Punch Graphix, Punch’s graphics division, develops, manufactures and distributes high-end digital printing systems under the Xeikon brand name. In addition, the company also supplies related prepress and operating software, and durable consumer goods, such as toners. Xeikon thus offers integrated solutions for professional applications in the field of commercial print applications and for the industrial sector (for example, packaging and labels).

With the Xeikon 5000, Punch Graphix introduced a radical new approach to digital printing. This new machine gave a great boost to print quality, productivity and flexibility, while the related costs could be substantially reduced. The integrated modular X-800 front-end console handles the preparation of the documents that need printing and has a very low user cost and no start-up costs, in contrast to offset printing presses.

Punch Graphix asked Achilles to design the Xeikon 5000’s casing, as well as the accompanying X-800 front-end console. As with most machine casings, sheet steel was also opted for here, although Achilles approached it in a completely new way. The designers aimed for an organic, flowing design that goes completely against the traditional and angular shapes that are common with the use of sheet steel. And this without any special processing methods, such as moulds and stamps. Based on a revolutionary line of thought, by analyzing existing production techniques and reformulating them, we at Achilles managed to create a look for the Xeikon 5000 that one would more easily associate with injection moulding rather than with sheet steel. The finished product was given a fiery red touch, a set of sleek handles and tough arched shapes with hollow and rounded lines that appear subtly and flow into the design again.

It comes as no surprise that this excellent design with an innovative approach to sheet steel received the IF Product Design Award for excellent design in 2005.