Esko digitizes, automates and connects

From its significant 2,000 sqft booth, Esko demonstrates how its portfolio of hardware and software enables businesses to better digitize, automate and connect to accelerate the go-to-market process of packaged goods.

‘We know that label converters face tremendous pressure in today’s turbulent and volatile market, with an ever-growing need for accuracy, consistency and efficiency,’ said Melissa Plemen, senior director of inside sales and marketing at Esko. ‘From our CDI Crystal XPS flexo platemaking solution through to our AVT print inspection technologies, visitors to booth #5203 can learn how Esko solutions empower label professionals to improve ways of working, eradicate waste and optimize operational processes.

‘We demonstrate how our software and hardware solutions combine to deliver the most effective, state-of-the-art workflow automation and quality inspection for label converters. Thanks to cloud-based workflow automation, complete integration with MIS is possible throughout the entire prepress workflow. So now all processes are connected - from design, editing and color accuracy through to customer feedback and approvals with WebCenter.’

Esko showcases innovations in ArtPro+ including printing unit support and repeat layout creation, as well as folding carton improvements, a new usage dashboard, and enhanced WebCenter usability features improving ease of use and maximizing productivity and efficiency.

‘We also demonstrate how the recently acquired Tilia Labs range of intelligent algorithms for sheet layout, estimation and planning have been integrated with Automation Engine and the Esko software platform,’ said Plemen. ‘As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Esko, Tilia Labs will have an adjacent booth where visitors can discover how they can benefit from driving greater sheet layout efficiency, especially for short run digital printing.’

At the heart of the Esko booth, the CDI Crystal 4260 XPS, in combination with the new Flexo Engine module, demonstrates how digitization in flexo production also boosts efficiency while delivering the best quality plates. 

‘The CDI Crystal XPS excels in efficiency, reducing manual steps by 50 percent and errors by 50 percent resulting in less plate waste, alongside reducing operator time by as much as 73 percent,’ said Plemen. ‘Boosted by our Print Control Wizard software - which in the latest release now includes additional X-Rite color profiling, reducing the number of print trials for press fingerprinting - the system produces plates that deliver the optimum print results.

‘With every inch of printed substrate that ends up in the waste bin being an inch too many, print inspection solutions are also playing an increasingly important role for today’s labels businesses. As more converters continue their digital transformation journey, print inspection with advanced process control, quality assurance and press control is helping drive waste down. This means print operators not only improve their overall print efficiency, but also enjoy a positive impact on the bottom line.’

Underlining the benefit of automated processes, Esko demonstrates its AVT Helios line. 

‘A market-proven, automatic 100 percent inspection solution designed for labels and other narrow web printing applications, the Helios system automatically inspects the printed web for defects and imperfections, delivering exceptional quality results and eliminating customer rejections,’ added Plemen. ‘With over 3,000 installations worldwide, Helios instantly identifies defects on labels as soon as they occur, reducing waste, boosting performance, and delivering 100 percent quality assurance. We are looking forward to showing Labelexpo visitors just how fast and effective the system is.’

‘Esko has developed full end-to-end workflow solutions for the digital printing of labels, from ideation all the way through to inspection. Adopting these integrated hardware and software solutions serves to digitize, automate and connect workflows, systems and processes in label businesses, delivering the clearest tangible benefit in meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re looking forward to discussing in person how customers can access our innovations,’ concluded Plemen.