- Print Innovation Asia
Xeikon introduces first UV inkjet label press
Launched at the recently-concluded Xeikon Cafe 2017 in Lier, Belgium, the Xeikon PX3000 is the first UV inkjet press based on the new Panther technology.
The Xeikon PX3000
The Panther technology is Xeikon's new UV inkjet platform that complements its dry toner digital label press portfolio, which currently includes the Xeikon 3000 series and Xeikon CX3 label presses.
The Xeikon PX3000 digital label press is targeted at the self adhesive market. The machine uses PantherCure UV inks and is empowered by familiar Xeikon-engineered X-800 workflow.
Xeikon's Jeroen Van Bauwel introducing the new Panther technology.
“The Xeikon PX3000 is complementary to our dry toner presses and the choice of the label converter will be based on the end-use markets such as food, health & beauty, industrial, wine & spirits, pharma, and beverage, they serve. Each of those markets have their specific needs — there is no one-size-fits-all," said Jeroen Van Bauwel, Xeikon’s director product management.
The PX3000 features a web width of 330 mm, and a maximum speed of 50 m/min. Colour configuration is CMYK plus white, with a print quality of 600x600 dpi. Substrates can range from self-adhesive media with facestocks including paper, PVC, PP, PET and PE.
Panther technology was developed in response to the growing need for new technologies in digital label printing: “Inkjet and electrophotography are different technologies, each with pros and cons, and the choice is end-user dependent. We see UV inkjet as a complementary offering that addresses customer needs, for example, in strong durability, extra glossy effects and scratch-resistance results, while recognizing the advantages of dry toner in other applications where high print quality, food safety, and compatibility with challenging substrates such as natural paper are key,” added Van Bauwel.
More details on the benefits and complementarity of UV inkjet and dry toner is described in a white paper, published by Xeikon.
Samples printed by the Xeikon PX3000
With the addition of the Panther platform to its portfolio, Xeikon aims to be a single source to advise converters and brands on both dry toner and UV inkjet technologies.
“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. In addition, some of our current dry toner users would like to move into inkjet as well, in order to extend their digital offerings," said Filip Weymans, VP of marketing for Xeikon.
“We believe that both dry toner and inkjet will be required in the foreseeable future to meet market needs. Offering both beneficial technologies in our portfolio empowers our customers to choose what’s best for their applications and the end-users," Weymans continued.
Visitors to Labelexpo Europe 25-28 September in Brussels will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of the Xeikon PX3000 UV inkjet press on stand 5C29. The press is expected to be commercially available at the show.
For a full report on the launch of the new Panther technology and the Xeikon PX3000, stay tuned for the upcoming issue of Print Innovation Asia.
