Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) has 10 September, 2024 showcased its latest innovations at the PRINTING United expo, elevating standards for superior routing with the launch of the new MultiCam Apex3R Evo and giving an American debut to its award-winning Kongsberg Ultimate digital cutting system.

The reveal of these latest advances in technology underlines Kongsberg PCS’ commitment to developing solutions that address pain points for rigid sign makers and corrugated converters and help businesses to maximize productivity and quality.

“As we celebrate 35 years of MultiCam success, we are thrilled to be unveiling the new Apex3R Evo at PRINTING United,” said Matt Thackray, VP & General Manager of Kongsberg PCS operations in America. “Engineered for a broad array of applications, this latest evolution of our flagship machine signals a new era in high-performance routing capabilities. With its perfect balance between performance and precision, it sets a new standard for routers, combining incredible versatility with superior precision, all at a competitive price.”

The eagerly anticipated new machine extends cutting abilities across both flexible and dense materials, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. “With the addition of features like pneumatic vacuum zones and a new surface probe that can measure a material’s surface by contact to ensure uniform depth of milling and engraving, this already robust CNC machine now delivers even more than the pristine cut quality and precise accuracy for which it is renowned,” said Matt. “It ensures sharp, precise edges, effortlessly achieving a mirror-like finish on aluminum and polished edges on thick acrylic.”

The Apex3R Evo also features a newly designed condensed knife system, upgraded tapping features to simplify and streamline production, and an improved dust boot providing better particulate pick-up and operator-friendly quick-change bristles or glide pad. The new surface probe can also measure dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish of the workpiece, detect changes or errors, and help with complex curved surfaces. Collet and ATC spindle options range from an impressive 24-32K RPM and up to 13.3 HP, making the Apex3R Evo suitable for a wide range of jobs using different tools and materials.

“The innovative condensed knife system delivers improved cut quality, with a new electric oscillator knife that can be configured between 2mm and 5mm stroke to tackle any cuttable material,” added Matt. “Our upgraded pneumatic ‘Quick Change’ knife body allows for both knife and tapping tool change capabilities, enabling greater efficiency through automation.

As well as launching the MultiCam Apex3R Evo, the company also wowed the crowds on the first day of the Las Vegas expo with demonstrations of the incredible productivity of the Kongsberg Ultimate, its multiple award-winning digital cutting solution.

Game-changing productivity for corrugated converters

“The Kongsberg Ultimate is a game-changing digital cutting platform that delivers unprecedented levels of productivity, precision and safety,” said Matt. “With corrugated converters around the world under increasing pressure to produce better, faster, safer and more efficiently to meet the demands of the global market, we’re very excited to showcase the game-changing Kongsberg Ultimate at PRINTING United.”

The Kongsberg Ultimate represents a quantum leap forward in technology, addressing the unique challenges faced by corrugated converters involved in continuous high volume multi-batch production. “With its new drive and beam design, the Kongsberg Ultimate defines the next generation of design and performance, delivering significant productivity gains and return on investment for users,” said Matt.

“The meticulously designed custom carbon fiber beam ensures unparalleled stiffness and consistently applies a 50kg downforce, while the tool head camera further elevates precision, making every cut align perfectly with the highest industry standards.”

With new self-diagnostics and remote operator alerts, combined with the application of proven robust technologies from other high-demand industrial fields, the Kongsberg Ultimate is designed to deliver the highest uptime to maximize utilization. “With its new, innovative drive technology, an impressive acceleration rate of up to 2.7G and a remarkable cutting speed of more than 165 meters per minute, the groundbreaking Kongsberg Ultimate is poised to transform the corrugated production industry,” said Matt. “The Ultimate has already been named Best Wide Format Cutting Solution in the EDP Awards announced at drupa, as well as recently receiving a prestigious PRINTING United Alliance 2024 Pinnacle Product Award.

“We are thrilled to be showcasing these truly groundbreaking innovations at PRINTING United,” added Matt. “The launch of both the MultiCam Apex3R Evo and Kongsberg Ultimate serve to reinforce our position as an industry leader and underlines our dedication to developing innovative solutions that empower businesses to maximize their potential in an ever-changing marketplace.”

See the new MultiCam Apex3R Evo and the award-winning Kongsberg Ultimate in action alongside other Kongsberg solutions at PRINTING United. Visit booth C1585 of the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 10-12 September.