Xeikon has developed a special solution for printers who want to improve and expand their label portfolio. It is a novel combination of the Xeikon X-800 workflow with the PantherCure UV ink to create tactile layers with a corresponding haptic effect on the printed product.
This enables printers to effortlessly produce designer labels with enhanced tactile properties, textures and a luxurious feel.
Xeikon's new haptic printing process not only improves and expands the range of possible applications for the premium market, but also saves time by eliminating the need for changes to prepress files. Tactile effects on labels are particularly in demand from the beer, beverage and food industries, as well as the health and cosmetics sectors.
„The process that creates these tactile and textured layers is embedded in the X-800 workflow of Panther technology. The brand owners and designers specify the structure, shape and form of the design. Once the files are received, the workflow automatically recognises the design elements and generates the data required to control the print head. This creates the haptic effect on the finished print product.“
Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management
Higher availability
To optimise the process on the Panther printing machine Xeikon has developed a further solution that can be integrated into the X-800 workflow and automatically optimises the application of the white ink layer.
The production of labels on transparent carrier material, such as for premium beers or for the health and cosmetics market, poses very special requirements. In order for the design to unfold its full effect, a Highly opaque white required. However, this can Colour layers of varying thickness across the width of the roll. This fluctuating layer thickness can cause the printed roll to run off to the side during winding. To prevent this uneven rolling, machine operators were previously forced to use only smaller rollers.
However, this also meant that More role changes necessary, more waste was produced and the Time expenditure increased. Some printers also solved this problem by investing more time in prepress to reduce the amount of white ink to be used. This time-consuming work - reducing the white ink layer in the prepress stage - can be done by the X-800 front end. now fully automatic without any operator intervention during production.
The extent of the reduction is depending on the colours, which are printed on the white layer. This process increases availability in the production process for both printing and finishing, as printers can now larger rolls can utilise. Print service providers also save costs, not only because they use less white ink, but also because there is less waste.
„Xeikon will remain committed to providing outstanding solutions to optimise all aspects of its portfolio. We will continue to look for ways to save time and costs. Improving even small steps in the process can have a big impact on production as a whole and reduce costs.
The tactile effect of the printed products achieved with the outstanding performance features of the X-800 workflow in combination with ink optimisation not only expands and improves the range of possible applications, but also allows print shops to organise their operations more efficiently.“
Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management
Source: Xeikon
