ZCC Zünd Cut Center ushers in enhanced digital cutting automation

Zünd (Altstätten, Switzerland) has revamped the ZCC Zünd Cut Center software and user interface from the ground up. In version 4, ZCC offers more capabilities for flexible, automated file preparation and efficient digital cutting, in addition to enhanced scalability and user-friendliness regardless of the experience of the operator or the degree of automation in prepress. Controlling the cutter via touchscreen makes for intuitive and simple operation.

With its client-server architecture, Zünd Cut Center is easily scalable. The software’s modular design enables configurations tailored to specific production requirements. The user purchases only the software components they need, and more options can be added anytime.

Zünd offers ZCC in two different editions. ZCC Zünd Cut Center Basic is 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 ZCC 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.

ZCC Zünd Cut Center Advanced is suitable for all users with high order volumes and a desire to increase their productivity through workflow automation. They may have multiple Zünd Cutters in operation at the same time and need to be able to exchange data with other systems integrated in 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 every 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.

ZCC is offered as a perpetual license that includes Software Maintenance.

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 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. Many software manufacturers already offer standard integration with ZCC. This enables transferring prepared files in .zcc format.

ZCC is open to almost any import format, enhancing the system’s flexibility and interoperability. This is important in view of the many different file formats users may receive from customers on a daily basis.

In addition to these functions, the new Zünd Cut Center offers a highly intuitive user interface and easy touchscreen operation. There is a logical progression of user inputs through the setup process. A cleanly designed user interface guides the operator through job preparation and cutter control. Automatic import can significantly reduce the number of manual entries required.

According to the company, processing parameters stored in the material database for countless materials and predefined import settings ensure the highest degree of standardization. Standardized processes, in turn, ensure repeatability. The user benefits from economies of scale in terms of cost and productivity. ZCC’s automation also enables it to 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 the handling of data. Assigning processing methods, cut-contour optimization, metadata, materials, etc., is done though hot folders, which ensures consistently high output quality. 

ZCC is offered as a perpetual license that includes Software Maintenance. Software Maintenance ensures not only well-maintained, well-functioning software, it also offers customers all of the new options and functions Zünd may release for ZCC. This includes everything from small bug fixes to extensive software updates. New options can be added without first having to purchase the latest version of ZCC.