Highcon introduces the first fully digital cutting and creasing production solution for folding cartons. The Highcon Euclid is set to transform the way converters do business and will be running live on the Highcon stand, Hall 4, Stand B28, at drupa 2012.
With no requirement for a die, and job change-overs measured in minutes rather than hours, the Euclid radically changes the business model for folding carton converters. Now converters are able to meet increasing customer demands for faster turnaround times and short run lengths as well as gain additional and profitable work from both new and existing customers.
The Euclid accepts work from common production design software packages thereby fitting seamlessly into current workflow environments. Visitors to the Highcon booth will be able to see sample jobs prepared with the cooperation of industry leaders - board, software, digital printing and folding gluing machinery manufacturers - produced on the Highcon Euclid by our beta site, Graphica Bezalel.
With economic runs up to 10,000 sheets at 3B/ B1 (76cm x 106cm; 30" x 42") format, the Euclid handles work profitably from both conventional and digital presses.
Using standard CAD cutting and creasing information, Highcon's patent-pending Digital Adhesive Rule Technology (DART) and precision laser optics, cutting (and perforating) and creasing can be carried out within 15 minutes of the final data being entered into the machine.
DART polymer is rapidly extruded onto a DART foil to accurately create the crease lines and then the machine is ready to run. In a constant flow, the board is creased, then automatically cut with high quality and precision by an array of lasers utilising sophisticated and specially developed optics. The jobs then pass to the stacker ready for collection.
In addition to the many benefits of fast turnaround and short to medium run production, the Euclid can cut complex shapes not possible with conventional dies. Add in the ability to produce different cut features for each pack and the result is high added value. All this and more can be seen live at the Highcon stand.
Fast, easy operation
By eliminating the bottleneck caused by waiting for die deliveries, associated delays and costs for last-minute changes, with consequent production rescheduling, the Euclid can increase throughput, dramatically reduce turnaround times and enable late changes.
Changing the game
The ability to cut days from production schedules means that the Highcon Euclid changes the whole economic model of folding carton converting. Typical set-up on the Highcon Euclid is projected to cut costs by up to 80% compared to conventional die-making costs.
"Bringing digital technology to folding carton converters represents a major shift in the market," said Aviv Ratzman, Highcon CEO. "The implementation of this new technology will create numerous new packaging opportunities for converters, packaging printers and brand owners."
