At LabelExpo Europe 2001, Xeikon N.V. (Nasdaq:XEIK) will, for the first time, demonstrate a Xeikon-branded solution for the label market. The Xeikon LabelSprint combines proven Xeikon web-fed digital printing technology with a newly developed compact finishing unit specially developed for flexible finishing of digital labels. The Xeikon LabelSprint offers a cost-effective, high quality, productive and flexible solution answering the specific needs of the label market. Based on Xeikon's proven electrophotographic technology and all the benefits of Xeikon digital color printing, LabelSprint provides high-quality, digital labels. Says Bendix De Meulemeester, Xeikon business development manager labels and special applications: "Digital label printing is a significant growth area in the graphic arts industry. Xeikon has an established track record in this market with label printers all over the world already using Xeikon digital printing successfully for years. Thanks to the flexibility, ease of use and small footprint needed for a complete configuration installation, Xeikon LabelSprint now provides the label industry with an even more efficient solution for short-run, fast turnaround labels." LabelSprint specifications The LabelSprint comprises the proven Xeikon DCP 320 S and a newly developed finishing line. The webpress prints a web-width of 330 mm with a continuous speed of up to 14.7 metres per minute. The innovative web design of the press enables high productivity and allows uninterrupted handling of step-and-repeat jobs. The completely digital workflow running on the eXpert digital front-end reduces turnaround times considerably. Job changeover is also handled swiftly on the LabelSprint thanks to the advanced and powerful digital front end (DFE) which allows the preparation and queuing of other jobs whilst the press is printing. The Xeikon press allows throughput of a wide range of self-adhesive substrates including paper and synthetic-basedface stock, coated or uncoated paper and special substrates like transfer material. A fifth unit containing white toner also enables the production of 'no-label' - look labels, i.e. printing on transparent label stock. Finishing Unit LabelSprint includes a newly-developed, flexible and compact finishing unit based on the Xeikon UCOAT system launched at On Demand 2001, which is fully adapted to the digital workflow. It operates either in-line, at full press speeds, offering roll-to-roll finished output or can be used for near-line finishing, thus allowing the printer to streamline his workflow and maximise productivity. Due to the varying finishing requirements of label printers, the finishing unit has a modular design that can be easily configured for various options including UV coating, rotary die-cutter, slitter and stripper. Further additions will be made to these components in the future. Both LabelSprint components - the Xeikon DCP 320 S and the finishing unit - are available for immediate shipment. Xeikon black-and-white identification solutions Xeikon's range of monochrome digital presses also provides solutions for the label printing market thanks to the proprietary magnetography technology used. Magnetography features a cold-flash fusing system that does not heat the printed substrate, allowing the easy throughput and finishing of a wide range of self-adhesive substrates and special materials used for barcodes, tags, tickets, security printing materials and plastic cards.