The official launch of the SigLoch XE-Cut (pronounced execute) took place in Kochi. The switch-on inauguration was performed by Louis Francis, the president of the Kerala Master Printers Association (KMPA) and Digital Printers Association of Kerala. The event was graced by stalwarts from the print world, including O Venugopal of Anaswara Printers, Gopakumar of GK Offset, and Gerard Chandy of Jerry’s Printshop.

During the press conference that followed the launch program, Pallippuram Sajith, the managing director of Bindwel-Stelda, highlighted the Indian origins of the XE-Cut. He said, "The XE-Cut delivers a comprehensive and satisfying solution without compromises. “Our offer is like a Thali or a Sadya meal where everything is served on a plate, there is a routine to follow, we do not miss anything and we are satisfied." XE-Cut is the sum total of the 30 years of learnings at the Bindwel Group.

Based on XY Robotics, the XE-Cut, the digital flatbed cutter promises to revolutionise industries such as printing, packaging, textiles, and corrugated boxes, among others. While laser cutting technology has been embraced in India, other cutting and creasing applications have largely relied on imports from Europe and China. With the XE-Cut, Bindwel has set a new standard by offering a made-in-India solution for diverse cutting needs. This achievement cements Bindwel's legacy, following its development of books-on-demand technology—a first in Asia.

The unveling of the SigLoch XE-Cut

Ajay Nagar, who heads SigLoch's business team, highlighted the machine's potential to elevate the capabilities of digital print bureaus. “We are taking digital print finishing to new heights. The XE-Cut offers action features such as kiss cutting, perforation, creasing and automation features like QR code reading, and motion-sensing systems for quality control—combining these with robust automation and unparalleled service support"

The SigLoch XE-Cut was crafted by a team of engineers under the guidance of COO Viswaprasad Nair and Kishore Kumar, the president for product development (SigLoch). As per a Bindwel briefing, "The development process, which took over 20 months, was driven by the passion to deliver technology with local expertise." The innovation centre in Thiruvananthapuram played a key role in its development.

As reported by PrintWeek, Bindwel had strategically acquired Imtech Machines to establish a specialised manufacturing hub focused on digital post-print technology. This approach enabled the development of the XE-Cut, bringing Kishore Kumar's decades of experience into play as he set up the centre.

Before the official launch, the prototype underwent rigorous testing at Digital House in Thiruvananthapuram. Initially, there were hesitations, but as the machine began handling complex jobs, it exceeded expectations. Alex Antony of Digital House said, "We were hesitant at first, but as we progressed, the quality of the cuts, kiss cuts, and even intricate curves. This impressed our team." He added, " The XE-Cut delivers quality on par with European imported kit, but it’s proudly made in India."