Stuck between Zund and Esko

[Mkeller234]

I've recently attended demos for two excellent machines, the zund G3 3XL 3200 and the Esko Kongsberg C64. For the most part, the machines each have very minute pros and cons but I'm really stuck between a lot of sales hot air. I'm hoping that some users here can help me with personal experiences.

Esko likes to talk about how overbuilt and robust the kongsberg is. I've heard a lot about their carbon fibre beam being light and ultra rigid. On the flip side of that, I've been told that the zund G3 is not as strong, and that their larger machines can have issues with the beams either sagging or flexing. I've only heard this from sales, and that makes me really skeptical.

Bottom line, is there really any proof that the Esko C series is truly built stronger than the Zund G3 series? I'm talking about the actual machine, not strength of routing/creasing.

A couple additional questions:
Does Esko multi zone operation require the operator to walk to the console to confirm the placement of every sheet? Every demo and video shows it operated that way, but I've been told that there are also buttoms on each corner of the machine, yet no one can actually show me that. I know zund does have buttons and a green LED at all four corners.

Has anyone destroyed an air cooled 1kw router? If cost is no concern, is a liquid cooled 3kw router truly worth it? We will be cutting 60 mil styrene, expanded PVC, die bond, etc among other things. I'm still betting the router will only be used 20% of the time.

Esko Rack and pinion vs Zund belt. Any advantages or disadvantages? Is one easier to maintain than the other?

 

[Mkeller234]

Now that we have made a decision to purchase a Zund table, I wanted to follow up here.

1) I did not find any evidence that Zund had any issues with their beams on larger cutters. In fact, the Zund advertised weight is about 700lbs heavier compared to Esko. It's hard to say what that weight actually represents, but it is something to chew on. My own experience with a Zund G3 L2500 has proven to me that it's a precise and solid machine and I don't doubt that the G3 3XL-3200 will be any less dependable. Zund backs their table with a two year warranty, so in a sense they are putting money where their mouth is.

2) When it comes to rack and pinion vs belt, I have decided that our yearly PM makes that a moot point. Both systems have pros and cons and I feel like it's probably a wash.

3) With the router, I figured if we don't find ourselves using it very often then the 1kw is more than enough power. If we are proven wrong, Zund has a more powerful router available.

4) After demoing both tables, I felt that the Zund tandem function was designed better for the operator.

5) The Zund sales team showed a lot of passion and worked hard to earn the sale. I hope this table is going to be in service for a long time, and I think Zund demonstrated that they will be a valuable partner.

It was not an easy decision and sometimes I wonder if getting myself wrapped up in the technical details was as important as I treated it. I truly was impressed with both the Zund and Esko machines, any shop would be fortunate to have either one.

 

[GraphicsSource]

ive used both, zund has a much friendly user interface and i'm currently running an almost 10 year old kongsberg which runs great (with some quirks though)

I honestly prefer the bed as opposed to the belt simply due to the cost to replace the bed vs the belt is much lower. Also, get to know the guys at cut guru, they have bits and blades and will give you advice as well.

 

[David Raymer]

Though this is an old topic, the choice of machine largely comes down to the application for your business. Kongsberg is generally more corrugated box/display/packaging focused where Zund is more suitable to digital print finishing. Aristo is also one of the big players but not as often talked about. The Aristo crosses over both sectors of the market where the robust design and build enable it to handle the toughest materials (it can actually cut through 3mm aluminium composite panel with the standard oscillating knife where the other brands need to use the router), and it can also handle the materials used for digital print and is generally priced lower. Whichever machine, these three brands are designed and built to last for many years of trouble-free operation - which can't really be said for many of the cheaper machines now hitting the market.