Triakon, one of the most advanced sign and display production companies in Belgium, is enjoying the tangible benefits of the EskoArtwork solutions. Triakon has an extensive client base including design agencies, retail chains and a number of other companies that require digital printing and sign and display work. While these requirements are met using a range of large format and digital printing systems, it's the EskoArtwork Kongsberg i-XL24 cutting table and i-cut Suite software that turn the many semi-finished products generated by these printers into end products.
Check and check again
While the Kongsberg i-XL24 has proven to be an essential addition finishing signs, labels, posters, invitations, wobblers, labels as well as greetings and business cards, the i-cut Suite installed last year made an impact on the company's prepress workflow.
The first step in the production process is the arrival of client supplied PDF or open files in Triakon’s prepress department. Technical aspects are checked using i-cut Preflight and where necessary text changes are implemented and spot colours prepared. Prepress manager Jef Maerevoet explains: "Editing boxes is easy with the i-cut Preflight. We also use several action lists, for instance to automate the conversion from RGB to CMYK. The use of action lists enables us to abbreviate repeated actions as we don’t need to enter the same settings time and again."
Triakon is a pioneer when it comes to the acquisition of new technologies. "We are a new, hi-tech enterprise and we are passionate about technology as we feel we owe it to our clients", explains Managing Director Lieven de Schamphelaere, who has been running the company together with his brother since 2011. "The most significant aspect of our approach is the interaction with our clientele. We ‘check and check again’ when we receive material, as a result of which our clients know they can rely on us. Service requires an in-depth knowledge of the technology in question and the ability to solve problems."
"Using i-cut Preflight we can optimise the technical aspects of the file for the digital press or printer on which it will be processed. Of course pre-flighting is part of our service to our customers. They are only too happy that we can prevent those small errors that sometimes still occur during preparation, " continues Lieven de Schamphelaere.
The second part of the i-cut Suite – i-cut Layout – also plays a vital role during preparation states Dirk Poels, who is in charge of the print fleet. "This program enables us to create the most appropriate imposition for files on a specific printing machine. The necessary coordinates for the cutting paths for finishing are inserted. The files are positioned on the material to ensure that we can maximise its use on the print system on which it will be processed. We also enter additional positioning markings for finishing on the Kongsberg."
[photo shows Triakon's Managing Director - Lieven de Schamphelaere]
