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, set for 28 to 31 March 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 the short to mid-volume runs that are increasingly in demand.
Through its deep experience in digital label production, and by listening to the needs of its customers, Xeikon identified an opportunity to widen its role in the diverse market for self-adhesive label applications where dry toner is not the most 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 a high durability requirement for respectively the health & beauty and industrial end-use. 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,” says 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.”