Rapid X Digital to launch new ‘all-in-one’ digital press series

The Australian manufacturer, which uses Memjet technology, said the Rapid XL220 220mm web width design will reflect an ‘all-in-one’ approach, similar to that found in the production cut-sheet digital press market where data goes in and finished products come out.

The new Rapid XL220 press will retain its Memjet printhead heritage but will look like a single unit rather than a modular three or four-piece ensemble. Touchscreen control will access all functions.

Variations will include the Rapid XL220C with coater and XL350, a 350mm web width version now under development.

The first XL220 has been manufactured and will go into a beta customer soon, and the range is anticipated to be commercially available in March.

Nick Mansell, general manager of Rapid X Digital, said: ‘The growth in short run digitally-printed labels is such that sections of the market are calling for a simplified but efficient end-to-end press solution.

‘This means a machine where files are sent over a network and the job can be set up from a central console, for all parameters including die-cutting, matrix stripping and laminating or coating. It’s PDF files in and finished labels out the other end.’

Of the option of an in-line flexo coating station, Mansell said: ‘Coating digitally-printed labels is becoming essential. Our long experience in making flexo presses and all of the ancillary unwinding/rewinding units that go along with flexo, has served us well in designing the new label press.

‘Whether digitally or conventionally printed, labels are still about converting and embellishing so we are fusing digital and flexographic technology in this new press option.’