Known as ‘The Lion’, the 330mm width five-colour press is capable of printing at 42m/min, a 40% increase in speed from the company's CX300’s top speed of 30m/min.

The Lion uses Xeikon’s new Cruise Control System, which uses digital imaging and artificial intelligence to monitor print quality and adjust settings on the fly.

The software checks colour registration, print station density, and colour consistency. If the quality does not meet customer expectations, Cruise Control notifies the operator and prints a marker alongside the print, giving them a physical marker to find the fault.

Frank Jacobs, senior product manager at Xeikon, said Cruise Crontrol proved a significant enhancement to press efficiency and performance.

He said: “Brand owners have grown accustomed to the advantages of digital printing, including unmatched flexibility, great quality, and rapid delivery. 

“Now, with the reliability of Xeikon’s toner technology, which comes with highly accurate variable repeat length, coupled with the Lion’s powerful performance and Cruise Control for 100% perfect output, label printers can produce higher volumes of high-quality work much more cost-effectively.”

The LX3000 has been configured to print with Xeikon’s new 60% recycled PET Eco toners at up to 1,200dpi.

Free from fluorine, BPA, TPO and mineral oils, as well as being vegan, Eco toners are certified as foodsafe.

Jacobs added that the launch had elevated the breakeven point for digital technology, helping to bring customers in on digital manufacturing.

He said: “We increasingly receive larger numbers of requests for more competitive solutions. 

“The Xeikon LX3000 is the result of listening to that valuable feedback, especially from those of our customers who handle higher volumes. 

“Having discussed the new press with some of them in more detail over the past few months, it is clear that this launch is a significant step in the right direction.

“We’re very excited about the impact the Lion will have on the market and the value it will bring to our customers.”

The Lion is on show at Xeikon's Labelexpo booth until tomorrow (14 September), when the show concludes.