HP and Esko strengthen relationship with combined solutions

Esko's Kongsberg XP Auto digital cutting table has become the latest Esko solution to be installed at HP’s Demo Centre in Barcelona, Spain. This fully-automated, corrugated cutting machine for POS and short run production of packaging will run alongside HP’s latest portfolio addition, the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press. Together, these solutions demonstrate how customers in the corrugated packaging sector can achieve a seamless, end-to-end workflow that enables them to be efficient, productive and profitable.

“HP and Esko have a long-standing partnership that started nearly ten years ago. Today, Esko products are paired with HP presses in demo centers around the world. Both Esko and HP believe it's vital to show printers how much stronger solutions become when industry leaders join forces," comments Stuart Fox, Business Development Manager at Esko. "By giving them real-time production demonstrations, they can get a better understanding of how to take their jobs from print to finished product. Seeing the whole process lets them experience the impact this investment could have on their business â€" today and in the future. This type of experience has become a critical part of the buying process, and is made possible because of our relationship HP.”

Agustin Comadran,  EMEA Sign & Display Category Manager, HP Graphics Solutions Business, comments: “The successful relationship between Esko and HP enables us to develop solutions that effectively address today’s market challenges, and gives customers a first hand look at how they can meet those challenges. HP has confidence in Esko’s solutions. Together, we can ensure our customers are as productive and profitable as they can be.”

The HP Scitex FB10000 is a large-format, flatbed inkjet printer that can run at up to 625 m²/hr, or 1,000 B1 sheets in less than two hours. Its speed lets printers improve productivity, while still achieving the quality they need. The Kongsberg XP Auto is a fully automated die-less finishing machine for packaging and point-of-purchase displays.

To fully demonstrate the impact this solution can bring to users, the HP Demo Centre utilises Esko software to support the Kongsberg XP Auto, including Esko Automation Engine, ArtiosCAD, and i-cut Suite. These join other Esko products that have been chosen to support HP’s array of print production solutions.

Among the other solutions on display in HP's Demo Centre, are the Esko Digital Front-End embedded software solutions for HP Indigo Digital Presses. HP Indigo and Esko have a close, successful strategic partnering and pioneering relationship in digital print for labels and packaging. The combination of Esko’s leading workflow tools and the unmatched quality and efficiency of HP Indigo Digital Presses has set a lofty standard for labels and packaging. Designed exclusively for HP Indigo by Esko, the HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging Print Servers provide customers the necessary job management tools to automate and simplify workflow as well as color controls that help deliver repeatable color across multiple prepress and jobs. Advanced capabilities include also bar code generation, step & repeat and variable data capabilities.