Xeikon is launching its first UV inkjet label press, the Panther PX3000, and says its digital front end is what will separate it from the competition, reports Wayne Robinson direct from the Xeikon Cafe even in Belgium.

The new Panther PX3000 is designed for self-adhesive labels and is targeted at specific applications across health and beauty, household chemicals, industrial chemicals and industrial labels.

Filip Weymans, marketing manager at Xeikon says, "Among UV inkjet label press manufacturers, only Xeikon has the dedicated digital front end – the X-800 – and this is what will deliver leading productivity."

The drop on demand and Panther PX3000 will print at 50 metres a minute at 600dpi on a web width of 350mm, maximum print width 330mm. It uses Kyocera print heads and its own PantherCure UV inks in CMYK and white.

It will print on PET, BoPP, PE, Vinyl as well as uncoated and coated papers.

Xeikon says its characteristics include resistance, high colour gamut, a 3D or tactile feel, glossy look and light fastness.

Inkjet digital labels currently represent about 20 per cent of the digital label market, with the majority toner based, either Xeikon or HP Indigo. Competition in the UV inkjet world comes from EFI, Epson, Konica Minolta and Screen among others. Panther will be launched at LabelExpo in September,.

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