Inkjet & Digital Printing

Xeikon Introduces Vectorizor Software Add-on to Enhance Laser Die Cutting Integration

Tuesday 18. September 2012 - Innovative software will be demonstrated at Labelexpo Americas

Xeikon NV, an innovator in digital color printing technology, today introduced Xeikon Vectorizor, an innovative new software add-on to the Xeikon X-800 digital front-end that defines a new standard in communication with laser die cutting devices.
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. Xeikon will demonstrate the patent pending Vectorizor software in the technology corner at Labelexpo Americas, taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, Sept. 11-13. Labelexpo Americas attendees can also visit the Xeikon booth (#6135, Hall F) to learn more.
Xeikon’s patent pending Vectorizor enables the digital front-end to generate, next to the printable bitmaps, die cut 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, Xeikon’s 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. Our customers are driving us to innovate. Xeikon is continuously leveraging its intimate knowledge of its customers’ opportunities and challenges to develop novel products tailored to specific needs in the market. Xeikon Vectorizor is a great example of that.”
From JDF or PDF files generated by a Management Information System (MIS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, the Xeikon X-800 creates vector-based files to drive laser die cutting devices. These files contain the shape of “frames” and are transferred to the laser die cutting device. At the same time, barcodes are printed next to the labels telling the laser die cutting system which of the vector based shapes to use. Because every label can have a different shape, in the complete workflow, only the digital front-end knows what labels are positioned where on the web.