The Xeikon 5000, which has been completely redesigned from the bottom up, is capable of 130 A4ppm and will be targeted at digital printers doing in excess of 3m impressions a month. The machine has a 500mm web width.

Xeikon claims that the charge per impression of the new machine compares favourably against rivals, like the iGen3 with Creo Spire front-end and HP Indigos WS3200, at euro0.02 for 10% sheet coverage and euro0.035 for 35%.

Stock weights handled have been expanded to 40-350gsm. Its 5/5 configuration allows spot colours, including special security inks to be printed.

New imaging technology was claimed to have eliminated the edge effect that could affect some print on older Xeikons.

A new front-end called Swift will drive the machine, which Xeikon promises has all the features of its PrintStreamer and Intellistream front-ends and is even more powerful.

Two firms are beta testing the machine Imprimerie LV and Moore Response Marketing, with another four on order from existing customers.

The Xeikon 5000, will cost 369,490 (euro550,000). Visitors to this Mays Drupa exhibition will be able to see the red-coloured 5000 in action.

Story by Jo Francis and John Davies