September 2007 -- Xaar is pleased to announce that Nilpeter/FFEI and Sun Chemical will hold the worldwide launch of their innovative label systems featuring Xaar piezoelectric printheads at Labelexpo Europe 2007 (26-29 September 2007, Brussels). In addition EFI will show the new Jetrion 4000 in full production at the event. The integration of Xaar's technology into these digital printers marks the continuation of Xaar's growing contribution to the digital label printing industry.
Nilpeter 'Caslon' print module
Nilpeter, of Denmark, one of the world's leading narrow web label press manufacturers, and FFEI Ltd. (formerly FujiFilm Electronic Imaging) of the UK have jointly developed Caslon, a modular digital print solution for labels and narrow web packaging using 4-colour process UV inkjet technology. The first commercially available product will be in 330 mm (13in) and 420 mm (16in) web widths, with 508 mm (20in) and 559 mm (22in) available later.
Caslon uses the latest Xaar 1001 printheads integrated into a digital print engine by FFEI, one of the launch partners for the Xaar 1001 product. Modular in design, Caslon can be integrated into Nilpeter's conventional flexo press lines, or can function as a stand alone roll-to-roll system. In the former configuration, Caslon's speed matches that of conventional print units.
Consumer trends towards limited-run special offers, short-term marketing initiatives and multiple language variants are driving label and packaging manufacturers to look for alternative production methods. Caslon enables the commercially viable output of such shorter runs and fits into a printing company's total workflow solution.
Sun Chemical 'SolarJet'
SolarJet(tm), Sun Chemical's latest generation UV inkjet printer designed specifically to benefit the growing short-run, narrow-web labels market, is being launched at Labelexpo. Built in partnership with Imaging Technology International (iTi) of Colorado, USA, one of Xaar's integrator partners, SolarJet allows printers to produce shorter print runs quickly, cost effectively and without sacrificing quality. This printer is targeted at the pharmaceutical, health and beauty, industrial, electronics and FMCG markets where printed products are now being updated more and more frequently and commercially viable run lengths need to be shorter to avoid costly wastage. The SolarJet is equipped with the latest generation Xaar 760 printheads and the press can print at a speed of up to 25 metres (80 linear feet) per minute.
EFI 'Jetrion 4000'
EFI, the global printing group based in the US, unveiled the Jetrion 4000 last year and it will be shown in full production at LabelExpo Europe. The Jetrion 4000 Series of UV inkjet printers offers narrow web converters an affordable, full-colour alternative to toner-based printers. Printers can now harness lower running costs, superior production capabilities, and have the flexibility of inkjet technology for applications such as labels, tags, forms and tickets. The Jetrion 4000 uses Xaar printhead technology with greyscale capability which allows it to print near photographic quality.
Xaar 1001 printhead
Xaar will be also demonstrating the 'industrial strength' Xaar 1001 on its own stand, running high quality, high-speed narrow web printing using the latest UV ink technology. This variable drop (greyscale) printhead features Xaar's patented Hybrid Side-Shooter(tm) platform with TF Technology(tm). Combined, these patented technologies produce dynamically variable drop sizes essential for fine detail and readable small text as well as smooth tones reliably and consistently in single-pass applications.
"High-speed quality printing on a moving web with all the benefits of no make-ready, variable data capability and fast production is perfect for the fast-growing short-run market. The fact that several leading companies are launching and demonstrating systems at this show is a great endorsement for our technology," explains Phil Eaves, Sales and Marketing Director at Xaar.