Live from Labelexpo Europe in Brussels, Swedish label printer Jinnestål has chosen a Xeikon 3300 reel-to-reel solution with near line fully equipped GM Dcoat converting to help it create a seamless, highly flexible workflow. The investment will ensure optimized print production thanks to Label Traxx integration.

“We were looking for a solution that could automate our production as much as possible. The Xeikon 3300 with Label Traxx integration does exactly that,”  states Jinnestål owner Peter Klingberg. “This configuration means less manual operation which results in fewer errors for leaner production. Our management information, order handling and processing have significantly improved, planning is more flexible and also customer communication is smoother.”

“Using JDF from Label Traxx means the full production chain is automated in the digital production and enables even more efficiency,” states Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director, Product Management at Xeikon. “The Xeikon X-800 workflow receives selective order data from Label Traxx and job intake is made very efficient. The press can also report production data back to the MIS such as media usage, toner usage and production time. Later this year, a new customer portal will be launched that will allow label buyers to follow orders and execute new jobs via e-com. This will be a valuable next step in Jinnestål’s automation development.”

As for the investment in digital printing equipment, Klingberg states: “We began thinking about investing in digital three years ago by evaluating different MIS systems. We wanted a digital technology that matched or offered better quality than competing systems on the market. We finally chose Label Traxx because it had the  right people with a digital profile and implemented the software in 2014. Lean production was paramount with the need of the business to profitably address declining run lengths and increasing order numbers.”

In summertime 2015, in the next step towards greater digital print production, Jinnestål installed a roll-to-roll Xeikon 3300 digital label press that replaced a phased out flexo press. The new press seamlessly integrated with Label Traxx software to streamline production.

“We are very excited to expand the connectivity between Label Traxx and the Xeikon press,” adds Label Traxx President Ken Meinhardt. "It’s great to see that work with our strategic partners such as Xeikon, can directly impact the productivity of our mutual customers. Once a job is finished on the Xeikon 3300, the toner usage is sent back to Label Traxx providing instant access to accurate job profitability in a seamless workflow."

One important criteria in the investment decision for the Xeikon digital label press, was the fact it met FDA and food certification standards explains Klingberg: “Food applications are a way for us to differentiate, to offer a premium solution and digital opens up new business segments. End users were interested in the flexibility and service level that comes with digital which is why we were able to start conversations even before the Xeikon 3300 was installed.”

Key, too, was the toner technology: “We always have liked the approach of Xeikon technology but when the ICE Toner was introduced, we were finally convinced. We can now run a larger scope of materials, also PE and thermo, while being able to use standard substrates to keeps costs down and stock optimized as much as possible. On top of that, Xeikon’s unique upgrade path will support us if we need to add productivity. That ability to grow in our investment is a unique advantage for us.”

As for what is round the corner, Klingberg  comments: “We have fallen for digital completely, even considering to  become a fully digital company. Everything seems simplified and more flexible with digital so far. The Xeikon 3300 compared with other technologies it is the best in its class. Also the level of production uptime exceeds our expectations!”

“We didn’t want to grow the business if that meant the service was reduced or less flexible. While the Xeikon 3300 handles jobs from the  replaced flexopress, it also adds flexibility and new applications for customers. The demand for short runs has been challenging the last couple of years but digital has provided us with the solution,” Klingberg  concludes: “With the Xeikon 3300 we have a stable and productive workflow. The press is easy to use with a quick startup from training to live production. The entire Xeikon team has been very responsive to our specific needs and excellent as a system integrator.”