New generation Xeikon Label Converting Units support scalability and flexibility

The new LCU series is available for demonstration at Xeikon’s Innovation Center

174
Xeikon’s new LCU33, designed for smaller business operations
Xeikon’s new LCU33, designed for smaller business operations

Xeikon continues on its pathway to full digitalization with the launch of its new Xeikon LCU series (Label Converting Units), specifically developed and designed for the converting industries in high-end label production and manufacturing.

Moving to the next technological generation, Xeikon’s Label Converting Units are designed with a modular and scalable architecture for added flexibility, cloud connection, and full integration. They come in two models, the Xeikon LCU350 with its new modular platform for added flexibility and scalability to support business growth, and the Xeikon LCU33, a basic version, and entry-level choice. The new LCU series is now available for demonstration at Xeikon’s Global Innovation Center.

Jeroen Van Bauwel, director of Product Management, states, “A key value of our new Xeikon LCU series is in the various options and levels of investment available to suit the customer’s requirements. As with many of our digital solutions, the Xeikon LCU series is designed to adapt and grow with our customer’s business needs. Through our Xeikon Solution Services (XSS), customized versions and configurations are possible as the customer’s business grows, depending on the application and volumes required, from a basic varnish to automatic laser die-cut capability and wider web versions up to 520 millimeters.

“The integration of the units in the Xeikon LCU series and cloud connection offers full automation possibilities for both process and information exchange across all equipment. The Xeikon LCU Series is designed to work inline and offline with both Xeikon’s Panther and Cheetah digital presses.”

With Xeikon’s LCU series, automation is available for (a) processes, such as optional automatic turret rewind or optional die plate change, and (b) job information, which allows data transfer to different units, giving transparency and insight to the operator of the various status and functionality of the converting steps.

The Xeikon LCU’s next-generation machine/machine and man/machine interfaces give the operator full insight into the progress of each converting step. Operators can monitor every process from lamination, diecutting, slitting, winding, hot foiling, and screen printing. The varnishing station has increased varnishing width, a varnishing register, and an easy upgrade to spot varnishing. Xeikon’s new LCU series is highly accurate in terms of precision for cutting and precise registration.

Specificafications of Xeikon LCU series 

The Xeikon LCU series has exceptional functionality and can be expanded with options that increase the overall OEE of an operation, such as additional flexo stations to avoid change-over between different varnishes, automated laser diecutting to avoid die-plate change-over and increase turnaround, auto die-plate change to reduce setup time and hot foil, and screen-printing stations to expand application range.

The diecutting can happen semi-rotary at 80 meters a minute to a maximum full rotary speed of 130 meters a minute. Every facet and operational step of the LCU series has been carefully considered and geared for higher efficiency. 

To contribute to the digitalization of print manufacturing, the Xeikon LCU series has – 

1) built-in cloud connectivity for data collection and remote service. The collected data is translated into key information that helps operators make their day-to-day decisions. 

2) Machine/machine interfaces on Xeikon’s Panther 2.0 UV inkjet presses and Xeikon’s Cheetah 2.0 dry toner presses.

3) Man-machine interfaces which give additional autonomy to the operator.

Van Bauwel concludes, “This is an exciting new development for the converting industries. From the converter’s point of view, not only will he now have the latest fully automated and high-quality finishing and embellishing capabilities, but he will also have the flexibility to customize his finishing department and combine a number of different processes to maximize his label applications and extend his label portfolio to grow his business. Xeikon is also addressing customers who are on a smaller budget.” 

“The Xeikon LCU33 is an entry-level model designed for smaller business operations. It is an attractive investment, upgradeable, and market competitive. With our new LCU series, all processes are now connected in one smooth process from file to finish. With the cloud connection, the operators can now rely solely on the capabilities of the Xeikon machines. Today, Converters are constantly searching for new technologies and equipment to meet the high levels of demand from brand owners for the latest sophisticated and unique embellishments and a high-quality finish to attract consumers. With Xeikon’s new LCU series, they will have all they need to take the next step to full digitalization in label production and manufacturing.”

 

Packaging South Asia — resilient, growing and impactful — daily, monthly — always responsive

The multi-channel B2B in print and digital 17-year-old platform matches the industry’s growth trajectory. The Indian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Middle East packaging industries are looking beyond the resilience of the past three years. They are resuming capacity expansion and diversification, with high technology and automation in new plants and projects.

As we present our 2024 publishing plan, India’s real GDP growth for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 will exceed 6%. The packaging industry growth will match the GDP growth in volume terms and surpass it by at least 3% in terms of nominal growth allowing for price inflation in energy, raw materials, consumables, and capital equipment.

The capacity for flexible film manufacturing in India increased by 45% over the past four years. With orders in place, we expect another 20% capacity addition in 2024 and 2025. Capacities in monocartons, corrugation, aseptic liquid packaging, and labels are grown similarly. As the consumption story returns over the next six months, we expect demand to return and exceed the growth trajectory of previous years. The numbers are positive for most of the economies in the region – and as shown by our analytics, our platform increasingly reaches and influences these.

For responsible and sustainable packaging, with its attendant regulations and compliances, there is significant headroom to grow in India and the region. Our coverage includes the entire packaging supply chain – from concept to shelf and to waste collection, sorting, and recycling.

We target brand owners, product managers, raw material suppliers, packaging designers and converters, and recyclers. This is a large and complex canvas – the only thing that can work is your agile thinking and innovation together with our continuous learning and persistence.

The coming year looks to be an up year in this region, and this is the right time to plan your participation and marketing communication – in our rich and highly targeted business platform with human resources on the ground. Share your thoughts and plans and to inspire and mobilize our editorial and advertising teams!

For editorial info@ippgroup.in — for advertisement ads1@ippgroup.in and for subscriptions subscription@ippgroup.in

– Naresh Khanna (25 October 2023)

Subscribe Now
unnamed 1

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our Newsletter

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here