How Esko Kongsberg Flatbed Cutters work

The Esko Kongsberg range is the perfect example of a multi-functional super-wide digital finisher for signage, display and packaging applications. The cutter plotter uses a composite carbon-based traverse beam that lets it handle larger sheets at high speed to a great degree of accuracy.

The flat cutting area can often be fed automatically by a conveyor if cutting a roll of printed material. For thicker materials that haven’t been printed on, for example, acrylic signage, these can be placed manually or by using a special board feeder and stacker. The cutters also come with a variety of detachable modules for different uses and applications, which is one of the reasons why Esko boasts its versatility.

With the help of its intuitive interface and ergonomic design, the cutter’s computer-aided software operates the cutting tools with impressive precision along its x, y and z axes. It can be programmed to replicate designs exactly like the previous job, allowing you to keep printing. If fed by a roll, this continuous job requires even less effort.

For production purposes, flatbed cutters are the ideal and efficient companion to direct to media printed substrates. Those familiar with flatbed cutter manufacturers will know that Esko Kongsberg C tables definitely keep up with the competition, but we’ll let you decide whether it makes the cut!

Advantages of Esko Kongsberg C Table

Intended for professionals

The Esko Kongsberg C table is specifically designed for professionals within the packaging, wide format signage and display production industries.

The Esko Kongsberg flatbed cutters are designed to handle a wide range of substrates, making them extremely versatile for their intended uses. It can maintain the speed and power needed for professional-grade cuts regardless of material or industry.

With state-of-the-art engineering and aerospace technology, the Kongsberg C is also a very robust range of cutter plotters. Dynamic table mapping and a rack & pinion system mean that the table remains accurate and consistent.

Interchangeable and Upgradable Tools

The key to being able to handle multiple substrates and varying depths is the different tool units. These modules can be used in different combinations depending on the job at hand for optimum results. Changing tools is fast and efficient by simply screwing on or unscrewing the tools.

With different tools and modules available, the Esko Kongsberg C Series can also be easily upgraded as your business grows. Additional and upgradable tools will allow you or your business to increase speed and acceleration of the cuts and even venture into different markets easier.

The Esko Kongsberg C Series comes equipped with a total of three tool slots:

• a heavy-duty tool position
• an insert position
• a fast tool position.

The heavy-duty tool has 50 kg of downforce which makes it ideal for double and triple wall corrugated materials. The available attachments mean it’s capable of large creasing on heavy-duty boards, honeycomb boards, triple wall corrugated, solid boards and polypropylene boards. The heavy-duty tool is capable of high-speed perforation at 100m per minute. It also has a 3Kw fluid-cooled milling/routing unit, a foam cutting unit, knife inserts and crease blades. If that’s not enough, the heavy-duty tool comes with an optional dual heavy-duty unit, allowing the use of two heavy-duty tools at once, increasing production speed.

Meanwhile, the insert position has a drill tool insert, a ballpoint insert and a fiber tip tool. Which one you use depends on the job at hand.

The fast tool position has reciprocating and static tools that make it ideal for corrugated board, foam board and thin panels. It also comes with tools designed for cutting adhesive vinyl, textiles and tools for making braille signs.

Extremely Productive

The flatbed cutter range was designed to produce fast and efficient cuts to keep up with the developments in printing technology. Esko realised that faster printing is only an advantage if you’ve got a flatbed cutter with the same capabilities. If your cutter can’t produce the cuts at the same speed of the prints, then time is being lost as well as money because of a bottleneck in the production line.

For soft signage, there is also a motorised roll feeder, which will provide a continuous supply of material to the flatbeds conveyor belt. If set up correctly, it can be set up for 24/7 production. No more bottlenecks!

The Esko Kongsberg C boasts cutting speeds of up to 100 metres per minute, which makes the C series the fastest cutter in the Esko range. Several years ago, in tests run by Esko themselves, they found that the Kongsberg C64 performed much faster than competitor Zund’s G3 3XL. When cutting 3mm Dibond for example, the Kongsberg cutter completed its job 239% faster than the Zund.

Automation

Enhancing its extremely productive capabilities, the C series offers multiple opportunities for a user to take advantage of its smart automation functions. Without having to acquire any additional extras, the feature named “MultiZone” allows you to work with two independent vacuum systems at the front and rear, meaning you can double your production. Operators can be loading one sheet whilst the other is being cut. When cutting on the second sheet begins, the first sheet can be removed and another added.

The C series flatbed cutters use a camera system to register new material. The system is able to distinguish the edge of the new material against the flatbed itself, simply by registering the contrast of light material on a dark background. It is also able to read unique barcodes and QR codes. This gives the cutter the ability to quickly switch between unique cutting jobs when there is a queue lined up.

If highly advanced automation is the key element to a successful workflow for your business, then the C66 cutter is also compatible with feeder and stacker robotics. A robotic arm allows material to go from one pallet to another, feeding or stacking it onto the flatbed, improving business capabilities.

Simple Software

The key to any flatbed cutter plotter is how it’s used. All of these fascinating features and benefits are only useful if the operator knows how to use them. There are plenty of complex operations to perform that could transform your productivity and this is why the Esko Kongsberg software aims to be as simple as possible.

The i-cut Production Console (iPC) provides icon-based communication and support for a variety of languages. It also offers personalisation options, allowing for separate logins for each operator.

Esko’s Quick Box feature within the software allows for quick and easy packaging design without the need for any CAD skills or experience. With instant access to an extensive library of structural designs, it means that you can get to work on producing packaging whilst you learn more about the cutter and its more advanced capabilities. The software also provides access to the ArtiosCAD Display Store, where you can download creative POP display templates, ready to produce with the material you have on the table.

Esko’s i-cut suite, which is available as a subscription-based software, also claims to be faster and more accurate than Adobe Illustrator.

Perhaps the most useful part of the Esko Kongsberg software is its device manager, which integrates with the iPC. Here you are able to monitor all ongoing cutting jobs and optimise them for the best output. This includes scheduling cutting jobs, making use of the automation software for continuous production runs.

In addition to these simplifying features, everything is ergonomically designed. This means that when no conveyor feed option is installed, the workstation can be mounted left, right and in the machine front, making software accessible from most angles.

What can I make with an Esko Kongsberg Cutter?

Despite being designed for the display, packing and signage industries, the C series of flatbed cutters is one of the most versatile. Due to its impressive array of interchangeable tools, it has the ability to crease or cut through many substrates, including some which are not typically associated with packing, signage or display. The C series can handle the below substrates up to 3330mm wide with the C60 taking lengths of 2125mm and the C64 lengths up to 3730mm:

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