Xeikon says digital web presses using its new Sirius technology will run at up to 30 metres per minute.

Firt offerings based on the "new generation" dry toner technology for graphic arts applications will be available in June.

The SX30000 is able to run at a printing width of 508 mm on a broad range of substrates, with the maker claiming an average increase in speed of more than 50 per cent over its previous platform on 40-350 gsm substrates.

Xeikon has been allocating major resources since 2017 to the project, using water cooled LDAs with 1200x3600 dpi technology and a single pass duplex, full rotary concept. "Almost everything else has been re-engineered", according to the company's Dimitri Van Gaever of Xeikon.

Focus has been on toner development, imaging and fusing technologies and media conditioning. New EkoFuse fusing and crossflow cooling improve quality and speed.

Applications in book printing or high-quality direct mail are envisaged, but the technology could also be used in retail and signage, security printing and other general commercial print. "We are also looking at customers who need higher productivity combined with lower running cost," says Van Gaever.

Xeikon is best known in the newspaper segment for its OEM manufacture of platemakers, including those marketed by Agfa Graphics. In 2015 it became the new digital printing solutions division of Flint Group.