Page 16 - Print21 November-December 2021

Cover Story
Xeikon Cheetah 2.0 dry toner technology is now cloud-connected with man/machine and machine/ machine interfaces, where
the machines are in constant communication with each other, driving and monitoring print jobs with full automation. Earlier this year, Xeikon introduced two new models, the CX30 and the CX50 entry level dry-toner presses. With each cloud-connected solution, operators can monitor print manufacturing from anywhere
on the shop floor by viewing the interfaces/dashboards 24/7 on a smartphone or any other device.
Xeikon says its XCS Pro 2.0 is
a cloud-connected breakthrough
in colour management, it is an automated toolbox for the highest quality printed products. Extra capabilities include full automation for ‘on -the -fly’ profiling, colour profile monitoring and adjusting. It is now possible on a Xeikon press to automatically recalibrate the colour profile when an issue arises. The operator is alerted automatically, and the problem is automatically escalated to the production manager if it persists.
XCS 2.0 can now be used for making colour profiles on a variety of different platforms such as a flexo press, offset press, screen printing with digital or any competitors press. This extends what can currently be achieved and expands the variety
of applications and materials that can be worked with. The Xeikon
XCS 2.0 also has the advantage
of simplifying the process for the printer and manufacturer as it covers all their needs for high-end colour management.
Xeikon also has its Label Converting Unit (LCU) series, specifically designed for converting industries and printing businesses. The LCUs, formally named D-Coat, are also
Above
UV Inkjet: ASAP Labels one of the Australian printers using Xeikon technology
cloud-connected with machine/ machine interfaces. There are various options to choose from; entry level, wide web, narrow web and high-end as well as more modular offerings. Again with each cloud -connected solution, operators can monitor print manufacturing from anywhere on the shop floor by viewing the interfaces/ dashboards 24/7, on a smartphone or any other device.
Modular
One of the welcome aspects of Xeikon presses is their modularity, they can be added to and developed from what you have, in other words if your business is going well and
you need more capacity you can up with speed on your existing printer, or you can increase the web width. Crowley says, “You don’t have to have it all on day one. We know for many printers a move into digital may be gradual, with the Xeikon presses, both inkjet and toner, you can take it one step at a time.”
Anyone who has been to a Xeikon Café event in Belgium will have a battery of Xeikon presses configured according to application, for instance for printing self-adhesive labels, or coffee cups, or booklets,
or heat transfer labels. Weymans says, “We are aiming to show that printing is not about dots on a substrate, it is a full manufacturing process, and the more a print business can automate that process, the more it can reduce human input, then the more efficient and profitable the business will be.
Weymans concludes, “With our latest innovations, printers and converters will be able to address the current and future needs of print buyers and brand owners. Having
clear insight into their production environments means they can monitor progress and make quick and flexible decisions on the fly. This is why digitalisation can be a game changer.
Crowley adds, “When we install the first digital press at a company's site, we are with that company every step of their growth journey. They quickly realise the productivity, growth and profit benefits of implementing a fully automated digital print manufacturing process. Everyone knows that making changes in a company’s strategy
and operations can be difficult. Xeikon stands as the go-to advisor for printers and converters looking to the future for their growth and sustainable profitability.” 21
Idera digital inkjet carton printing
The Idera digital corrugated press is a 1.6m wide system, which Weymans says offers printing quality from its digital inkjet engines at “offset levels”, but of course there are no plates, makeready is instant, variable data can be incorporated. Weymans says, “In a world where SKUs are proliferating, where versioning is exploding, and turnaround times have shrunk
to almost yesterday, the Idera is a great solution, it meets all these needs, giving carton printers a new world of opportunity, enabling them to meet the demands of today’s market.
The water based inkjet system means it is food safe, unlike UV inkjet, which is not. This is because board has no functional
barrier between the external and the internal, and UV needs a functional barrier. The Idera then is food safe, which is a significant advantage in carton packaging, given that a large amount of the work is for food and beverage products.
Crowley says, “We are currently installing our first Idera platform in the US, and interest is growing in other regions.
It takes openness from a packaging company to take that step into digitising their manufacturing, as this is something new for them. What we see is that as most of the corrugated board printers are already using water based technology and are aware of its advantage when it comes to food packaging, this step is a little easier for them with the Idera.”
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