EskoArtwork is demonstrating a variety of technologies at Labelexpo. Among the highlights is Suite 10, a major release of its software for packaging prepress, 3D structural design and quality assurance, collaboration and automation, and color management. Meanwhile, the company’s HD Flexo 2.0 is debuting at the show, and there’s also a running demo of the Kongsberg i-XE10 digital finishing system.

With Suite 10 and the new Automation Engine 10 there are new releases of all editor applications: ArtPro 10, PackEdge 10, DeskPack 10, ArtiosCAD 10 and Studio 10. The workstation software is more integrated than ever, with a focus on adding capabilities to the automation of repetitive tasks, and taking more human interaction out of the prepress production process. Among the software features is Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves, a solution for resolving the distortion of shrink sleeves, automating the design and prepress process in Adobe Illustrator. Its 3D approach tackles round and irregular shapes, and even multi-packs. Pre-distortion tools compensate for the complex combination of horizontal and vertical distortions that come with irregular shapes. Users can preview artwork on the screen as it is shrunk on packaging and share the result with their clients. They can make design corrections much faster, save time and material, and avoid rejects.

“EskoArtwork has come to the call of many label printers who have needed help with their workflows and flexo plate production. No matter if you produce labels digitally, in offset, flexo, gravure or screen print, EskoArtwork solutions can help optimize costs, streamline workflows and improve quality and consistency,” said Mark Quinlan, president, EskoArtwork North America.

The company is also showcasing its range of Digital Flexo systems, comprised of its Cyrel Digital Imagers for flexo plate making (CDIs) and related integrated software products. EskoArtwork’s HD Flexo technology uses high screen rulings and advanced screening to produce plates that print near-offset quality. At Labelexpo, the new version of HD Flexo – HD Flexo 2.0 – is being presented. HD Flexo 2.0 delivers exceptional printing throughout the entire tonal range including highlights with gradients down to zero, stable midtones, and higher ink density solids. On display is a CDI Spark 4835, imaging digital flexo plates up to 48” x 35”, which is ideal for small and medium volume label flexo plate makers and converters.

The automated Kongsberg i-XE10, a versatile and productive digital finishing system, is also being demonstrated. Equipped with a newly designed stacker and sheet feeding system, the Kongsberg i-XE10 finishes small-format, short-run digital printed materials, accepting sheets as large as 35.4″ x 47.2″. The redesigned sheet feeder system automatically loads and places the printed materials on the table. The automated stacker delivers non-stop sorting and stacking of the finished parts. The system also automatically removes waste. As a result, the machine can run unattended, saving significant man-hours.