Xeikon goes wide with new label press for Ipex

The Xeikon 3500 – which manufacturer Punch Graphix revealed to ProPrint in Belgium last month but has been kept top secret until today – is said to drive the switch from conventional to digital production by bringing the break-even point up to 4,000 linear metres.

“Until now, digital printing still had capacity limitations compared with traditional label printing,” said Filip Weymans, business development manager of the labels and packaging division.

“With the 3500, we can fill this productivity gap. Plus the press will open up new application opportunities in diverse market segments,” he added.

The Xeikon 3500 joins the 3300, which was launched at Drupa 2008. The new press has a wider web width – 512mm compared with the 330mm web width of the Xeikon 3300.

Punch Graphix said this “significant size increase” would allow label converters to address a wider range of applications.

The 3500’s top speed is 19.2 metres per minute with a resolution of 1,200dpi, meaning it can produce up to 570sqm per hour. It comes with five colour stations to allow for CMYK plus a spot colour, and Punch confirmed that print speed would not be affected by the number of colours being printed.

The machine can print on a range of substrates, including paper, films, PET, foils and paperboards, ranging from 40gsm up to 350gsm.

The vendor explained that the 3500 used the new Xeikon QA-I toner, which had food safety approval.

“We see the Xeikon 3500 as the next logical step to meet the market’s ever-growing capacity demands. And the new QA-I toner, which is approved for indirect and direct food contact – including dry food – on most substrates is unique,” said Weymans.

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