Tilia Labs’ Phoenix software debuts in US

At Labelexpo Americas 2018, Tilia Labs is showcasing the new features of Phoenix 7.0 for optimizing substrate usage and boosting setup speed, flexibility and control for narrow-web label printers.

Tilia Phoenix uses artificial intelligence in automating planning and imposition for all types of print and post-press applications. The system factors in parameters, such as job specifications (quantity, dimensions, colors, substrates), presses/print devices, post-press requirements, and delivery considerations, to deliver optimal layout options. When a final option has been selected, Tilia Phoenix generates print-ready layouts and JDF or die instructions, for all devices in the production chain.

 Among highlights being previewed at Labelexpo are new developments in narrow-web planning, standing die support and marks control.

New at Labelexpo Americas 2018 is optimized lane-based planning – automatically and dynamically computing millions of layout options. Phoenix 7.0 delivers combinations for reducing substrate consumption in minutes, including combining items of differing sizes and shapes in the same lane.

Phoenix 7.0 can add custom properties and grouping rules to give users greater flexibility to set combination preferences for lanes and standing dies. It has enhanced die intelligence so fully dynamic planning will automatically generate new layouts for die creation or digital laser cutting.

‘Phoenix has already proved to be a very powerful tool for producers of packaging and labeling in allowing them to dramatically reduce production planning and makeready time while also minimizing substrate usage,’ said Sagen de Jonge, CEO of Tilia Labs. ‘For 7.0 we’ve worked closely with customers and technology partners to identify and refine the requirements that can deliver the next significant step up for narrow-web printing. Label printers’ requirements are quite unique, operating with many product versions and short runs. The speed of Phoenix was never in question, but we’ve focused on adding more versatility for label printers to create their own customized processes, both for regular types of production runs and those combining unique shapes and applications.’

The new Tilia Phoenix version 7.0 will also incorporate performance enhancements to the imposition AI engine which forms the power core of the Phoenix software. Data processing capable of keeping up with the fastest presses on the market complements recent improvements to template-based planning and optimizations for sheets and rolls. Major estimating and reporting enhancements also allow for better analysis, accountability and future planning, including press-time granularity down to the nearest second.