Xeikon has introduced Vectorizor, a 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 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.
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. We are continuously leveraging our intimate knowledge of its customers’ opportunities and challenges to develop novel products tailored to specific needs in the market. Vectorizor is a great example of that.’
From JDF or PDF files generated by an MIS or ERP system, the X-800 creates vector based files. 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 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.
