Esko has launched the i-cut Production Console (iPC) a newly developed front-end operating system, which will be the common platform for all Kongsberg digital finishing systems.
The console combines the feature set of the XL-Guide tailored for packaging applications and i-cut Vision Pro, the industry standard front-end for cutting and short run productions.
Designed for all operations on all Kongsberg tables, the i-cut Production Console forms a foundation for any future developments and drives all functionality found on Kongsberg tables, such as camera control, machine set up, tool recognition, calibration and tool adjustments.
‘These tried and tested features are industry favourites, and are now incorporated into a much more intuitive operating system for users,’ explained Tom Naess, product manager CAM. ‘We want to help customers simplify their approach so they can maximise their capabilities. Ease of use is about making complex tasks easy. A good portion of accomplishing this is hidden in great software design created completely from scratch, consulting with user interface specialists to build an efficient system. The iPC instinctively supports the machine operator and displays colours with a meaning, which draws focus to the right area at the right time. It will change the way operators finish a job, and allow them to get even more out of their machine: they will get up to speed faster while improving the output quality. It all leads to less downtime and more efficiency − with less training or service intervention.’
The system is designed to guide and support the operator, and incorporates a number of logical, user-friendly features: from its icon-based graphical interface with colour coded alerts and updates, to the ability to follow production progress from a distance. ‘This enables one operator to do other tasks while overseeing the production on a Kongsberg table,’ added Mr Naess. ‘With clear display functionality and easy to understand icons, every step of operation can be readily identified for a smooth process.’
‘It’s a platform designed to help operators get jobs done faster and easier, with more options. For example, they can pause a run, complete an urgent job or quick prototype, and return to the first batch of work. The result is maximized capacity and uptime with increased efficiency,’ concluded Mr Naess.
