Xeikon launches software plug-in for DFE

Xeikon has launched VariLane, a new software plug-in for its X-800 Digital Front End, at Labelexpo Europe. With VariLane, print service providers can create imposition schemes for label print runs with different references and with labels of different sizes. This offers printers the flexibility to optimize the amount of material used and to maximize the print time, says the company. 

‘In their drive to meet the needs of specific groups of consumers, brand owners are developing more and more product variants,’ said Filip Weymans, marketing and business development manager, labels and packaging at Xeikon. ‘As a consequence, label printers are facing more unique labels for an ever-increasing number of different references (SKUs) – but with less volumes of each. This presents an ongoing challenge for label printers as it’s obviously important that they optimize material used. The advent of digital imposition, which creates the layout in an instant, has helped a lot, but to date this technique could only handle labels of the same size. With the release of VariLane, print operators can now create imposition templates for labels with different references and with different sizes.’ 

Jeroen van Bauwel, product manager digital front ends: ‘Xeikon has a strong focus on the self-adhesive label market. In talking with many experienced printers we understood that there was a tremendous gain for them being able to print multiple lanes. That lies at the origin of VariLane. Recent simulations have indicated that printers could reduce their cost up to 30 percent based on different job portfolios. The plug-in also illustrates the power and importance of a dedicated digital workflow to ensure you can maximize the productivity and capability of your digital press.’

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