Xeikon pitches Quantum against inkjet at Drupa

Xeikon has apparently come up with a way to solve the fundamental speed limitations of the electrophotographic process, which struggles to maintain resolution at higher speeds due to the fact that it uses a powder in place of an ink.

Quantum will be aimed at the books, transpromo and direct mail print sectors.

Xeikon has said the Quantum will offer far lower running costs – more akin to inkjet web presses than high-quality toner devices.

To summarise, Xeikon will demonstrate a high-speed, toner-based digital press at Drupa. The Quantum will combine the print quality of Xeikon’s 1,200dpi LED array-based printers with the productivity and running cost of inkjet web presses.

The Quantum platform will most likely use a liquid toner, like HP Indigo’s ElectroInk, as this allows for higher speed printing than with dry toner, which is difficult to control at high speeds.

With many inkjet and toner launches targeting books, transpromo and direct mail sector are anticipated at Drupa, including a number of B2 sheetfed devices, Quantum may struggle to penetrate the market.

Cost per page as well as capital outlay will be the key factors to the successful adoption of the Quantum platform.

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