Xeikon will present its new Fusion Technology (first launched at Labelexpo) to a wider print production market at drupa, showing the possibility of fully automated, unattended label and packaging production.
Fusion consists of a series of embellishment modules released over time.
They are not just placed in-line with the press, but are components of an entirely new modular system with the digital front end managing prepress, data processing, colour management and press operation as well as full control and operation of all embellishment modules, without manual intervention.
It combines full colour production printing with digital embellishment of labels and packaging in a single, one-pass and fully digital production process.
Potential digital embellishment modules would present a digital alternative to hot/ cold foiling; screen printed white, tactile varnish, spot print, and Braille.
“Our Fusion Technology offers converters the true flexibility to produce virtually any label or package on demand. It will make instant re-runs of previous jobs easy, since all necessary parameters are in a single digital file. More importantly, converters will no longer need to invest in offline embellishment solutions, nor will they incur the time delays and potential for error inherent in both offline and manual processes,” Filip Weymans, director Segment Marketing Labels and Packaging of Xeikon, says.
“At Labelexpo... visitors were very interested in how the modular approach could help them choose the solution the best fit their production needs. The ability to handle more SKUs, increasingly complex jobs, ever shorter runs and faster turnaround times gets to the heart of everyday pressures and demands and we are excited to help more operations enhance their operational effectiveness.”
“Fusion Technology addresses what we see as a critical emerging need in the labels and packaging market,” Weymans adds. “Our initial focus will be on self-adhesive labels where we project significant growth in demand for short-run high-end labels, especially for luxury goods like cosmetics, wine & spirits, and confectionery, or for products like pharmaceuticals where these embellishments can also be used in counterfeit prevention. Building a recognisable brand and protecting it is one thing; trying to win share of mind and wallet in a fiercely competitive and increasingly information-cluttered environment is another. We believe Fusion Technology will be a key driver in the future that will help brands to accomplish both.”
You can see Xeikon's Fusion Technology at drupa 2016, Messe Düsseldorf, 31 May to 10 June in Hall 8a, stand B20.
