Ghent, Belgium-based Esko, a maker of finishing equipment and developer of workflow software that has its U.S. headquarters in Miamisburg, Ohio, recently donated two Kongsberg digital cutting tables, plus all the tooling, training, software, delivery and installation, to Cal Poly’s Graphics Communication Dept. in San Luis Obispo, California.

According to the company, the approximate value of the two machines as they are configured is about $185,000.

The cutting tables will allow students to continue to explore finishing and packaging technologies both in the classroom and in graphic communication clubs, it says.

“Our new Esko iCut allows us to cut materials like never before,” says graphic communication professor Colleen Twomey. “Thin paper to thick plastic and foam core — not a problem for our iCut table! What Esko enables (us) to do is apply a hands-on experience with state-of-the-art software and hardware that allows students to create amazing work. What was once a 2D world is now a 3D interactive world!”

The cutting tables, the Kongsberg XE and the Kongsberg X24, are able to accurately cut a variety of materials such as corrugated, folding carton, solid board, foam, coating blankets, wood and a variety of plastics from digital design documents. The Kongsberg XE table is designed for high-quality, fast, short-run production of folding cartons. The Kongsberg X24 table specializes in producing packaging, signs and displays; it also includes a designer PC table, monitor, mouse and keyboard.

“The addition of the X24 and Esko’s new software to the Graphic Communication Department allows designers and students who were previously limited to ink, paper and two-dimensions to work in new and exciting spaces,” says Robyn Burns, electro-mechanical technician in the graphic communication department. “The ability to integrate structural design elements and new materials into projects allows students to create engaging signage, scenery, packaging and more. This gives students hands-on exposure to the many industries that design for a world of applications beyond the page.”