Xeikon has announced a new digital front end (DFE) for its CSP 320D sheet-fed colour press that uses the Personalised Page Mark-up language (PPML) for variable data print files.


The eMerge DFE will only accept variable data jobs in the PPML format, which will speed the adoption of the standard developed by the PODi.


We want eMerge to be the new standard thats why we are so interested in PPML for receiving variable information, said Xeikon project line manager front ends Spijn Simeons.


PPML allows variable data creation packages to communicate openly with the digital press RIPs where previously the creation software and RIP needed to be closely linked. It can be seen as an equivalent to PostScript or PDF for variable data.


The two variable data design tools Xeikon sells, its own Private-I and Meadows' Designmerge, will both add PPML support in the next couple of months. Other creation packages which already support PPML include PageFlex Mpower.


Xeikon director of marketing Dirk Van Thillo said: The availability of PPML support will further increase the adoption of variable data as printers and designers realise its benefits.


The eMerge front-end is a full DFE which uses a database and job tickets to track work. It features colour management and imposition with an optional trapping module.


Simeons described it as being as fully featured as the eXpert DFE for Xeikons digital web presses, but was more suited to the CSPs lower page throughput.


Price for the CSP 320D with the new eMerge is the same as with the previous front-end at 105,522 including delivery installation , training, first year service contract and consumables starter kit.


Story by Barney Cox