Flint Group announced the appointment of Robert Welford as the president of its digital division, Xeikon. Welford has been promoted from his current position as vice president of research and development, and he will take on the role of leading Xeikon to the next stage of success while further pursuing the latest innovations in digital printing for customers around the world.

Over the past 20 years, digital technology has redefined the book printing market by providing solutions that enable profitable on-demand printing of small to medium runs. The Xeikon SIRIUS dry toner technology, introduced in 2020, is equipped in the Xeikon SX30000 and SX20000 duplex full-color printers. Printing companies around the world are benefiting from this groundbreaking innovation that enables high-quality print production, successfully gaining a larger share in this growing sector.

Rudolf Koehler Etiketten GmbH (www.koehler-etiketten.com) introduced the Xeikon CX300 digital printing system primarily to reduce production capacity gaps and further decrease lead times. The new system was installed in June 2022 to complement the Xeikon CX3, which has delivered excellent results over the past six years. "Over the past three years, especially during the pandemic, the supply chain in the packaging industry collapsed, and there was a significant increase in demand for labels as an alternative medium, which made the need for expansion very clear," explained Michael Markus, CEO of Koehler Etiketten. For more details, please download and read the related materials below.

The Panther technology from Xeikon, released in 2017, is the most cost-effective technology tailored to specific end-use markets, focusing on labels for chemical products, durable goods, cosmetics, and premium beers, based on UV inkjet. This technology allows all these applications to benefit from resistance to scratches, abrasion, friction, and a glossy tactile feel. UV inks can meet all these demands. Xeikon has announced the PantherCure LED series, a new ink family for Panther technology. PantherCure LED inks are equipped with new waveforms, software, and optimized screening. These provide many advantages, as listed below. For more details, please download and read the related materials below.

A hybrid printing machine can be defined as a label printing machine that connects two or more printing processes (digital and conventional) and finishing units (varnishing, spot color printing, slitting, die-cutting, and various decorative techniques) inline. Hybrid solutions provide benefits to label printing companies and converters in medium to long-run printing when the variations in converting are limited (die-cutting, slitting) and/or when there is a need to add features produced by traditional methods such as spot varnish or cold foil. For more details, please download and read the related materials below.

By investing in upgrades to printing machines, finishing lines, and new CM software, we are able to deliver the highest quality labels in shorter lead times! Etilab Sp. z o.o., which specializes in digital printing centered around the Xeikon 3300 label printing machine, produces labels with advanced processing. Due to a rapid increase in production volume and the need to expand the capacity of their Żory production facility, the company recently took advantage of an option to double the printing speed of the Xeikon 3030. At the same time, a new advanced finishing line, the DC350, was installed, significantly increasing Etilab's capacity to produce highly decorated digital labels. Founded in 2003, Etilab has made substantial investments over the years in organization, production facilities, and technological innovation, providing top-class self-adhesive labels to a wide range of customers, from small local businesses in the construction industry, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), and cosmetics sectors in Poland and Germany to global corporations. For more details, please download and read the related materials below.

Aniflex has achieved an upgrade in label production by adopting Xeikon digital technology. The company, a printing specialist based in Poland, has expanded its digital label printing and aims to accelerate production by adopting the Panther PX3300 UV inkjet printing machine. Based in Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Aniflex is one of the fastest-growing companies in Poland's self-adhesive label and packaging industry. The company's growth strategy focuses on continuous investment in the latest printing technologies to enhance its competitive edge and diversify the products it can offer. A decisive factor in achieving these goals was the decision to introduce the five-color Xeikon Panther PX3300 inkjet printing machine. For those who wish to read the full article, it can be found in the attached resources below.

Xeikon has announced the introduction of new gold and silver metallic toners for the Cheetah 2.0 series, the most advanced digital label printing machine on the current market. This is based on Xeikon's strategy to focus on the label industry and develop solutions tailored to specific applications. Label production for wine, health foods, cosmetics, and other products typically requires special decorative processing. Traditionally, these processes have involved printing on metallic substrates, using metallic inks, or methods such as foil stamping and cold foiling. However, these conventional techniques require expensive materials and tools, and generate a significant amount of waste to achieve the desired quality, leading to high setup costs. By digitally adding metallic colors, these extra costs can be eliminated, secondary processes become unnecessary, and new high-value designs, such as personalized labels, become possible. For more detailed information, please refer to the related materials below.

To meet the industry's demand for sustainable printing methods and environmentally friendly packaging production, Xeikon has announced the revamped TITON technology for toner formulation. This new technology can provide all the advantages of UV inks without any drawbacks. "In the flexible packaging market, there is a strong consumer demand for alternatives to plastic, leading to a shift towards paper-based solutions," said Frank Jacobs, Market Intelligence & Senior Product Manager. "With this new TITON technology, Xeikon is able to offer sustainable solutions for a wide range of applications that have not been explored before, fully supporting brand owners, designers, and printing companies who are looking to increase the use of paper packaging for food." For more details, please download and review the attached document.

On March 15, we will hold an online seminar "Zycon Cafe TOKYO 2022"!! We will introduce and demonstrate the UV inkjet model that will finally be launched in Japan. ■ Event Overview - Greeting from Zycon CEO, Benoit Chatelard - Online demo of the inkjet digital printing machine "PX3300" - Introduction course for digital printing machines - a guide - Case studies! UV inkjet products Globally, we are a leading company in the field of inkjet digital printing machines for labels and stickers. In the Japanese market, we have only sold electrophotographic digital printing machines, but starting this year, we will also begin selling inkjet digital printing machines. We hope that customers who prioritize printing quality and cost will evaluate our products.

Xeikon has announced version 2.0 of its Panther UV inkjet technology along with two new label printing machines, the Xeikon PX3300 and Xeikon PX2200. Xeikon continues to evolve its extensive product range in line with technological advancements. The newly announced models, which replace the previous models Xeikon PX3000 and Xeikon PX2000, have further evolved in two areas: applications and building block services, for the digitalization of printing. For more details, please refer to the materials below.

Xeikon has announced a new series of Xeikon LCU (Label Converting Unit) to further promote complete digitization. This has been specially developed and designed for the converting industry responsible for the production and manufacturing of high-end labels. To advance to next-generation technology, Xeikon's Label Converting Units (LCU) are designed with a modular, scalable architecture for greater flexibility, cloud connectivity, and full integration. Two models are available: the Xeikon LCU350, which adopts a new modular platform to enhance flexibility and scalability to support business growth, and the Xeikon LCU33, which is the entry-level basic version. This new LCU series has already been installed at Xeikon's Global Innovation Center and is available for demonstrations.

Kartonplus has introduced the Xeikon 3500REX digital printing machine as a key component of its new production system. This carton manufacturing company, based in Enschede, Netherlands, was established as a subsidiary of Labelplus, a leading label printing company in the region. Kartonplus began full-scale operations in March 2021.

Xeikon has announced a new variable data generation tool, VariOne, for the X-800 digital front end. This innovative integrated software allows for the instant generation and printing of unique and creative designs in infinite and complex patterns based on images and vector data. Xeikon's VariOne is designed and developed to enhance added value and profits for brand owners, designers, illustrators, printing companies, converting companies, and consumers, serving as a true differentiating factor. VariOne achieves the highest level of variable image printing currently possible. This new VariOne will be offered as an option for systems with version 7.00 or higher of the X-800.

Xeikon has announced its commitment to a new area of innovation as the next strategic step. Xeikon's vision has always been to provide printing and converting companies with a clear and actionable pathway to digital transformation. With its comprehensive portfolio and numerous innovative digital printing solutions, Xeikon is now ready to move to the next stage. Printing and converting companies are seeking solutions that enable business growth by offering high-quality and creative products to meet the ever-evolving demands of today's consumers. The rise of online ordering has increased the need for automation, high-quality color control, and improved production speed. With its extensive and innovative range of digital products, deep knowledge of digital technologies, and long-standing partnerships with companies advancing their digital transition, Xeikon is positioned as the most trusted advisor for companies aiming to safeguard the future of print production and manufacturing operations.

Xeikon and TriState Container Corporation announced today that TriState has become the first company to implement IDERA, the latest digital printing solution for corrugated packaging converters. TriState Container Corporation is an independent manufacturing company located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, currently managed by the third generation. TriState has two business divisions, TriState Container and ProCorr Display & Packaging, providing a variety of corrugated solutions ranging from transport packaging to custom corrugated products for the graphic arts industry.

As a member of the Embellence Group and a pioneer in digital wallpaper production, Perswall has led a renaissance in wallpaper manufacturing by introducing the Xeikon CX500 dry toner printing machine in 2020. The company is now recognized as a lifestyle brand for career-oriented individuals who seek unique and authentic self-expression. In March 2021, Perswall relaunched with new branding and simultaneously introduced a new collection of designs under the brand "Serene Beginnings," featuring 11 types of Scandinavian-style wallpaper with Bohemian elements, designed by the renowned designer Sara Widman.

Quality, Flexibility, and Predictability in Commercial Printing Elizabeth Gooding / Alexandra Packer, Co-authors Inkjet printers and toner printers often have a complementary relationship, and there is no single technology that is best for all applications. Inkjet Insight and Xeikon are offering this decision guide for free. This document is a Japanese translation of the original English text "Quality, Flexibility and Predictability in Graphic Arts Printing." You can view the original text here: https://go.xeikon.com/wp-flexibility

Xeikon America and Grandville Printing Company announced today that Grandville is the first printing provider in North America to introduce the Xeikon SX30000, Xeikon's state-of-the-art printing machine for graphic arts. Grandville is a large printing company located in the American Midwest, operating from three locations and owning a total of eight Xeikon printing systems. The Xeikon SX30000, announced at the end of last year, is the flagship model of digital printing machines for graphic arts. This printer, which employs Xeikon's SIRIUS dry toner technology, is a single-pass duplex printer that offers a 50% speed increase over previous models, capable of high-speed printing at 30 meters per minute. The SX30000 is suitable for a wide range of applications, including high-quality books, direct mail, point-of-sale materials, security documents, and general commercial printing, with a production capacity of over 2,830 sheets per hour in B2 (duplex) size.

Xeikon has announced an environmentally friendly and cost-effective digital solution as a response to today's wallpaper production challenges. As a key component of Xeikon's Wall Deco Suite (wall decoration system), the newly introduced Xeikon CX50, along with Xeikon's unique environmentally friendly and expanded color gamut dry toner, has been launched. Xeikon's Wall Deco Suite is an efficient all-in-one solution that includes inline finishing. All of these have been developed to enable cost-effective production of creative wall decorations, including custom illustrations and photo murals in short runs. Meeting the needs of today's consumers seeking unique home interiors, the Xeikon CX50 digital printing machine offers limitless creativity across a wide range of printing materials, allowing individuals to achieve unique printed products.

Using FSC-certified paper or recycled paper may seem environmentally friendly, but that is a misconception. There are challenges in de-inking with liquid toner, UV ink, and dry toner. Our expert, Dr. Lord Depré, outlines the demands, principles, issues, and solutions in a white paper. We discuss our current and future paper needs and explain why recycled paper is necessary. We also explain why not all printing technologies are equally compatible with paper recycling systems and why a small number of printed materials can cause significant problems.

The Finnish company Nordic Label is utilizing Xeikon's smart label technology to develop new business opportunities and expand its product portfolio. The success and proliferation of Xeikon's "Track & Trace" smart label solution have contributed to the reevaluation of this label printing company in the market and its differentiation from competitors. With over 100 years of history, the company has been at the forefront of label printing production in the Nordic region since investing in digital printing systems five years ago.

Xeikon has announced the addition of two new label printing machines, the "Xeikon CX30" and "Xeikon CX50." These new products are designed based on the sixth-generation platform and incorporate the CHEETAH 2.0 technology, featuring a new generation of interfaces and cloud connectivity, aimed at providing the best OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency). The "Xeikon CX30" and "Xeikon CX50" are positioned between the entry-level models "Xeikon 3030 REX" and "Xeikon 3050 REX" and the high-end models "Xeikon CX300" and "Xeikon CX500," perfectly complementing the Xeikon portfolio. Xeikon has designed and developed these new products for "mid-capacity" label printing of 20,000 to 40,000 sqm, with their performance particularly standing out in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food, and wine & spirits labels. Demonstrations of these new models are available both in-person and online at Xeikon's Global Innovation Center in Antwerp, Belgium. Sales will begin globally in the first quarter of 2021.

Even during this difficult time, the offset printing business has been continuing smoothly, but Duma Druck has decided to enter the digital printing market and has introduced the latest digital web printing machine, the Xeikon SX30000, from Xeikon. This printing service provider, based in Stuttgart, has primarily operated in the offset market until now. The company cites several reasons for entering digital printing. First, they want to produce short-run prints more quickly and efficiently. Second, they aim to expand their service portfolio by offering customized and personalized printed materials while optimizing delivery times. Furthermore, they aspire to provide added value to customers and respond more flexibly to customer requests.

Xeikon has added a new model to its commercial printing portfolio, announcing the Xeikon SX20000 digital color printing press. The Xeikon SX20000 is the second duplex printing machine to adopt SIRIUS dry toner technology, offering an excellent value proposition for printing companies seeking a cost-effective press that delivers outstanding print quality, perfect front-to-back registration, and superior color quality control. It also features advanced flexibility to accommodate a variety of applications, including high-quality books, direct mail, POS materials, security printing, and general commercial printing. This new model will be available for live and online demonstrations at Xeikon's Global Innovation Center in Antwerp, Belgium. Sales will begin globally in the first quarter of 2021.