Esko to Deliver Complete Pre-Production Solution for Corrugated Converters at FEFCO Technical Seminar

Esko demonstrates the new FEFCO standards, along with new Esko ArtiosCAD features.

24/03/07 Esko, the world leader in packaging pre-production solutions, will introduce new ArtiosCAD 7.1 features, specifically suited for the production of carton and corrugated boxes, at the FEFCO Technical Seminar in Nice France (April 25-27). FEFCO, headquartered in Brussels, represents the interests of the European Corrugated Board Manufacturers.

A complete solution package for the corrugated industry

Using corrugated boxes as shelf-ready packaging has created new demands on graphic production, requiring specialized techniques for prepress, printing and diecutting. ArtiosCAD is but one component of a complete solution for the corrugated industry. “The Esko solution for corrugated converters consists of dedicated and integrated structural and graphics software along with flexo screening technology and Esko Kaleidoscope color management,” remarks Jan De Roeck, Esko Director Workflow Product Group. “But, beyond our considerable software expertise, Esko provides hardware that is relied on by a significant number of corrugated converters. For example, our Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI) flexo platemaking devices—particularly the recently introduced Esko CDI Spark 5080—and platemaking tools (step & repeat software, Esko PlatePatcher, interfaces with mounting devices) are pushing flexo quality, achieving superb print results. Our Kongsberg dieless cutting tables are used for samplemaking and cost-effective short runs—as well as for automated and error-free cutting of flexo printing plates. These tools, along with our consulting services and industry initiatives such as those with FEFCO, provide converters a significant turnkey systems experience.”

Esko digitizes fully CAD/CAM compatible FEFCO/ESBO design codes

Esko has been working very closely with FEFCO over the past year culminating, on December 8, 2006, with FEFCO’s introduction of a new, updated version of the FEFCO standard (officially the FEFCO – ESBO Standard). The FEFCO Library is used as the standard guide and reference work by all converters active in the corrugated and solid board packaging industries and is recognized in Europe—and throughout the world—by board manufacturers. For the 2007 edition, FEFCO worked with Esko to bring black & white designs to life and allow designers, salespersons and customers to see how boxes fold and unfold—creating the feeling of realism. The new computer version offers an interactive, full 3-D presentation of any design. To realize these 3-D effects Esko used their ArtiosCAD software, allowing the results achieved to be used with any CAD/CAM system.

New Esko ArtiosCAD features

During the FEFCO Technical Seminar, Esko will introduce a number of features of interest to corrugated converters. For example, ArtiosCAD 7.1 includes a module to import SolidWorks native 3D solid modeling files, allowing designers to combine product elements developed within SolidWorks along with Esko packaging elements. To support collaboration and approval processes within the workflow, ArtiosCAD users can now directly send design, manufacturing and 3D files into WebCenter. As a result, there is better integration of packaging production workflow steps, based on a smooth and easy file and information exchange. Additional functionality for workflow error reduction and ongoing optimization of 3D rendering capabilities create added value for the corrugated converter.