Xeikon | 99PX UV inkjet press seriesXeikon focuses on automation and color management Automation of both color workfow and downstream fnishing were key focus points for the most recent Xeikon Café events. Andy Thomas-Emans reportsmajor theme of the recent Xeikon fnishing process. The LCU series is the plant on a range of substrates. These Café event was the company’s designed with a modular and scalable measurements are loaded to the XCS Cloud A continued drive towards architecture along with Cloud connection database which automatically creates automation of both workfow and for full integration into factory lookup tables translating Pantone spot downstream fnishing processes. management systems. colors to the available color stations on the There are two base models, the entry digital presses and fexo presses running level LCU33 and fully modular LCU350. The 7-color ECG (extended color gamut) “Xeikon Color Services LCU Series is designed to work in-line and ink sets. Each profle is tied to a specifc off-line with Xeikon’s Panther and Cheetah substrate category. That data is then (XCS) v2.0 now allows digital presses. downloaded to the RIP that drives the plate LCU sales will be channeled through making engine or the digital press. In both converters to manage Xeikon Solution Services, allowing cases the color chart is printed again and customized confgurations depending on measured to check against the data held color automatically the application and volumes required – for on the XCS server to verify its accuracy.example from a basic varnish through to In the case of a fexo press using spot across digital and automatic laser die-cut capability and wider color printing, the profles are loaded conventional presses” web versions up to 520mm (20ins). into the Vivo Color Cloud, developed by Automation is available for processes Flint Group, which sends the ideal spot On the fnishing side, Xeikon has including automatic turret rewind, die color mixing formulation to the digital developed the FEU digital embellishment plate change and transfer of job data to ink kitchen. and fnishing system, frst launched by different units, with real-time information Color fles sent to the plate making the company in 2020. Based on MGI on machine status available through the technology, FEU provides UV spot varnish, Cloud connection. Business casetactile varnish, foiling, 3D textures and Other options include additional fexo holograms across a wide range of substrates stations (to avoid changeover between Also discussed at the Xeikon Café was including clear on clear, common BOPP and different varnishes), laser die-cutting, a new business analysis program which paper facestock including natural structured hot foil and screen printing stations. helps label converters implement a papers. Optionally, the FEU can be equipped Semi-rotary die-cutting speeds are up to successful diversifcation strategy. This with a semi-rotary die-cut unit to deliver 80m/min and full rotary up to 130m/min.might be moving into digital printing, fully embellished and fnished labels. or it might be moving to a related The FEU’s workfow is integrated Color in the Cloud label or packaging technology such as into Xeikon’s X-800 Vectorizer. ‘This will Automated color management was another wraparound, IML, sleeves or fexible ultimately provide our customers with all key theme discussed at the Xeikon Café. packaging. Using the ‘Distance from they need to effectively move towards With Xeikon able to leverage the fexo color the core’ model, converters can quickly total digital label print manufacturing,’ expertise of parent company Flint Group, and intuitively understand which says Filip Weymans. Xeikon Color Services (XCS) v2.0 now allows business initiatives are most likely to Now at the Xeikon Cafe was launch converters to manage color automatically work. Essentially, with each step away of the company’s modular LCU (Label across digital and conventional presses. from the core product, the probability Converting Units) system, engineered The frst step in the process is to print of success reduces proportionately.for maximum automation of the analog and measure color charts for all presses in Jan - Mar 2022