The next generation Xeikon Panther inkjet technology has arrived with the company announcing the Xeikon PX3300HD 1200dpi digital inkjet press, aimed at the high quality labels market.
The five-colour machine offers a 330mm printing width and speeds up to 70 metres per minute, even when printing with high opacity white. In addition, Xeikon PX3300HD uses a newly developed ink series, PX-Cure LED HD, for improved perfect curing, while supporting sustainability targets for converters.
Jeroen Van Bauwel, director for solution design at Xeikon, says, “As inkjet technology continues to mature, there’s a clear need to update Xeikon’s Panther portfolio with a higher resolution option to meet specific customer requests. Consequently, we are now introducing a 1200 dpi engine to complement the existing 600 dpi product range.
“The new Xeikon PX3300HD will extend the capabilities for printers by giving them the tools to reach excellent quality at even higher productivity levels in a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)-friendly way.”
Xeikon says the small footprint PX3300HD excels at producing high durability, full-colour labels for diverse markets, covering up to 88 per cent of Pantone colours within Delta E 2, rising to 94 per cent within Delta E 3. To meet the specific requirements of the higher resolution engine, Xeikon has developed new PX-Cure LED HD inks. The new inks match the sustainability benefits of the recently introduced PantherCure UV LED series for Xeikon 600dpi inkjet presses, including significant savings in energy consumption, instant warm up for more agile operation, and 10 times longer lamp life compared to traditional UV arc lamps, resulting in lower waste.
The new press leverages Xerox W-Series industrial inkjet printheads with dedicated waveforms and screening software developed by Xeikon. The company adds that the PX3300HD is fully prepared for hybrid printing to increase productivity, with the option to add Xeikon’s modular inline label converting units, and a large unwinder for longer uninterrupted production runs.
The Xeikon X-800 digital front end powers the new printer for faster job turnaround and just-in-time delivery. Colour management forms an integral part of the software. Every X-800 comes with a Pantone license so customers can convert Pantone colours for their press and substrates. In addition, the basic press configuration offers operational support with an inline camera for quality inspection included by default. Adjusting registration, stitching and compensation for missing nozzles, all measured and corrected in a fully automated way, this feature also helps to alleviate ongoing issues with finding skilled staff to run the press, while extending the lifetime of the printheads and ensuring consistent high quality.
Van Bauwel adds, “This extension of Xeikon’s inkjet capabilities is an incredibly exciting development for customers. It offers them a cost-effective and highly competitive opportunity to scale their businesses. They can supply profitable luxury market segments with exceptional productivity and quality.
“We are currently well underway with customer trials and will start sales at drupa. I encourage all attendees to make their way to Hall 11, booth A01. You can experience the PX3300HD 1200 dpi press running live and discuss your future path in inkjet for labels and packaging with Xeikon.”
