Xeikon launches digital embellishment unit

With complete digital finishing and embellishment capabilities, Xeikon’s new FEU is based on MGI technology and provides UV spot varnish, tactile varnish, foiling, 3D textures and holograms across a wide range of substrates including clear on clear, common BOPP and paper facestock up to natural structured papers.

‘In a world of ever-evolving consumerism, we are seeing significant and ongoing changes in behavioral patterns,’ commented Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s VP of marketing. ‘Consumers are more discerning and brand owners are demanding more from their designers and printers. In packaging and retail, there is increasing pressure for creative innovation and higher levels of productivity.

‘To that end, Xeikon is first and foremost addressing the needs of its customers. We continue to adapt to current trends and with the launch of the Xeikon FEU we are offering our customers maximum opportunities. The workflow integration built around our X-800 Vectorizer will ultimately provide our customers with all they need to effectively move towards total digital label print manufacturing.’

With no need for tooling and reduced setup times, the new technology offers creative quality finishing on smaller volumes of labels. Using inkjet technology, any defined label area can automatically receive spot UV varnish with or without raised 3D texture effects. Similarly, for foiling applications the digital label area can receive digitally controlled foil with or without raised 3D effects with limited complexity compared to analogue.

Xeikon’s FEU is a stand-alone technology enabling embellishment of printed materials originating from different technologies. It is also able to pre-print foil onto substrates.

Optionally Xeikon’s FEU can be equipped with a semi rotational die-cut unit, so that it will deliver fully embellished and finished labels. Whilst Xeikon’s focus at present is on label applications, the new FEU has the potential to address other applications over time.

‘Xeikon’s long term goal is to offer its customers the broadest range of products, which address the digital transformation of print manufacturing,’ added Weymans. ‘Well established industry partners, like in this case MGI digital technologies, very often haven proven products that integrate very well in this digitization process. With this latest addition to our portfolio, one of the most important benefits for our customers is the availability of integrated digital technologies – all provided and supported by supplier - which ensure maximum productivity throughout the manufacturing process.

‘The combined provision of digital printing and digital embellishment will enable label printers to run high-end, short to medium sized jobs at substantially reduced costs with a shorter time to market. Xeikon continues to lead the way as a trusted advisor and supplier of innovative digital systems for the global label community.’

The new Xeikon FEU will be commercially available in Europe and North America from October 2020.