Esko launches VariAngle cutting tool
Esko is launching the new VariAngle tool for the Kongsberg C and XP range of digital finishing tables, which it says enables cutting at any angle from 0 to 60 degrees at high speeds.
The company says it also delivers “total freedom in the design of 3D creative displays while also resulting in faster setup times and an uplift in cutting speed”.
“Fitting the new VariAngle tool makes existing Kongsberg C and XP tables completely self-sufficient and capable of delivering most any creative design,” said digital finishing product manager, Knut Johansen. “Unlike with other brands of finishing table, using VariAngle removes the need to stop production when changing tools, drastically reducing setup time and increasing cutting speed.
“Other finishing tables cut with a fixed angle blade, which means it’s necessary to change tools to cut at different angles,” explained Johansen. “For some designs, three or even four different cutting tools can be required in the production process. But with VariAngle, Esko has developed a single tool which cuts straight lines at any angle selection in half-degree increments between 0 degrees and 60 degrees and at up to 100m/min; a breakthrough innovation for the industry.
“In conjunction with the new 3D design features of Esko structural packaging design software ArtiosCAD, the intelligent, automatic VariAngle tool delivers a new level of creativity,” he said.
“Importantly, as well as delivering excellent cut quality at the highest possible speeds, the tool behaviour is defined from within the Esko ArtiosCAD structural design software, therefore no operator input is required at the cutting table itself, so productivity is boosted by a further 25 per cent.
“The combination of the new tool and the supporting functionality in ArtiosCAD delivers design freedom. For the first time ever, converters can make 60 degree V-notch cuts enabling the making of triangular pillars, something which has been impossible until now, as no machine on the market can cut at an angle greater than 45 degrees. It can also cut angled curves, dependent on radius size,” Johansen said.
“The obvious efficiency gains, when coupled with the huge level of creative freedom afforded to designers and the fact that it can be retro-fitted to existing Kongsberg C and XP machines, mean that VariAngle has the capacity to provide the cutting edge for sign and POS converters in an increasingly competitive sector.”
Anyone wishing to learn more about VariAngle can do so by visiting the new Esko Innovation Hub, which has been designed to provide users with an insight to the Esko portfolio of innovations in a virtual environment. Users can navigate around the latest integrated hardware and software solutions from Esko, in their own time, accessing insights and technical information, as well as learn new ways to boost business productivity, efficiency and profitability.