New digital label applications with Xeikon’s Panther 2.0 Series

Label Solutions

Xeikon has announced version 2.0 of its Panther UV inkjet technology with the launch of two new label presses: the Xeikon PX3300 and Xeikon PX2200. As the company’s wide portfolio evolves in line with advances in technology, the new presses, which are replacing the existing Xeikon PX3000 and Xeikon PX2000, feature advancement in two areas – applications and building blocks – to digitalize print manufacturing.

Filip Weymans, vice president marketing, stated: ‘We are defining a pathway to full digitisation of print production and manufacturing. Responsiveness has become key for any business and can only be achieved effectively by digitalising all print manufacturing processes, and not just printing. The foundation for a digitalised environment lies with collecting data in a digital manner. The data volume, captured in real time, creates the information that is required by label converters to make fact based decisions. Another aspect is the interfacing connections in production between machines and operators, helping to transfer job information between the different production processes or drawing the attention of operators when it is really required. The cloud connectivity, machine machine and man machine interfaces of our UV inkjet presses will enable label printers to take operational excellence to the highest levels. They offer great potential to maximise OEE, increase sustainability and make an operation robust for any future challenge.’

The new Panther 2.0 series also offers new opportunities for label printers to expand their applications portfolio. Substrate handling technology features a new splice table, web detection capability and cooled roller at the curing section. This makes it possible to print high quality labels on a wider choice of substrates, including clear on clear facestock, which requires a high quality opaque white to make the design stand out. Both presses can be configured with a fifth print station for white ink and can print on a wide range of self-adhesive media in addition to clear on clear, including coated paper, vinyl, PP, PE, PET, and metalised.

The PX2200 and PX3300 presses leverage the advantages of dedicated PantherCure UV inks, which meet the demands from brand owners for high gloss, durable labels with high scuff resistance. The Panther DuraCure UV technology produces high gloss effects and stands out across the widest colour gamut while delivering exceptional long-term durability for multiple applications such as industrial, chemical and household labels, as well as high end labels for the premium beer, spirit, beverage and health and beauty market sectors.

The Panther 2.0 series now comprises seven different UV inkjet press. This includes the Xeikon PX30000, available with six (CMYKOV) or eight (CMYKOV+WW) print stations. It will now be accompanied by the PX2200, 220 mm wide, available with four or five print stations, and the PX3300, 330 mm, available in four and five print stations or HC high capacity.

Available for demonstration at the company’s Global Innovation Centre in Lier, the PX2200 and PX3300 – as well as the Xeikon PX3300 HC model – are now commercially available in Europe and North America.