The industrial series, available in CMYK configuration or with a fifth white channel, is now available with two new print modes – Quality, designed for printing finer details, smooth tones, vibrant colours and solid areas, and Performance, for higher print speeds.

Set to be demonstrated at Labelexpo in Brussels from 24-27 September, the two new modes are available as standard on all new LabelStream 4000s, while current users can retrofit the upgrades for no extra cost.

In Quality mode, resolution is enhanced to 720x1,080dpi at a speed of 50m/min, while Performance runs at a top speed of 75m/min with 720dpi resolution. The previous model ran at 48m/min and 68m/min with a resolution of 720x600dpi.

“In our conversations with clients over recent months, three areas of focus became clear,” said Canon product line manager Roland Stasiczek.

“First, clients asked for higher productivity to cope with growing demand for digital and to be able to meet shorter lead times, which led to the speed upgrade. Second, they consider single-pass high opacity white very important, so we improved the white opacity across all print modes.

“Finally, they want to extend the reach of possible applications, so we improved the print quality for sharper fonts and better image details. It is going to be an important milestone for the product, so we want to increase visibility and brand awareness to establish the LabelStream as a new, but important player in the label printing sector.”

Canon entered the digital label printing market just over a year ago with the Océ LabelStream 4000, unveiled on 5 June 2018 at Canon Océ’s base in Poing, near Munich. The press was developed in cooperation with two British firms: inkjet integrator FFEI and label press specialist Edale.

It is available as pure digital standalone press, digital press with inline finishing, or as a full hybrid configuration including flexo units.

Two models of the machine are available at 330mm and 410mm width.