At Labelexpo Americas in Chicago Xeikon introduced Vectorizor, a software add-on to its X-800 digital front end that communicates with laser die-cutters for packaging and labels.
It claims the new functionality ‘brings the integration of Xeikon digital press technology and laser die cutting devices to the next level, creating new opportunities to further automate label production and increase productivity.’
The patent pending Vectorizor software was demonstrated in the technology corner at Labelexpo. It enables the digital front end to generate, next to the printable bitmaps, files that can be used to connect to laser die-cutting devices.
‘Automation and integration are key in making the most out of digital printing,’ said Jeroen Van Bauwel, director of product marketing. ‘Now that laser die cutting is coming of age, there is a need to drive the die-cutter automatically. Xeikon Vectorizor is the perfect tool for doing that.’
Taking JDF or PDF files generated by an MIS or ERP system, the X-800 creates vector-based files to drive laser die cutting devices. These files contain the shape of the ‘frames’ and are transferred to the laser die-cutter. At the same time, bar codes are printed next to the labels, telling the cutting system which of the vector based shapes to use. Because every label can have a different shape in a complete workflow, only the digital front-end knows what labels are positioned where on the web.
Contact: www.xeikon.com
