Xeikon is set to introduce a 'unique' Alpine fuser drum to its 3000 series digital presses to aid the printing of uneven and textured surfaces. The new fuser drum is specifically designed for the production of cartons on a wide range of materials, expecially recycled board stocks.

Part of Xeikon's Folding Carton Suite, the Alpine 516 fuser drum will be offered as an option for the two 508mm-wide machines in the 3000 series from June 2013. As well as being ordered with new machines, the fuser drum can also be retrofitted to existing installations, Xeikon adds.

"The standard fuser drum has a hard surface, so if you have a structured substrate, there is a chance that it only contacts the raised areas, which may result in an uneven gloss level," explains Jeroen Van Bauwel, director of product management at Xeikon. "The Alpine fuser drum has a softer, rubber-like coating, which can adapt to the form of the surface and create a uniform look and feel on challenging substrates."