Xeikon furthers label and packaging market efforts after acquisition by Flint Group

At drupa 2016, taking place May 31 to June 10 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Xeikon will show its Fusion concept, introduced at Labelexpo Europe 2015, for ‘fully automated, unattended label and packaging production’. Fusion combines full-color production printing with digital embellishment of labels and packaging in a single-pass, fully digital production process. A series of embellishment modules will be released over time as components of the entirely new modular system, with the digital front-end taking care of pre-press, data processing, color management and press operation, as well as full control and operation of all embellishment modules without any manual intervention. Potential modules include: hot and cold foiling; screen printing; matte, gloss and structured flood and spot varnish; and digital Braille.

Xeikon will also be showing its new digital die-cutting unit for folding carton applications. This near-line flatbed unit has been developed to enable customers to better complete in short run carton conversion with streamlined and responsive production.

‘The addition of the folding die-cut unit demonstrates Xeikon’s commitment to providing complete solutions,’ said Danny Mertens, Xeikon corporate communications manager. ‘Working with our customers, we have seen that there is need for a solution to help speed up production. This unit is ideal for short run, fast turnaround work and helps to eliminate production bottle-necks.’

The CX3 press, based on its Cheetah technology, and a 5-color Xeikon 3500 configured for folding carton printing with in-line web varnishing module, will also be shown. Another new product for drupa 2016 is the Trillium One liquid toner digital press, the first piece of hardware to be commercialized since the launch of Trillium technology at drupa 2012. Trillium One is a 4-color press capable of running at 60m/min (200ft/min) at 1200 DPI. Tonnik is a liquid toner developed for Trillium One that combines the advantages of dry toner in a liquid format.

‘Our drupa theme is “Direct. Dedicated. Digital”,’ added Mertens. ‘Visitors to our stand will see that in action, with innovations across the board. This includes workflow efficiencies with our digital front end, the print engines themselves, our unique consumables and our next-generation approach to finishing. Our stand at drupa will have something for everyone in the printing industry, and visitors are guaranteed to go away with new ideas about how they can expand their capabilities to drive profitability.’

Flint Group acquired Xeikon at the end of last year, and established Flint Group Digital Printing Solutions as a result. Xeikon CEO Wim Maes has been appointed president of this new business unit.

Read a comprehensive preview of label and package printing and converting technology to see at drupa 2016 in L&L issue 2, 2016