Chennai-based RS Graphics, a carton and label manufacturer, has recently invested in a digital sample maker from Kongsberg X Starter and three Esko pre-press software modules.

VB Sridharan, RS Graphics ' managing director, said, 'There are other companies as well, but nothing is comparable to Esko's quality. I found the Esko software and the Kongsberg X to be best suited to our needs as they help faster job turnaround and are extremely user-friendly.'

Esko ArtiosCAD 3D, Deskpack Advanced and Plato were first installed by RS Graphics followed by Kongsberg. ArtiosCAD 3D is used to package structural design software for corrugated boxes, folding cartons, POPs and FSDU design. Using its library of templates and standards, the software generates the structural design of any packaging with high precision.

Esko Deskpack Advanced is a collection of user-friendly Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop pre-press packaging plug-ins. It helps with professional tools and finesse to make graphics printable.

Esko Plato is a tool to create print-ready layouts for cartons and labels with step and repeat and nesting. It is the gateway to production between the departments of pre-press and the pressroom.

The Kongsberg X Starter is available in standard configurations for sample making, signage and display production. Powered by Esko digital design software, it cuts and creases at a top speed of 50 meters per minute for brisk samples of cartons, labels or finished POPs and signage on different materials such as corrugated, folding carton, solid board, foam, spot coating blankets, wood and various types of plastics. In India and around the world, Kongsberg is the most widely used cutting table in the packaging industry.

Sridharan also went on to add, 'We've invested in the Esko Kongsberg because we're exporting a lot. Since we're in exports, we always need the samples faster, say in about two days. Traditionally, one must first make a die to make a box and that takes a lot of time and apart from the cost, there is a lack of flexibility in the event of changes. The carton sample is ready within half an hour with the Esko Kongsberg. So it helped us to reduce our production time and save us a lot of resources to make a die. The machine's level of perfection is 100% and we are extremely pleased with our investment.'