Xeikon launches combination technology

‘We see many applications for printers with no legacy tooling, as well as for new web-to-print businesses,’ said Filip Weymans, VP marketing at Xeikon. ‘It takes just one operator and is fully integrated. You don't have to worry about creating die cut profiles, which are automatically generated by the Xeikon Vectorizer.

Weymans also launched Xeikon’s Fusion ‘digital combination’ technology concept to the US market. Fusion is a modular series of digital units which will include a high opacity white, digital foiling and spot varnish, positionable either before or after the 4-5 color Xeikon printing unit, allowing complete in-line label production.

‘The digital combination press is for high value markets like wine,’ said Weymans. ‘With Fusion we are building a platform which can replace conventional combination printing.’

Fusion modules will be retrofittable to Xeikon’s existing presses at different speeds and web widths. A label converter in Belgium is the beta site, where a CX-3 has been combined with White and foiling modules for the health and beauty market.

The Fusion modules will use different technologies including toner and inkjet  and will be developed with industry partners.

‘We are looking to a phased approach with commercially availability starting in 2017,’ said Weymans.

Another premiere is the FDU flatbed die cut unit, shown for the first time in North America. It can be seen on the Digital Finishing feature area of Labelexpo Americas. The unit handles 14 x 20in sheets and is targeted at tag and folding carton applications.

This Xeikon stand also houses a Xeikon CX3 press, claimed by the company as the fastest digital press in its league.

Taking a wider view, Xeikon CEO Wim Maes introduced the Flint Label Factory concept, demonstrating how Flint and Xeikon are working together to offer an integrated range of conventional and digital technologies from digital platemaking and color management to inks and plates,and combination digital print and converting.

‘The Flint Group teams already have great relationships with leading converters, where they supply inks and plates, so we bring that we can help them with the transformation of their label business.’

Xeikon also announced a dedicated Latin America operation, run by Pedro Sa based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Sa, a 30-year industry veteran, will build a local presence for Xeikon in Latin America. Xeikon has already invested heavily in its Asia-Pacific and EMEA businesses.