OUTPUT

Eliminating errors, saving time and reducing waste are among the benefits offered by i-cut Suite, according to its manufacturer EskoArtwork. This collection of pre-production software, targeted specifically at users of large-format digital printers and digital finishing systems, streamlines production and tackles bottlenecks from preflighting PDF files, preparing graphics and creating layouts, to printing and finishing in perfect registration. And efficient preflighting and fixing of files means errors cannot be forwarded to the RIP and printer, and all output can be standardised for consistency across all print devices and materials.

EskoArtwork's i-cut Suite removes the complexities around using a properly integrated PDF workflow, with a single, logical, modular format. This dedicated approach offers display producers a more structured way of working instead of using a plethora of different file formats. Some rely on their RIP to provide basic options relating to profiling, queuing and batching but the RIP is not designed to be a checking or error-detecting device and it isn't until the job is printed that mistakes are noticed.

EskoArtwork Suite 10, the modular element within i-cut Suite, gives the ability to check that all files have been correctly prepared. It catches errors and other issues early in the process, providing a cost-effective, foolproof and streamlined production system.

Components include i-cut Preflight, that automatically detects any possible issues and reports them in detail back to the operator. Based on EskoArtwork's Enfocus technology, this offers compliance with CertifiedPDF.net, which utilises criteria that allow for reliable file exchange. Meanwhile, i-cut Layout is used for the interactive building and editing of layouts on the material. It incorporates features including grouping for 'minimum waste', optimising the nesting of individual images, and 'maximum productivity', designed for high quantities by creating the greatest number of identical sheets to reduce set-up times for printing and finishing. Both modules are integral elements within i-cut Vision Pro, the control system which generates the data for precision die-less cutting.

Belgium-based sign and display production company Triakon is one user of the EskoArtwork solutions. Managing director Lieven de Schamphelaere says: "Using i-cut Preflight we can optimise the technical aspects of the file for the digital press or printer on which it will be processed. Of course preflighting is part of our service to our customers. They are only too happy that we can prevent those small errors that sometimes still occur during preparation." He continues: "i-cut Layout enables us to create the most appropriate imposition for files on a specific printing machine."

While EskoArtwork's i-cut Suite includes all the key elements required for a streamlined workflow operation, the modular format means advanced options can be incorporated when necessary.