Xeikon will unveil its newly developed Flatbed Die-cut Unit, the Xeikon FDU, at drupa 2016 in Düsseldorf, Germany May 31 to June 10. Developed for efficient end-to-end printing and converting for folding carton printers, the new FDU is ideal for near-line finishing of digital work but can also accommodate offset litho runs. “Our new Flatbed Die-cut Unit was designed specifically for Xeikon technology, although it can also be used for materials printed using conventional printing methods,” said Jeroen Van Bauwel, Xeikon Product Management Director. “The Xeikon FDU enables converters to rapidly finish quick-turnaround jobs in a cost-effective way. This approach streamlines throughput, eliminates bottlenecks, improves production flexibility and increases overall plant capacity. Sheets are accurately and automatically registered for precise cutting and creasing without the need for time-consuming set-ups.
“There was a real gap in the market for an easy, affordable and fast-set-up solution to handle the growing volume of short-run, fast-turnaround jobs. A key benefit of the technology is its ability to support smaller dies and counter plates for more cost-effective production. The fact that no nicks are needed between cartons is a valuable proposition for pharmaceutical and cosmetic boxes. It’s also capable of embossing, which allows printers to offer-value added services, including Braille.”
The 2,000-sheet-per-hour flatbed system handles sheet sizes from 400 x 400 mm (15.7”x 15.7”) up to 530 x 1000 mm (20.9”x 39.4”) and a maximum die-cut size of 490 x 700 mm (19.2 x 27.6”). Substrate thickness can range from 160 to 890 microns for paper and carton board. Micro flute corrugated board can be also finished, making it ideal for completing offset as well as digital runs. “The Xeikon FDU completes our Folding Carton Suite,” Bauwel added. “Bringing this product to market illustrates our continued investments in technologies that focus on meeting the needs of our customers. Visitors to our stand at drupa will see first-hand how the Flatbed Die-cut Unit can benefit their businesses at a compelling price point that is unmatched in the industry.”
