Xeikon Reveals the Panther, a UV Inkjet Platform for Labels

Xeikon has made a strategic move with the addition of Panther technology, a UV inkjet platform that complements its dry toner digital label press portfolio. The first UV inkjet press based on this technology, the Xeikon PX3000, will be unveiled at the upcoming Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations 2017 event, taking place this week in Belgium.

Xeikon created the market for dry toner printed labels, which is still growing significantly based on the value dry-toner technology offers converters and their customers. It delivers high quality and food safe label products in the short to mid-volume runs that are increasingly in demand. Through its deep experience in digital label production, and by listening to the needs of its customers, Xeikon identified an opportunity to widen its role in the diverse market for self-adhesive label applications where dry toner is not the most optimal solution, but UV inkjet printing can bring more value. A few examples include digitally printed labels, previously produced on UV flexo or screen-print, where a glossy appearance and tactile look and feel is desired, or a high durability requirement for respectively the health & beauty and industrial end-use. There are plenty of end-use applications in the self-adhesive label market, each with their own requirement.

The development of Xeikon’s production inkjet technology expands its product portfolio (Xeikon 3000 Series and Xeikon CX3, aka Cheetah) and application reach. Xeikon Panther technology uses PantherCure UV inks and builds on Xeikon’s significant printing expertise. Furthermore, Xeikon customers can take advantage of the familiar Xeikon X-800 workflow connected to the new Xeikon PX3000.

“UV inkjet and dry toner are complementary offerings that extend the range of applications which are better produced digitally,” commented Filip Weymans, VP of marketing for Xeikon. “Together, they offer a robust solution portfolio that responds to the demanding brand owner today and the requirements put forward to the label converter.”

With Xeikon’s very long history and substantial knowledge of the digital label printing market, extensive dedicated worldwide sales and service organization, and access to market-leading technologies as part of Flint Group, Xeikon brings a powerful advisory role to label converters in providing a unique digital printing offering with the ability to analyse customer requirements and provide them the ability to choose what fits best.

“Label converters and brand owners are increasingly recognizing the value digital printing brings to the market, but many converters are unsure which direction to take to bring digital into the fold,” added Weymans. “In addition, some of our current dry toner users would like to move into inkjet as well, in order to extend their digital offerings. Through our deep industry experience and expertise, and offering both technologies for label printing, Xeikon stands ready to help them make these important decisions.

“We believe that both dry toner and inkjet will be required in the foreseeable future to meet market needs,” Weymans concluded. “Offering both beneficial technologies in our portfolio empowers our customers to choose what’s best for their applications and the end-users, like having access to the right golf club to best hit the ball in whatever circumstance.”

The initial unveiling of the new Xeikon PX3000 UV inkjet press will occur at the Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations 2017 event www.xeikoncafe.com, March 28-31 at Xeikon headquarters in Lier, Belgium. Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations is an event organized by Xeikon and its Aura partners, offering visitors the opportunity to understand, evaluate and experience digital production, and enabling printers and converters to consciously make the best business decisions for their future. Through demonstrations, presentations, workshops and discussions, participants receive first-hand actionable information and advice on industry innovations and trends.

Visitors to Labelexpo Europe 25-28 September in Brussels will also have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of the Xeikon PX3000 UV inkjet press on stand 5C29.