Xeikon expands its portfolio for label printing

Xeikon has made a strategic move with the addition of Panther technology, a UV inkjet platform that complements its dry toner digital label press portfolio. The first UV inkjet press based on this technology, the Xeikon PX3000, will be unveiled at the upcoming Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations 2017 event, March 28-31, in Belgium.

Xeikon created the market for dry toner printed labels, which is still growing significantly based on the value dry-toner technology offers converters and their customers. It delivers high quality and food safe label products in short to mid-volume runs that are increasingly in demand. Through in-depth experience in digital label production, and by listening to the needs of its customers, Xeikon has identified an opportunity to widen its role in the diverse market for self-adhesive label applications, where dry toner is not the optimal solution but UV inkjet printing can bring more value. A few examples include digitally printed labels, previously produced on UV flexo or screen-print, where a glossy appearance and tactile look and feel is desired, or where there is a requirement for high durability. There are plenty of end-use applications in the self-adhesive label market, each with their own requirement.

The development of Xeikon’s production inkjet technology expands its product portfolio, (Xeikon 3000 Series and Xeikon CX3, aka Cheetah) and application reach. Xeikon Panther technology uses PantherCure UV inks and builds on Xeikon’s significant printing expertise. Furthermore, Xeikon customers can take advantage of the familiar Xeikon X-800 workflow connected to the new Xeikon PX3000.

“UV inkjet and dry toner are complementary offerings that extend the range of applications which are better produced digitally,” commented Filip Weymans, VP of marketing for Xeikon. “Together, they offer a robust solution portfolio that responds to the demanding brand owner today and the requirements put forward to the label converter.”

With Xeikon’s very long history and substantial knowledge of the digital label printing market, extensive dedicated worldwide sales and service organisation, and access to market-leading technologies as part of Flint Group, Xeikon brings a powerful advisory role to label converters in providing a unique digital printing offering with the ability to analyse customer requirements, and providing them with the ability to choose what fits best.

“Label converters and brand owners are increasingly recognising the value digital printing brings to the market, but many converters are unsure which direction to take to bring digital into the fold,” added Weymans. “In addition, some of our current dry toner users would like to move into inkjet as well, in order to extend their digital offerings. Through our deep industry experience and expertise, and offering both technologies for label printing, Xeikon stands ready to help them make these important decisions.

“We believe that both dry toner and inkjet will be required in the foreseeable future to meet market needs,” Weymans concluded. “Offering both beneficial technologies in our portfolio empowers our customers to choose what’s best for their applications and the end-users, like having access to the right golf club to best hit the ball in whatever circumstance.”