Xeikon launches system for heat transfer applications

Xeikon unveiled its new system for industrial heat transfer applications at Labelexpo Europe. Delivering 1200 dpi image quality and just-in-time delivery, the new heat transfer system offers an alternative to direct printing and in-mold label technologies – traditionally used for decorating plastic containers of industrial goods. The system works with the Xeikon 3000 series of digital presses, opening up new business opportunities for label printers. 

Developed in conjunction with its partners, Xeikon’s new industrial heat transfer system aims to meet the growing demand from brand owners for higher quality decoration and wider versioning capabilities. Containers made from a range of plastics including polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) can now be decorated with high impact graphics and crisp sharp text to deliver maximum shelf impact. Recent advances in light fastness of the QA-I toner, used on all the Xeikon 3000 series, ensures colors don’t fade and remain in perfect condition for their whole shelf life. 

‘Traditional decoration techniques used for industrial goods such as direct printing are now struggling to meet the image quality levels demanded by the market,’ said Filip Weymans, marketing and business development manager, labels and packaging, at Xeikon. ‘In-mold label technology scores well on the quality front, but because the decoration has to be applied when the containers are molded, it’s better suited to more high volume production with longer lead time. Xeikon’s new digital heat transfer solution now enables printers to offer their clients the best of both worlds – superior image quality for greater shelf impact and flexibility to decorate containers on a just-in-time basis. This opens up further business opportunities for label printers to start converting business away from the direct printing market into the label market.’ 

The technique of heat transfer is a two-step process. First, the Xeikon digital press prints the exact number of heat-transfer labels. The roll of printed transfers is then fed into an applicator which applies the label onto the container using heat and/or pressure. Xeikon supports four transfer processes: industrial transfers, promotional transfers, textile transfers and waterslide transfers. 

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