Evolution Labels buys first Rapid XL220 in Australia

The Rapid XL220 is an inkjet digital label press with multiple finishing and converting options. It produces full color labels on a variety of inkjet-receptive stocks, with a resolution up to 1,600 x 1,600dpi using the Australian-developed Memjet printheads and inks. The web width is 220mm, traveling at up to 18m/min.

The base model XL220 has inline die-cutting, matrix stripping and lamination if required. Additional modules that can be added include flexo coating, cold foil embellishing, embossing, slitting and spot coating. An RFID converting station is under development.

The press sale was announced in May with the customer name withheld at the time.

The press is central to the Evolution Labels business model, focusing on on-demand, short run, full color labels printed on-time, and delivered to trade label printers anywhere.

Evolution labels manager Scott Fredman said: ‘We have been developing a new business concept for the label industry here in Australia and wanted to remain “below the radar” during this phase.

‘We are now ready to roll and the XL220 is central to our vision for on-demand, short run, full color labels printed on-time, with minimum fuss and delivered to trade label printers anywhere. Our primarily trade-only model means that conventional label printers can accept orders for short-run quality labels that are not economical to put onto a flexo or offset press, without the need to invest in new plant and digitally – skilled labour.’

Rapid’s general manager Nick Mansell said: ‘We have known and done business with Scott for over 20 years and he has provided trade label printers with fast, high quality, simple and low cost solutions with his previous business, now sold. With the XL220 he has created Evolution Labels, which, as the name implies, takes short run label printing to the next level as a trade service.’