Itasca, IL, May 29, 2008 - Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix, legendary for pioneering the first digital color presses, today announced the Xeikon 3300, a radically new digital color label press to be unveiled at drupa 2008, Europe’s largest print exhibition. The Xeikon 3300 represents a quantum leap in label print quality, offering true 1200 dpi at four bits per spot. With a top speed of 19.2 meter per minute (63 feet per minute) it is the fastest digital five color label press on the market, particularly suited for short to medium print runs and just-in-time jobs.

With the launch of the Xeikon 8000 last March, Xeikon set the new benchmark for print quality at 1200 dpi. Xeikon 3300’s high-precision LED-based imaging head also features true 1200 dpi resolution and 1200 x 3600 dpi addressability with variable dot density. With high definition and smooth tone transitions for photorealistic high-impact labels, the Xeikon 3300 generates unprecedented image quality, while exceptionally sharp and crisp details enable the addition of pin-sharp micro text. The new imaging technology makes use of the powerful Pericles screening library, allowing higher screen rulings to further optimize overall image print quality. An in-line densitometer and high-performance process algorithms provide uniform and accurate colors and perfect color registration, guaranteeing color consistency.

The Xeikon 3300 includes five color stations: four for the standard process colors. With the fifth color station used for spot colors as well as opaque white and special security toner. Operating on Xeikon FA toner, the Xeikon 3300 combines the benefits of chemically produced toner with the performance of traditionally produced toner and is FDA-approved for use in certain food contact applications. It can print on scalable widths and an unmatched range of substrates from various self adhesive films including co-extruded film, to unsupported film, paper, transparent and opaque foils, and paperboard with weights ranging from 40 to 350 gsm (27 pound text to 122 pound cover). The dry toner electrophotography imaging process enables the use of conventional substrates without coating or pre-treatment.

Offering a duty cycle of 700,000 meters per month (2,300,000 feet per month), the Xeikon 3300 is designed to operate 24 hours a day. It features full rotary printing technology, enabling printing at rated engine speeds, for maximum productivity. The positioning of the labels can be adjusted to meet finishing equipment requirements. In addition, labels with variable formats and sizes can be printed in the same run, leading to increased productivity and reduced waste and costs.

The Xeikon 3300 comes with the latest generation of Xeikon’s unique X-800 digital front-end. Based on open standards, the X-800 enables the implementation of fully automated workflows in any production environment, integrating seamlessly with any MIS.  Its modular set-up allows separating pre-press functionality from press operation. The X-800 offers ICC color management, facilitates integration in a conventional (offset) print environment and allows post-RIP color adjustment; minimizing downtime while offering extra flexibility. The post-RIP imposition function enables last minute changes. The preview functionality ensures errors are identified before they are printed. The X-800 processes all common input files and significantly lowers the threshold for including metadata such as sequential numbers or barcodes.

“Recent developments such as industry globalization, increasing product variety, shortening product life cycles and just-in-time production, legal and regulatory developments, counterfeit deterrence, and brand protection impose new challenges and requirements on the label industry,” said Paul Willems, chief marketing officer, Punch Graphix. “These challenges come at a time when label printers, even more than other printers, are facing shrinking profit margins. Digital printing allows cost-effective print on demand, allowing just-in-time production of multi-version product labels while reducing inventory and waste and therefore costs with brand protection and security. The Xeikon 3300 has the fastest printing speed in the industry, a fully integrated digital workflow and seamless compatibility with any finishing equipment to considerably reduce turnaround time and produce more jobs per shift than on any traditional press.”

To summarize, the Xeikon 3300 offers:

•    19.2 meters per min (63 feet per minute) and a duty cycle of 700,000 meters per month (2,300,000 feet per month)
•    True 1200 dpi resolution and 1200 x 3600 dpi addressability with variable dot density
•    Use of spot colors, opaque white and security toner
•    Substrate flexibility of format, weight and type without the need for coating and pretreatment
•    Easy inclusion of metadata, such as sequential numbers or barcodes
•    Full rotary technology for easy finishing, less waste, reduced costs and increased productivity
•    Eco-friendly design and consumables

Xeikon 3300 introduced at drupa 2008
The Xeikon 3300 is being introduced at drupa 2008, Europe’s largest print exhibition held in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 29 - June 11, 2008. At drupa, Xeikon will demonstrate the flexible capabilities of its new label press on a selection of the most sophisticated labels on a wide range of substrates. In addition, Xeikon will be showcasing a selection of its entire portfolio of products and solutions. To see the Xeikon 3300 in action, visit Xeikon in Hall 8a, stand D25.