Both were purchased at the same time, with the CX3 coming in at the end of March and the Digicon, which includes a peel-and-reveal module, due in the next few weeks.

The CX3 is the Corby-based outfit’s third Xeikon machine, having first invested in a 3030 model in 2012 and upgrading that to a 3300 in 2014. It is a direct replacement for the 3300, which had reached full capacity, and PeterLynn said it would increase capacity by up to 50%.

Sales and marketing director Vicky Waine said: “It certainly opens up some new markets especially with cosmetics. The problem with the 3300 was that you couldn’t print polyethylene, which you need for squeezable tubes and bottles. The CX3 allows us to print on that material, which means we can do much more in the marketplace.” 

Managing director James Lindsay said Xeikon technology had dramatically changed the business and that the CX3 “had become essential in order for us to keep up with the volume of orders that we are now having to process”.

Also known as The Cheetah, the CX3 runs at top speeds of up to 30m/min, offering a maximum resolution of 1,200dpi. It takes substrates up to 330mm in width and offers full rotary printing. It comes with a Xeikon X-800 Digital Front End.

“The colours are crisper and we get better print results fusing onto specific materials. So the result is much more vibrant,” said Waine.

Launched in 2013, the Digicon is designed to enable printers to convert pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging. It has a web width of 762mm, designed to be compatible with the HP Indigo 20000, but it can work alongside other machines. It was recently integrated with Ebeam curing technology.

The machines join a roster of other kit in PeterLynn’s 1,250sqm site, including two Mark Andy flexo presses, three Omega Inspection Slitter Rewinders and hot foiling capabilities. Last year, the 17-staff business turned over £3m.