Supplied by Elitron’s UK distributor Atech, the machine – additional to Showcard’s line-up – was delivered to its 8,360sqm premises in the second week of September. Installation, setup and training took around 10 days.

The Kombo TAV-R is a double-headed automatic cutting machine with a working area of 3.2x2.2m. It features two independent digitally controlled cutting heads that will crease materials up to 20mm thick and can also cut at an angle of 45°.

The device cuts a wide variety of materials and is said to finish each shape “with extreme precision”.

It features Elitron’s patented Airo Panel technology, which is said to bring superior accuracy to the cutting and creasing of the printed sheets. Showcard said this is "a must" on the high-end and complex FSDUs that it works on.

The machine will run long production cycles without the need for operator intervention thanks to the combination of its automated loading capacity and its software that will notify the operator of any problems via email.

“The TAV is a great addition, giving us the ability to accurately cut at high speed a whole range of materials and will significantly strengthen our cardboard design capability, which is a key growth area for us,” said Showcard managing director Mark Smith.

The machine represents Showcard's third major investment this year, following its purchase of an Inca Onset X3 and a second Lamina Blackline laminating/mounting machine.

The company also operates a KBA Rapida 205 and a B1 Heidelberg Speedmaster as well as a Durst Rho 512R 5m-wide printer, an Inca Onset S50, a Kippax large-format screen press and Diecut UK Redline and Goldline die-cutting machines.

Specialising in POS and POP printing, Showcard Print has 154 staff and turned over £17m in 2017.