Zünd releases Cut Center Version 4

Zünd has released a revamped Zünd Cut Center (ZCC) software, rebuilding Version 4 of the software from the ground up. The new software suite offers capabilities for flexible, automated file preparation and efficient digital cutting. Controlling the cutter via touchscreen is an intuitive and straightforward operation.

The new package is the company’s answer to a growing need for flexibility, scalability, and user-friendliness. ZCC V.4 supports operators with countless smart, intuitive digital-cutting functions throughout the production workflow. This makes the software ideal for novices as a fast and easy introduction to digital cutting while offering experienced users significant upgrades in file preparation and production automation. As such, ZCC ensures top-quality cutting results in every situation, regardless of the operator's experience level or the degree of automation in prepress.

With its client-server architecture, ZCC is scalable. The software’s modular design enables configurations tailored to specific production requirements. Businesses can purchase only the necessary software components – and make additions at any time.

ZCC is available in two different editions: Zünd Cut Center Basic, ideal for users in production environments that don’t require functions such as automatic data import, job queues, or data exchange with other systems. With Zünd Cut Center Basic, the operator can manually convert source files into .zcc files using Cut Editor and open them as production files in Cut Center.
Zünd Cut Center Advanced suits all users with high order volumes and a desire to increase their productivity through workflow automation. They may have multiple Zünd Cutters in operation simultaneously and need to be able to exchange data with other systems integrated into their production workflow. In the Advanced edition, users have access to functions such as the job queue, information on the estimated production time, import via hot folders, and email notifications.

For both editions, options such as the Camera Option, Pick & Place Option, Visualizing Option, and Routing Option can be purchased individually.

Cut Editor is the central software component of the ZCC software suite. Cut Editor is used to import source files and prepare them for subsequent cutting. Cut Editor can be run directly from the workstation at the cutter. It can also be installed at other workstations in prepress and used for file preparation. If needed, the capabilities of the Cut Editor can be expanded with the Nesting Option.

Cut Server provides automated data import via hot folders, data exchange with other systems such as the ERP and RIP, and an estimated production-time calculator. Zünd Cut Server also handles the communication between Cut Editor and Cut Center. Other systems can connect to the Zünd Cut Server using the .zcc file format. This makes it possible to query the system for information such as materials, methods, or estimated production times. Numerous software manufacturers already offer standard integration with ZCC. This enables transferring prepared files in .zcc format.

ZCC is open to almost any import format. This exceptional connectivity offers users unparalleled flexibility and interoperability – a key advantage in view of the many different file formats users may receive from customers daily.

Processing parameters stored in the material database for countless materials and predefined import settings ensure the highest degree of standardisation. Standardised processes, in turn, ensure repeatability. The user benefits from economies of scale in terms of cost and productivity.

ZCC works magic in automation. It can sort jobs by material, processing method, or delivery date. Jobs involving printed materials are retrieved automatically via printed QR codes. Alternatively, for unprinted materials, the job sequence can be defined using batch processing.

Another boost in productivity results from the newly implemented capability to simultaneously process different jobs on the same Zünd cutting system.

Zünd has also upgraded data import into ZCC and has largely automated data handling. Assigning processing methods, cut-contour optimisation, metadata, materials, etc., is done through hot folders, which ensures consistently high output quality. Achieving the same quality level every time for recurring jobs becomes a matter of course. Consistently high-quality means satisfied, repeat customers.

ZCC is offered as a perpetual license that includes Software Maintenance. Software Maintenance ensures not only well-maintained, well-functioning software but also offers customers all the new options and functions Zünd may release for ZCC. This includes everything from small bug fixes to extensive software updates. Further options can be added without requiring the purchase of the latest version of ZCC. Customers no longer need to worry about buying software upgrades to keep their Zünd Cut Center up to date.