by Sean O'Leary
No one can accuse the visionaries at Highcon of thinking small. Since the company’s 2009 establishment in Yavne, Israel, the founders’ objective has been to digitally transform the post printing end of the production line, and in the process create demand for a new industry paradigm that doesn’t even have a proper name yet. Or, as the mission statement suggests: “To bridge the gap between design creativity and production capability with innovative digital technology that unleashes the power of paper.”
Highcon first introduced the Euclid Digital Cutting and Creasing Machine at drupa 2012. As the flagship of the company’s “direct to pack” initiative, the original Euclid demonstrated the potential to transform conventional “carton folding” manufacturing into a flexible digital process. The advantages of digital converting technology, of course, are analogous to the evolution of digital printing: minimal set up time, faster turnaround and affordable short runs.
Now we approach drupa 2016 and Highcon has had four years to develop a customer base and establish the viability of the digital converting dream. A month ago, the company announced three new digital cutting and creasing systems that extend the core DART (Digital Adhesive Rule Technology) platform into POP, custom packaging and similar creative applications. While the new “mainstream” Beam and the B2-format Pulse machines would still be classified under the aegis of “cutting and converting,” the Rad Euclid III is the model that really captures the imagination. From what we can see, this system can produce output more like origami than cardboard packaging.
Summaries of the new models follow:
Pulse: This model is basically a B2 format version of the Euclid system with sheet sizes up to 21x30 inches (530 x 750mm) and a throughput rating of 2,000 sph.
Beam: Intended to extend the product range into the “mainstream”, the Beam digital converter is said to be able to process B1 format materials at speeds up to 5,000 sph. The Beam incorporates upgrades from the Euclid II version and is reported to be in beta testing at this point. The Beam is targeted to carton converters and print service providers.
Euclid III: The Euclid III is designed to replace time-consuming, complex die-making and setup processes by transforming 3D CAD files into extremely complex shapes including POP and promotional popups, 3D models, limited edition knick-knacks and seasonal gifts. (In this sense, it’s the “other” kind of 3D printing.)
The Euclid III uses Highcon’s Axis software package, which converts 2D input to 3D. Highcon expects this innovative model to open new doors for high value, custom applications in web-to-pack and 3D modeling that would be economically impossible using traditional methods. The company has created 3D product examples from several different types of paper substrates, including recycled paper board and makeready sheets.
For more examples of digital converting capabilities, check out our photo gallery...
Or see these systems at drapa Hall 9, C50
No one can accuse the visionaries at Highcon of thinking small. Since the company’s 2009 establishment in Yavne, Israel, the founders’ objective has been to digitally transform the post printing end of the production line, and in the process create demand for a new industry paradigm that doesn’t even have a proper name yet. Or, as the mission statement suggests: “To bridge the gap between design creativity and production capability with innovative digital technology that unleashes the power of paper.”
Highcon first introduced the Euclid Digital Cutting and Creasing Machine at drupa 2012. As the flagship of the company’s “direct to pack” initiative, the original Euclid demonstrated the potential to transform conventional “carton folding” manufacturing into a flexible digital process. The advantages of digital converting technology, of course, are analogous to the evolution of digital printing: minimal set up time, faster turnaround and affordable short runs.
Now we approach drupa 2016 and Highcon has had four years to develop a customer base and establish the viability of the digital converting dream. A month ago, the company announced three new digital cutting and creasing systems that extend the core DART (Digital Adhesive Rule Technology) platform into POP, custom packaging and similar creative applications. While the new “mainstream” Beam and the B2-format Pulse machines would still be classified under the aegis of “cutting and converting,” the Rad Euclid III is the model that really captures the imagination. From what we can see, this system can produce output more like origami than cardboard packaging.
Summaries of the new models follow:
Pulse: This model is basically a B2 format version of the Euclid system with sheet sizes up to 21x30 inches (530 x 750mm) and a throughput rating of 2,000 sph.
Beam: Intended to extend the product range into the “mainstream”, the Beam digital converter is said to be able to process B1 format materials at speeds up to 5,000 sph. The Beam incorporates upgrades from the Euclid II version and is reported to be in beta testing at this point. The Beam is targeted to carton converters and print service providers.
Euclid III: The Euclid III is designed to replace time-consuming, complex die-making and setup processes by transforming 3D CAD files into extremely complex shapes including POP and promotional popups, 3D models, limited edition knick-knacks and seasonal gifts. (In this sense, it’s the “other” kind of 3D printing.)
The Euclid III uses Highcon’s Axis software package, which converts 2D input to 3D. Highcon expects this innovative model to open new doors for high value, custom applications in web-to-pack and 3D modeling that would be economically impossible using traditional methods. The company has created 3D product examples from several different types of paper substrates, including recycled paper board and makeready sheets.
For more examples of digital converting capabilities, check out our photo gallery...
Or see these systems at drapa Hall 9, C50
