Australian technology innovator Rapid-X Digital draws back the curtain on its new one-touch digital label press, the much anticipated Rapid XL220. This latest offering is the first in a new wave of digital label printing systems from the home-grown manufacturer, combining generations of experience with the best of digital and flexo technology to achieve industry-leading speeds and quality.
The Rapid XL220 will be the first "all-in-one" product from Rapid-X Digital, rather than a modular three or four-piece ensemble, more in line with similar solutions found in the production cut-sheet digital press market. Rapid-X Digital general manager, and inaugural Graphic Arts Technology Innovator award winner for 2013, Nick Mansell explains the move is in response to a change in expectations and values from key players in the label sector.
- A peek at the Rapid XL220
According to Mansell, "The growth in short-run digitally-printed labels is such that sections of the market are calling for a simplified but efficient end-to-end press solution. This means a machine where files are sent over a network and the job can be set up from a central console, for all parameters including die-cutting, matrix stripping and laminating or coating. It's PDF files in and finished labels out the other end."
The Rapid XL220 still showcase the high-speed Memjet print-head technology, and debuts touch-screen simplicity for the brand. It runs a 220mm web at 18 metres per minute, printing at 1600 x 800 dpi, or 9 metres a minute at 1600 x 1600 dpi. It can handle any inkjet-receptive self-adhesive label stock, and achieves finely detailed full-colour work using Memjet water-based inks
"Coating digitally-printed labels is becoming essential. Our long experience in making flexo presses and all of the ancillary unwinding/rewinding units that go along with flexo, has served us well in designing the new label press. Whether digitally or conventionally printed, labels are still about converting and embellishing so we are fusing digital and flexographic technology in this new press option," said Mansell.
The first XL220 is already off the production line and due to go in with a beta customer in coming weeks. The XL is expected to hit the market in March and sell for under $100,000. The first XL220 has been manufactured and will go into a beta customer soon.