Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced a new partnership with software supplier PrintFactory that brings an integrated production suite specifically tailored for the former’s cutting tables.
PrintFactory is a production workflow software suite for large format print and finishing and the new integrated software includes several features specific to Kongsberg users. These include the ability to export files as zipped JDF (Job Definition Format) for cutting, QR code support for automated workflow in Kongsberg’s iPC (i-cut Production Console) software, offset to first registration mark for automatic production and correct cut file orientation and inclusion of the substrate name in the cut file for the ‘Material is key’ function in iPC.
‘With Editor, Layout, Printstation, just-in-time tools and cloud components, the new integrated software can be used in combination with the Kongsberg iPC to allow pre-press corrections to original files in almost any format,’ said Stuart Fox, president of Kongsberg PCS.
PrintFactory CEO Erik Strik explained that with the Editor tool, fonts, colour corrections and layout changes can be made without the need for third-party design apps. ‘Access to PrintFactory Layout means that manufacturers can now print and cut, nest and create double-sided jobs. It handles white generation and speciality colours and includes special tools for various segments – [an] all-in-one tool for preparing jobs.
‘Printstation helps with workload balancing and gives teams more control over production, making distributing the load easier, while the Just-in-Time Nesting tool allows users to make smart, automatic changes or manual adjustments to jobs up to the last second, without slowing down production,’ Mr Strik added.
Mr Fox also noted that this is the first software agreement Kongsberg has entered into since becoming a stand-alone business earlier this year. ‘This is the first of what we expect to be numerous such partnerships that will further deliver excellence to our customers around the world,’ he commented, adding, ‘This is just the first stage of integration between this leading workflow solution and our own iPC. We have plans to work with PrintFactory on a number of additional features in the coming months.’
