An advanced set of tools to increase efficiency in the print environment will be the focus of Zünd's presence at Ipex 2014 (ExCeL, London, 24th - 29th March). A leading manufacturer of multifunctional digital cutting systems, the company will display one of its most successful products, the S3 digital cutter, supported by new functionalities.
The S3 is a modular cutting system designed for 24/7 operation, offering high productivity and enabling processing of an extensive range of materials up to 25 mm/1" thick. Print service providers can choose different levels of material-handling automation to meet their specific needs, and a variety of tools to deliver precise cutting and accurate jobs.
At Ipex 2014 Zünd will show an automatic sheet feeder to further enhance the S3's performance. Increased productivity and a fully automated workflow are the main benefits that this new device will bring to the production environment. The automated loading system for sheeted materials is ideal for high-volume production. Loading, advancing and off-loading are perfectly synchronized to deliver high precision and efficiency, allowing printers to quickly manage larger orders and stay competitive.
At Ipex 2014 there will be also the opportunity to see the tandem vacuum system, which enables efficient loading/unloading of materials on one side of the cutter while production continues on the other one. This type of 'pendulum' production workflow allows for concurrent un-/reloading and cutting/processing. While the material is loaded/unloaded on one side, the machine continues cutting/processing the material on the other. This saves time and maximises productivity by keeping machine idle time to a minimum.
The Electric Oscillating Tool- EOT 250 is another valuable device for print service providers who handle sandwich board/honeycomb materials and cardboard. With an extended 2.5 mm stroke and high oscillating frequency, the robust and air-cooled EOT-250 is capable of managing these demanding materials at very high speeds. On its stand at Ipex, Zünd will process sandwich board materials such as X-Board and Reboard up to 22mm thick, to demonstrate the powerful features of this tool.
Demonstrating that finishing starts before a job is printed, the company will also showcase the functionalities of Zünd Design Center, an Adobe Illustrator plug-in to create three-dimensional designs for packaging and displays. Zünd Design Center provides a comprehensive library of ready-to-use designs in folding carton and corrugated cardboard for printers to choose from. 3D preview simplifies the selection of the right design for the job at hand and helps to verify how the layout changes once the operator has modified the relevant measurements, added logos, patterns and other graphic elements.
Oliver Zünd, CEO, comments: "Printers of a broad spectrum of applications are asking for increased productivity and a seamlessly integrated work environment, from print to finishing. The demand for efficiency and reduced make-ready times prompts Zünd to continuously invest in the research and development of easy to operate digital cutting systems, including advanced features to increase printers' automation and productivity. We are confident that the solutions we are sharing with visitors at Ipex 2014 will help them towards a more profitable future."
