East Kilbride brand presentation specialist Novograf has invested in a Kongsberg XP44 digital cutting table from Esko in a deal which was signed on the opening day of FESPA 2013. 

Key to the deal was Novograf operations manager Alan Marshall's confidence in the machine's manufacturing quality. "We have four Kongsberg tables that are over 25 years old and they still work well," he explains. "Over the years we have added tooling to keep them competitive but the new XP44 will replace two.

"Esko's Kongsberg XP44 is a fully automated dieless finishing machine that cuts packaging and point-of-purchase displays directly from CAD designs and includes automatic loading and unloading. It can handle a wide range of materials including foam, foamboard and corrugated plastics. When equipped with a milling tool it can also work with rigid materials such as MDF, Forex, Dibond, acrylic panels and foamed PVC. 

"We work in a lot of niche markets and design and develop every project to fit the customer's requirements," Marshall adds. "That means we need to innovate continuously to help them achieve market differentiation. The table will help that, and [help] us become slicker with our production."