Inkjet & Digital Printing
Xeikon Unveils Fastest High-Resolution Digital 5 Color Label Press
Tuesday 03. June 2008 - Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix, legendary for pioneering the first digital color presses, today unveils a radically new digital color label press, the Xeikon 3300. The Xeikon 3300 represents a quantum leap in label print quality, offering true 1200 dpi at 4 bits per spot.
With a top speed of 19.2 m/min (63.0 ft/min) it is the fastest digital 5 color label press on the market, particularly suited for short to medium print runs and just-in-time jobs. The first day of drupa 2008, Europes largest print exhibition, marks the official market introduction of the Xeikon 3300.
With the launch of the Xeikon 8000 last March, Xeikon set the new benchmark for print quality at 1200 dpi. This is why the Xeikon 3300s high-precision LED-based imaging head also features true 1200 dpi resolution and 1200 x 3600 dpi addressability with variable dot density, generating extraordinary image quality with high definition and smooth tone transitions for photorealistic high-impact labels, while exceptionally sharp and crisp details enable for example the addition of pin-sharp micro text. The new imaging technology makes use of the powerful Pericles screening library, allowing higher screen rulings to further optimize overall image print quality. An in-line densitometer and high-performance process algorithms provide uniform and accurate colors and perfect color registration, guaranteeing color consistency in time and between presses.
The Xeikon 3300 is standard-equipped with 5 color stations, i.e. 4 for the standard process colors while the 5th allows the use of spot colors as well as opaque white and special security toner. The Xeikon 3300 runs on Xeikon FA toner which combines the benefits of chemically produced toner with the performance of traditionally produced toner and is FDA-approved for use in certain food contact applications. It can print on scalable widths and an unmatched range of substrates from all sorts of self adhesive films including co-extruded film, to unsupported film, paper, transparent and opaque foils, and paperboard with weights ranging from 40 to 350 gsm (27 lb text to 122 lb cover). The dry toner electrophotography imaging process enables the use of conventional substrates without coating or pre-treatment.
Well-engineered, extremely robust and with a duty cycle of 700,000 m/month (2,300,000 ft/month), the Xeikon 3300 is designed to operate 24 hours a day if needed. It features full rotary printing technology, which enables printing at rated engine speed regardless the size of the labels, allowing to maintain maximum productivity. The positioning of the labels can be adjusted to meet finishing equipment requirements and labels with variable formats and sizes can be printed in the same run, increasing productivity while reducing waste and costs.
The Xeikon 3300 comes with the latest generation of Xeikons unique X-800 digital front-end. Intuitive and based on open standards, it enables the implementation of fully automated workflows in any production environment, integrating seamlessly with any MIS, while its modular set-up allows separating pre-press functionality from press operation. The X-800 offers ICC color management, facilitating integration in a conventional (offset) print environment, and allows post-RIP color adjustment, minimizing downtime while offering extra flexibility. The post-RIP imposition function enables last minute changes while the preview functionality ensures errors are identified before they are printed. The X-800 processes all common input files and significantly lowers the threshold for including metadata such as sequential numbers or barcodes.
Punch Graphixs Chief Marketing Officer Paul Willems states: “Recent developments such as industry globalization, increasing product variety, shortening product life cycles and just-in-time production, legal and regulatory developments, counterfeit deterrence, and brand protection impose new challenges and requirements on the label industry,” adding, “These challenges come at a time when label printers, even more than other printers, are facing shrinking profit margins. Therefore, label printers and converters need to find a way to increase their added value and to drive down expenses. We believe digital printing provides the answers the sector is looking for. It facilitates brand protection, anti- counterfeiting, and security printing, as well as the production of other forms of clever, intelligent, value-adding labels, offering plenty of opportunities for specialization and diversification. In addition, digital printing allows cost-effective print on demand, which allows just-in-time production of multi-version product labels while reducing inventory and waste, and therefore costs. This is why a growing number of label printers are investing in digital technology.”
“With the Xeikon 3300 we offer what we believe is the ideal solution for long-term profitable short to medium-run label production. There is no label it cannot handle. It is more than just a press, it is a total solution, allowing printing and finishing in one go. Featuring an industry-best printing speed, an extremely short and easy set up, a fully integrated digital workflow, and seamless compatibility with any finishing equipment, it considerably reduces the turnaround time per job, which allows producing more short or medium-run jobs per shift than on any traditional press. When we add to that its superior print quality, it is obvious why we believe the Xeikon 3300 is going to change label printing forever,” concludes Chief Marketing Officer Paul Willems.
To summarize, the Xeikon 3300 offers:
19.2 m/min (63.0 ft/min) and a duty cycle of 700,000 m per month (2,300,000 ft/month)
true 1200 dpi resolution and 1200 x 3600 dpi addressability with variable dot density
the use of spot colors, opaque white and security toner
substrate flexibility in terms of format, weight, and type without the need for coating or pretreatment
easy inclusion of metadata such as sequential numbers or barcodes
full rotary technology for easy finishing, less waste, reduced costs and increased productivity
eco-friendly design and consumables
Xeikon 3300 in première at drupa 2008
The Xeikon 3300 is being introduced at drupa 2008, Europes largest print exhibition held in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 29 to June 11. At drupa, Xeikon will be printing a selection of the most sophisticated labels on a wide range of substrates, demonstrating the flexible capabilities of its new label press. In addition, Xeikon will be showcasing a selection of its entire portfolio of products and solutions. To see the Xeikon 3300 in action, visit Xeikon in Hall 8a, stand D25.