FFEI Partners with Xaar Over Digital Label Printer

FFEI has entered an agreement with Xaar for the supply of the Xaar 1001 piezoelectric printhead that will be used in the new Caslon industrial inkjet device jointly developed by FFEI and Nilpeter

Based on an innovative systems approach from FFEI and drawing on the company's extensive software, colour management and imaging experience, Calson's efficient and compact ink delivery system provides dramatic improvements to image accuracy, print flexibility and job personalisation.

Caslon uses the Xaar 1001 in a sophisticated FFEI head configuration with FFEI software and a unique UV pre-dry print solution.

Caslon promises to set new standards for high quality, flexibility and productivity in a single pass printing operation for the labels and narrow web packaging markets.

The end result is fast, on-demand delivery of high quality print on a wide variety of substrates.

Using 4-colour process UV inkjet technology, Caslon saw its world premiere during Labelexpo Europe 2007 in Brussels.

The first commercially available product will be in 330mm (13inch) and 420mm (16inch) web widths, with 508mm (20inch) and 559mm (22inch) available later.

With FFEI's superior capabilities in software, Caslon can address data rates of a high-speed solution along with the additional development to ensure compatibility with substrates.

Andy Cook, FFEI, managing director comments, "We are extremely excited about our partnership with Xaar".

"We feel Xaar currently has the best single-pass head on the market, backed by superior service and technical support".

"From our origins as Fujifilm's prepress imaging division, we have established a new business model based on working with best-in-class partners".

"With its digital printing heritage and success in product development and integration, Xaar fits this niche perfectly".

"We consider them ideally placed to help us meet the needs of the label and packaging markets, and also as a partner to help us explore and develop systems for other markets, where high speed, high quality digital printing adds significant value".

The Xaar 1001, based on the HSS platform, is one of the most advanced printhead designs on the market.

Utilising an advanced piezo drop-on-demand technology with Xaar patented TF technology, it provides high quality drop formation and placement accuracy, with superior operational durability.

"FFEI's decision to integrate our latest 'industrial strength' Xaar 1001 printhead as a key component within the Caslon is a significant endorsement of our technology", says Ian Dinwoodie, Xaar.

"Our ability to produce dynamically variable drop sizes is essential to meet the quality and performance required for commercial printing applications".

Modular in design, Caslon can be integrated into conventional flexo press lines or it can function as a stand alone roll-to-roll system.

In the former configuration, Caslon's speed matches that of conventional units so, for example, 4-colour versioning of flexo printed labels or the addition of Pantone Colours to digital labels is possible.

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