package production,” explains Mark Quinlan, president, EskoArtwork North America. “These features, combined with our 3D design and production capabilities, result in the most productive, streamlined, and creative solutions available within the packaging industry. Our product portfolio—the fruit of our long heritage in the industry and extensive R&D in structural design—is developed with one objective in mind: to help make the package design and production process as simple and cost-effective as possible. ArtiosCAD, our Studio technology, and our Kongsberg tables all accomplish this goal.”
EskoArtwork Studio: Creating artwork in 3D
Using EskoArtwork Studio, a plug-in for Adobe Illustrator, graphics can be designed on 3D materials and put interactive 3D display creation in the hands of the designer. Its 3D viewing environment lets designers see their artwork applied instantly on the screen.
One of the featured options available within Studio is EskoArtwork’s Studio Toolkit for Boxes, an easy, cost-effective way to offer 3D services. Toolkit for Boxes cleans up die drawings and folds them into a structural design file. The designer can then use EskoArtwork Studio Designer or Visualizer to add the graphics artwork, making a 3D rendering of the package easily accessible on the screen. Studio Toolkit allows designers to create 3D visuals to show to their clients, ranging from PDF files with 3D content, to movies, or virtual pack shots. Converters can check for mistakes—on screen, in 3D—before making costly printing plates, embossing dies, or varnish blankets.
Kongsberg XP 24 Auto digital finishing system
EskoArtwork also displayed its new Kongsberg XP 24 digital finishing system that provides a flexible solution for short-run production. The system offers 24/7 full-time production, and provides accurate handling of the most challenging materials. With a maximum working area of 87˝ x 126˝ and a maximum speed of 66˝ ips (inches per second), the XP series can convert a wide range of board, sheet, and roll materials. It is made especially for handling the combination of corrugated board and other rigid materials used in packaging.
The Kongsberg XP runs jobs ranging from a single unit prototype to full-scale short-run production of up to a 1,000 units in a day. An optional conveyor extension along with an Auto-Feeder with scissor-lift and transfer cart system expands the quantity of print runs that can be pre-stacked. The seamless workflow no longer requires an operator to restack or transfer materials.
