Digital innovator Xeikon, recently acquired by Flint Group, has rolled out a new Trillium One four-colour press that it says will take digital print production to a new level of quality and productivity.
“It is a huge milestone in the Xeikon history,” Wim Maes, president, Xeikon, told a pre-drupa press conference at the Xeikon plant at Lier in Belgium, before unveiling the breakthrough technology to 60 print journalists. “Trillium One takes us to a new technological level in terms of speed and cost for variable digital print.”
A joint development project between Xeikon and Miyakoshi, Trillium One combines Miyakoshi’s expertise in the mechanics of a printing press and Xeikon’s pioneering approach to digital imaging, high speed electronics, high resolution LED technology, workflow and toner technology.
“We’re proud to have collaborated with an experienced partner like Miyakoshi,” said Maes. “This has allowed both parties to focus on their respective strengths. Trillium One combines the strengths of offset litho in delivering high print quality, ink densities, and image coverage on different substrates, with the strengths of digital printing which enables variable data printing at higher volumes with lower costs and easy operation, thus creating a powerful production solution. It will allow operations to transform their print quality and at the same time open up new markets. We are excited to be presenting this revolutionary press to visitors at drupa 2016.”
Over the past four years, Xeikon has also worked closely with handpicked customers to complete the development of the four-colour Trillium One press. Capable of running at 60 meters (200 feet) per minute at 1200 dpi, with a print width of 500 mm (19.7 inches), it combines cost-effectiveness, high quality and speed in a unique printing press that is poised to change the digital printing landscape, according to Xeikon. Direct marketing materials, and catalogues have been identified as high quality markets for Trillium One, with more target markets and applications expected to be added over time.
“Trillium One is the culmination of our three pillars of operation,” said Maes. “In imaging, we are continuously improving speed combined with print quality. In toners, we have been working on our own developments to increase our portfolio to meet customer demands. In workflow, we have our own proven DFE, the X-800. Together, these comprise a high quality, robust solution that will help our customers acquire new business and cement existing customer relationships solution.”
At drupa, Trillium One will be showcased using a range of applications during 30-minute demonstrations.
“Our drupa theme is Direct. Dedicated. Digital, and visitors to our stand will see that in action, with innovations across the board,” said Danny Mertens, Xeikon’s corporate communications manager. “This includes workflow efficiencies with our digital front end, the print engines themselves, our unique consumables and our next-generation approach to finishing.
“Trillium One adds a new dimension to the world of digital printing that has not previously existed in the marketplace,” said Mertens. “It has the ability to take digital printing to a new level in terms of price/performance metrics - all features that make the Trillium unique. Also its high resolution imaging heads and toner particle size of less than 2 microns create a winning combination."
Drupa visitors wishing to more deeply explore Trillium technology can enjoy a Trillium Virtual Reality Experience and take a peek inside the press to better understand its unique characteristics. “This is a very cool way for people to get a good look inside the workings of the press and really gain a good understanding of its unique contribution to the industry,” said Mertins. A Trillium theatre on the booth will stage five live demos daily.