Bridging the gap between speed and cost for variable digital print
Xeikon, the digital printing solutions of Flint Group, introduced the Trillium One, which harnesses Xeikon’s liquid toner printing process Trillium, first presented at drupa 2012.
A joint development project between Xeikon and Miyakoshi, Trillium One combines Miyakoshi’s strengths in the mechanics of a printing press and Xeikon’s pioneering approach to digital imaging, high speed electronics, high resolution LED technology, workflow and toner technology.
The four-colour Trillium One press is capable of running at 60 meters (200 feet) per minute at 1200 dpi, with a print width of 500 mm (19.7 inches). Direct marketing materials, and catalogues have been identified as high quality markets for Trillium One, with more target markets and applications expected to be added over time.
“Trillium One takes us to a new technological level in terms of speed and cost for variable digital print. It is the culmination of our three pillars of operation. In imaging, we are continuously improving speed combined with print quality. In toners, we have been working on our own developments to increase our portfolio to meet customer demands. In workflow, we have our own proven DFE, the X-800. Together, these comprise a high quality, robust solution that will help our customers acquire new business and cement existing customer relationships,” says Wim Maes, president of Xeikon.
Trillium’s high resolution printing is made possible by the imaging heads (1200 dpi) and the small toner particle sizes of less than 2 microns used in the Xeikon-crafted high viscosity liquid toner. Toner particles transfer from one roller to the other with extreme precision and at a very high speed as the substrate progresses through the imaging process, which improves register and image quality and creates increased density stability.
“Trillium One combines the strengths of offset litho in delivering high print quality, ink densities, and image coverage on different substrates, with the strengths of digital printing which enables variable data printing at higher volumes with lower costs and easy operation, thus creating a powerful production solution,” says Wim.
Xeikon has announced that the first Trillium One machines will ship from Q2 2017.