Xeikon is aiming to underscore the benefits of digital for label and packaging printers at its Xeikon Cafe on Packaging Innovations in Lier, Belgium, on 20-22 May.
The three-day event, co-hosted Aura Partners, will feature Xeikon’s full range of label and packaging application suites: Folding Carton Suite, Self-Adhesive Label Suite, Heat Transfer Label Suite and In-Mold Label Suite.
In-mould labelling (IML) is increasingly popular for decorating plastic containers. The decoration, added during moulding, becomes an integral part of the container, with advantages such as the no-label look. But many conventional processes are incompatible with IML.
“Digital printing of in-mold labels can overcome the issues of conventional technologies and will enable further growth of the in-mould label market,” says Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s director of segment for marketing labels and packaging.
“Together with our Aura Partners we have developed the In-Mold Label Suite, an integrated solution that enables you to use digital printing as part of an automated in-mould label production process.”
At the event a Xeikon 3000 Series press equipped with ICE CMYK and opaque white toner will be printing label designs in roll-to-roll mode for thin-walled as well as thick-walled in-mould applications.
Netherlands-based aL Printing, which runs a Xeikon 3500 Digital Press, will also be participating in the Xeikon Cafe.
The firm picked Xeikon digital printing technology for IML as PET dry toner does not deform during moulding and meets FDA standards for indirect food contact as well as being CPSIA compliant.
The combination of a 508mm imaging width and unlimited repeat length supports any size of label and the 1200dpi resolution combined with four-bit variable-dot density enables matching offset printing quality.