Xeikon has launched a fully digital hybrid solution, based on its Cheetah and Panther digital press series, recently-developed Label Converting Unit, and X-800 digital front-end, which is available locally.
According to the company, the solution can be configured to the need of the converter, and becomes a "powerful" production system, enabling label converters "to step up their productivity and provide fully flexible offerings to customers".
Xeikon said the hybrid label solution, featured at Labelexpo Americas last month, provides a complete, single-pass production process flow, from substrate to ready-label, eliminates several production steps to enable higher productivity, reduces waste and setup time, and opens up new business opportunities.
"This solution allows Xeikon to not only look to keep in step with market and industry demand and trends, but also to deliver offerings that allow converters to provide solutions that keep them at the crest of change," said Trevor Crowley, GM of sales ANZ, Flint Group Digital.
Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s vice-president marketing said, "At Xeikon, we take customer input seriously. Our solutions are cloud-connected, providing us with a lot of data on how the equipment is performing. This results in the ability to provide more automation in combining production runs to increase efficiency.
"That is why, along with the presses, we develop fully digital converting and embellishing products, such as the Xeikon LCU, which can be configured into hybrid print and converting solutions.”
Xeikon hybrid solutions can hold both Xeikon’s Cheetah (dry-toner), as well as Panther (UV inkjet) technologies. In this way, all end-use applications can be addressed through this offering.
Dry-toner is the proven technology for all applications requiring adherence to high food safety standards, while delivering the highest, matte-finished quality and achieving high quality on standard natural paper substrates (wine and spirits). Today, the second-generation Cheetah technology is used in Xeikon’s current dry-toner digital presses.
Xeikon’s UV inkjet Panther Technology has a specific focus on labels across industries requiring high durability, including the health and beauty markets. These applications make use of the key benefits of the unique features of UV inkjet such as scratch, scuff, and rub resistance.
“Some of our customers call a hybrid solution the best of both worlds”, added Weymans. “All developments at Xeikon fit into our mantra of digitising label manufacturing with the purpose of enabling label converters to develop a profitable and sustainable future-proof business.”
