Lacasse Printing installs a Kongsberg X24 Digital Finishing System

With a growing customer base, increasing demand for faster turnaround times, and a desire to diversify its services, Lacasse Printing (Tecumseh, Ontario) has invested in the latest digital finishing technology from Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS). The signage, display and POP specialist recently invested in a new Kongsberg X24 Digital Cutting Table, complete with automated conveyor and roll-off unit, 3KW router, and a selection of tools (including the Kongsberg CorruSpeed), for its state-of-the-art, in-house finishing department. “In the summer of 2021, we were struggling with labour shortages and the effect this had on the time it was taking to complete some jobs,” said owner and President Jeff Lappan. “Our order book was still growing and increasingly customers were demanding shorter and shorter turnaround times. With this combination of increasing workload and the demand for speed, it made sense for us to look at automating our finishing processes. We needed to do more, faster – and for us the only choice was the Kongsberg system.”

The 3KW router comes with a wide range of specialty tools that offer the power, speed and flexibility to handle a wide variety of materials automatically. As part of its investment, Lacasse also acquired the specialist Braille tool to ensure the accuracy of displays designed for the visually impaired, while the CorruSpeed tool delivered the same high quality when using corrugated materials. The Kongsberg CorruSpeed is a high-impact tool that cuts without oscillating and delivers quality at full machine speed. CorruSpeed handles material thickness up to BC flute – everything from corrugated carton, folding carton and solid board, to foam and even a long list of plastics. Following the installation, Lappan said the business successfully introduced new packaging products and expanded its services. “The automation of the process has helped reduce labour costs, making production more profitable. The amazing capability has given us renewed confidence to accept any size production run and grow our business. The Kongsberg X is without doubt the most gratifying purchase I’ve ever made,” he added.