Xeikon has announced a new version of VariLane, its imposition software plug-in for the Xeikon X-800 digital front-end (DFE). VariLane 4.0 is now fully integrated within the X-800 4.0 workflow and is specifically designed to allow label printers greater flexibility in the production of labels, providing increased profit opportunities.

With this development, Xeikon has added a significant enhancement to the ability for label printers to optimize productivity and profitability by printing labels of different sizes and run lengths on the same web in discreet lanes. In addition, VariLane 4.0 is a key enabler in meeting the needs of brand owners for short run lengths and just-in-time delivery.

“Xeikon has a strong and continuing focus on the label market, and VariLane 4.0 is proof of our ongoing commitment to supporting the needs of label printers in every way possible,” says Jeroen Van Bauwel, director of product management at Xeikon. “With prepress activities minimized, and utilizing all of the integrated benefits of the X-800 DFE, label printers can easily combine different jobs on one substrate – even for labels of different heights and widths and with different run lengths. And they can easily make last-minute adjustments to artwork or add variable data. This is a real advance in optimizing label production and further increasing profitability for label printers. This type of out-of-the-box thinking and unique value-add sets Xeikon apart in the world of digital label printing.”

The VariLane plug-in was launched four years ago as a standalone tool and now is integrated into the X-800 workflow.

The product’s concept combines prepress, data processing and press operation functionality, integrated with existing workflows and business processes, while maintaining flexibility and quality. VariLane 4.0 makes last-minute corrections to artwork easy to achieve, and Xeikon’s metadata tool can be employed to add barcodes or sequential numbering to labels as required.

“Combining different jobs in the same print run has never been easier,” adds Van Bauwel. “And for label printers working with our wide-web Xeikon 3050 and 3500 presses, it’s a perfect fit. But even with narrower rolls, label printers can optimize their productivity, reduce costs and increase profitability. And that is all possible today with Xeikon technology, without sacrificing the standards of professional and functional excellence brand owners expect – no matter how short the print run or delivery time.”