EskoArtwork is to launch a fully automated digital finishing system aimed at a wider range of users, from cutsheet digital press clients through to smaller signage and packaging producers.

"The new and unique automation enables 24/7 operation of the finishing stage and to keep the whole process in-house," said EskoArtwork computer aided manufacturing business development manager Einar Ek. "Not having to outsource any of the production process reduces operating costs and throughput time and increases the number of jobs that can be taken on - which ultimately increases profitability."

The Kongsberg i-XE10 incorporates a feeder, finishing table and stacker with software to integrate with the rest of the production workflow. The X-Y head can cut, including kiss-cut and crease a wide range of materials for applications incluing folders, business cards, brochures, small signs and labels.

Maximum sheets size is 900x1,200mm and the top cutting speed is 80m/minute.

For cutsheet digital printers the machine can feed two stacks of A3 sheets in parallel processing up to 1,200 sheets per hour into up to 4,800 finished parts in eight stacks.

Stocks handled range from 130-350gsm with a maximum caliper of 2mm.

Sign and display business development manager Bryan Stringer said that cutsheet digital vendors were exploring the use of EskoArtwork's die-less cutting tools to finish work produced on their presses, confirming that Fuji, Canon, HP and Xerox had expressed and interest and that Canon and Fuji would show its systems at Ipex.

However the firm plans to keep the fully automated i-XE10 to itself at Ipex, where it will be shown on its stand. Final pricing will be announced at the show, but is expected to be in the region of €100,000 (£91,000).