During Label Congress, Xeikon is announcing another strategic step forward with new areas of innovation. The Xeikon vision has always been to offer printers and converters a clear and viable pathway to digital transformation. With its comprehensive portfolio and raft of new digital printing solutions, Xeikon is now ready to move to the next level.  

Xeikon’s extensive digital portfolio, in-depth knowledge of digital technology and long standing experience working with companies that move to digital has positioned them to safeguard the future of their print production and manufacturing operations, the company says.

Filip Weymans, vice president of marketing, states, “In the last year, Xeikon has launched several new innovations and products. Now, printers and converters are truly able to see our vision materializing and what that can mean for them. The careful build and structure of our portfolio is about to bear fruit, and we are now ready to present even more exciting innovations that will open up a way toward a digital future and ‘lights out’ production and manufacturing.”
  
Xeikon’s innovations include new product introductions in all different aspects of the print manufacturing workflow. These enhancements are on display during Label Congress, as product experts are taking attendees on guided tours of their Innovation Center in nearby Itasca, IL.

The highlights include:

● Xeikon Cheetah 2.0 dry toner technology: Now cloud-connected with man/machine and machine/machine interfaces where the machines are in constant communication with each other, driving and monitoring print jobs with full automation. Earlier this year, Xeikon introduced two new models: the CX30 and the CX50 entry level dry-toner presses. Important to note that with each cloud-connected solution, operators can monitor print manufacturing from anywhere on the shop floor by viewing the interfaces/dashboards 24/7 on a smartphone or any other device.

● Panther 2.0 UV InkJet technology: New Panther models will include the Xeikon PX2200 and Xeikon PX3300, replacing the PX2000 and PX3000.

● Xeikon’s Label Converting Unit (LCU) series: Within Xeikon’s portfolio, they are specifically designed for converting industries and printing businesses. The LCUs, formally named D-Coat, are also cloud connected with machine/machine interfaces. There are various options to choose from, e.g. entry level, wide web, narrow web and high-end as well as more modular offerings. Important to note that with each cloud -connected solution, operators can monitor print manufacturing from anywhere on the shop floor by viewing the interfaces/dashboards 24/7 on a smartphone or any other device.

Xeikon is also announcing a selection of new services to add to Xeikon’s already comprehensive Solutions & Services (XSS) and aXelerate programs:

● Xeikon (Business Services) XBS – launching soon in North America: In real time, Xeikon Business Services can translate data in the cloud from machine to machine and provide all the necessary and in-depth information on a dashboard that is available on any smartphone or device. With Xeikon XBS, printers and converters can check the performance of any press or piece of equipment at any time 24/7. They can check on efficiencies, costs and compare results.

● Xeikon (Performance Services) XPS – Xeikon will offer XPS first in North America: Xeikon Performance Services will be included as a standard for the first 6 months with all press investments. This is intended to help printers and converters identify which aspects of production need their attention. This software will highlight and visualize any key feature that need adjusting, including maintenance issues, training schedules or applications check. This service will be offered to support customers in their digital start-up phase. It will also provide Xeikon with the information needed to help their customers become operational faster when embarking on their digital journey.

● Xeikon (Color Services) XCS: Xeikon’s XCS Pro 2.0 is a cloud-connected breakthrough in color management, it is a unique automated toolbox for the highest quality printed products. Extra capabilities include full automation for “on -the -fly” profiling, color profile monitoring and adjusting. It is now possible on a Xeikon press to automatically recalibrate the color profile when an issue arises. The operator is alerted automatically, and the problem is automatically escalated to the production manager if it persists. Importantly, XCS 2.0 can now be used for making color profiles on a variety of different platforms such as a flexo press, offset press, screen printing with digital or any competitors press. This extends what can currently be achieved and expands the variety of applications and materials that can be worked with. The Xeikon XCS 2.0 also has the advantage of simplifying the process for the printer and manufacturer as it covers all their needs for high-end color management.

Workflow is a key topic for Xeikon personnel, as well. A fundamental and key component of the workflow is Xeikon’s X-800 Digital Front End (DFE). The X-800 unifies every facet of Xeikon’s digital portfolio. Xeikon is now extending the capabilities of its X-800 workflow even further to expand and enhance the range of possible applications. The label version of the X-800 will now include Xeikon VARI ONE variable data workflow and combine it with Panther durable haptic printing and with Xeikon’s FEU (Fusion Embellishment Unit). 

Weymans concludes, “With our latest innovations, printers and converters will be able to address the current and future needs of print buyers and brand owners. Having clear insight into their production environments means they can monitor progress and make quick and flexible decisions on the fly. This is why digitization can be a game-changer.”