Ahead of Labelexpo Europe 2023, Xeikon and KURZ have announced the introduction of new cutting-edge digital metallization capabilities. Based on the recently launched Xeikon TITON toner technology, the jointly-developed solution integrates KURZ DIGITAL METAL technology with the Xeikon TX500 digital press for the production of premium labels. This unique one-step embellishment method offers a versatile, low-cost alternative to traditional hot foiling, and notably, it is the first food-safe digital metallization solution on the market.

Delivering high-quality labels in a single pass, this breakthrough innovation from Xeikon and KURZ is the perfect solution for printers serving the demanding high-end wine & spirits markets. With no restrictions on run lengths or designs, it provides a sustainable, ultra-flexible, and very cost-efficient way to create high shelf appeal. Presenting the same advantages as digital printing, it also enables new market opportunities, such as variable foiling, which can be used for personalized consumer labels, variable security elements, or paper-based packaging with metallization.

“Printers are constantly searching for better ways to add value to the labels they produce for their customers. Meanwhile, brand owners are looking to maximize shelf standout with brilliant designs that shine and sparkle. They also want to get to market faster, at a lower cost,” says Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director of Solution Design at Xeikon. “This new digital metallization process offers unlimited possibilities for production of high-quality, highly embellished labels with Xeikon’s TITON toner technology. Metal effects are created in one process without needing special adaptations to the print file. And since it’s all done inline, no highly-skilled operator intervention or re-registration are needed. It’s as simple as adding another color!”

This digital metallization method excels in its simplicity as it does not require any additional process steps in prepress or during the converting phase. Unlike in traditional hot and cold foil techniques, there is no need for stamping tools, saving significant cost, time, and waste. The job preparation time is as quick as sending a digital job to the press, meaning printers can offer much faster turnaround and shorter lead times. It also eliminates waste of time and materials related to print registration. The robust and versatile process can be applied to a wide variety of substrates, including challenging uncoated papers (unlike cold foil), and semi-transparent metallization is also an option.

The solution is made possible by Xeikon’s new durable TITON toners, which are highly resistant to heat. After printing CMYK, the Xeikon TX500 press applies a special Transfer Toner to the designated metallization areas before the web continues to the KURZ module. This method is remarkably precise and efficient, utilizing the print file for metallization, so there are no additional requirements of the press operator.

With the full freedom of digital printing, including orders of just one label, the new digital metallization process can be used to add both solid areas and very small details (in positive and negative) in 1200 dpi resolution, anywhere in the design. Each label can be different with variable elements in print and metallization matching each other.

“Together with Kurz, Xeikon is pushing the boundaries of digital embellishment with this advanced solution which will appeal to the high-end market due to its multiple benefits and exceptional quality,” comments Filip Weymans, Vice President of Marketing at Xeikon. “The continuous advancement of Xeikon toner technology, and the new solutions it enables, are driving even more value for label printers and their brand owner customers, while also supporting sustainability by taking out more waste in the production process. We look forward to unveiling this amazing solution at Labelexpo and encourage visitors to witness for themselves how easy it can be to add metallization the Xeikon way.”      

Premiering at Labelexpo Europe on 11–14 September 2023, Xeikon’s digital metallization solution can be seen live in the Automation Arena in Hall 11, where the Xeikon TX500 press with new TITON toners will be running in line with the KURZ DIGITAL METAL unit for full color printing and metallization in a single pass. Visitors will also be able to inspect printed samples at the Xeikon booth #5C29 and KURZ booths #4B61, #4C61.

ABOUT XEIKON
Xeikon, a division of Flint Group, is a long-standing leader and innovator in digital printing technology. Grounded in the principles of quality, flexibility and sustainability, Xeikon designs, develops and delivers digital colour presses for label and packaging applications as well as graphic arts and commercial printing. These printing machines work with different imaging technologies, open workflow software and application-specific consumables.

Xeikon is Flint Group’s “Digital Printing Solutions” division for the leading global print consumables and solution provider to the packaging and print media industries. Flint Group develops and manufactures an extensive portfolio of consumables for the printing industry. These include a vast range of conventional and energy-curable inks and coatings, press room chemicals, and pigments and additives for use in inks and other colorant applications. The Flint Group is based in Luxembourg and employs around 5500 people. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves.

For more information about Xeikon, visit www.xeikon.com and for Flint Group, visit www.flintgrp.com or contact:

Xeikon
Corporate Communications Manager
Danny Mertens
Duwijckstraat 17 – 2500 Lier, Belgium
T: +32 (0) 3 443 13 11 – M: +32 (0) 494 50 00 57
Danny.Mertens@xeikon.com – www.xeikon.com    

PR Agency for Xeikon
duomedia
Dorien Cooreman
Barastraat 175 – 1070 Brussels, Belgium
T: +32 (0)2 560 21 50 – M: +32 (0)478 98 60 58
Dorien.C@duomedia.com – www.duomedia.com

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