XE looks and performs like conventional paper and can be scored, folded and creased. However, unlike paper, XE is designed for prolonged use in harsh environments including extreme outdoor, industrial, marine and field use. It is able to withstand rain, heat and temperature variations, whilst deterring grease, solvent and chemicals.

The XE range is waterproof and tearproof and offers robust resilience to:

Household Cleaners such as

• Finish ^® PowerBall ^®
• Domestic dish detergents
• Fairy™
• Palmolive ^®
• Dawn ^®

and most other store-brands

Medical Disinfectants ( XE Digital Waterproof Laser Paper only) such as:

• Ecolab ^® Encompass™
• Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner
• Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaners (* Please follow manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaner strength and usage)
• Methylated spirits
  

Bleach – use Domestos™ or any store-branded thick bleach to remove grime from XE.  Simply immerse in the bleach solution and allow to air dry.  In the majority of cases, 90% of a stain can be bleached with 10 minutes immersion. However, more stubborn stains may require up to 2 hours immersion.

Industrial Chemicals – Safe and durable exposure to gasoline (Petroleum Spirit) and diesel splashes, brake cleaner, motor oil, Castrol™ lubricating grease , WD-40 ^®, hydraulic fluid, aviation fuel, cutting oil and degreaser and ammonia solutions (25%-35%).

Beverages – simply wipe clean spillages of coffee, tea, fruit juices, milk, Coca Cola ^® Sprite ^®, beer, wine, & spirits up to 40% strength – no staining!

Condiments – Whether it’s sauce, mustard, oils or vinaigrettes, simply wipe clean.  Even dried material can be removed by re-wetting with a damp, non-abrasive microfibre cloth!

All this, and more......

Time and cost savings – No need to laminate. XE can be printed on demand. Its robust durability minimises the need to reprint.

User friendly and efficient – Easy to use and job-ready straight from the printer. Print XE on-demand for rapid turnaround and short run flexibility of documents needing regular or seasonal updates eg. menus or promotional material.

OEM Compatible – XE is suitable for use on Xerox, Ricoh, Kodak, Oce and Konica Minolta digital presses and other dry toner digital or laser printers.

Versatile – lots of paper types, weights and thicknesses to choose from:

• Colour code documents and make communications stand out with a choice of pastel and vivid shades within the XE range.
• Whether it’s labelling bottles, test tubes, windows, food freezers, oil drums, plant pots or shipping containers, make your message stick with XE Self Adhesive Waterproof Laser Papers .

Reliable - XE has been used for over 10 years in a vast array of applications including research laboratories, restaurants, hospitals, schools, garden centres, engineering, construction, oil rigs and military field use. XE has been tried, tested and trusted for a diverse range of industries.

Professional print quality - vibrant colour representation and sharp imagery make communications stand out.

Double sided printing – whether printing mono colour or full colour, XE (white sheets) has a high opacity and can be printed on both sides with confidence.

Engineered to suit different machines – XE Digital Waterproof Laser Paper has been formulated for superior efficiency on 60ppm+ high speed, dry toner colour digital presses and production colour laser printers and copiers (it has also been used successfully on desktop printers).

XE Desktop Waterproof Laser Printer Paper is optimised for use on desktop laser and LED printers as well as mid to low speed colour copiers and other smaller toner fusion devices. It has been rigorously tested to deliver quality output on short to medium print runs.

Tolerant to fluctuations in temperatures - once printed, XE can be used in temperatures ranging from -40°c to 120°c.

UV resistant – robust durability for prolonged exposure to sunlight. Estimated at 6 months depending on the machine used to print and the intensity of exposure (a UV varnish can be applied to further extend life of UV resistance).

Flexible - XE can be folded, punched or die cut without compromising the integrity of the sheet.

Lamination requires an additional time-consuming process after printing. Furthermore, laminated documents can bubble, crease or crack thus allowing moisture to penetrate and compromise the durability, legibility and professional appearance of the document.

The XE range is inherently weatherproof and offers a superior and cost effective alternative to lamination.

Take the test - Try our easy to use comparison calculator and see for yourself how using XE can save money compared with pouch lamination.

The XE range is manufactured from a polyester substrate material coated on both sides for optimum print receptiveness and durability. Printed images become locked under the laser topcoat ensuring maintained vibrancy and high quality protection against the elements.

Can I print XE using an Inkjet printer?
No - inkjet technology works by spraying very fine drops of ink on to paper which would simply run off XE sheets due to it being waterproof. XE is designed for dry toner printing on desktop or production laser printers, digital printers, photocopiers or litho printing using fully oxidising inks.

Do I need to laminate XE?
No - XE offers maximum durability without the added material and process cost of lamination. Unlike laminated documents and signs etc which allow moisture to seep in along the cut edges and are susceptible to becoming dog eared at the corners, XE offers a quicker, cost effective and longer lasting solution.

Does XE have a grain direction?
No - XE is a synthetic and does not have a grain direction.

Can XE be hole punched?
Yes - XE can be hole punched or die cut. However, drilling should be avoided.

Can I write on XE papers?
Yes - XE is receptive to a range of writing instruments including Bic, Biro, Rotring Isograph technical drawing pens, space pens and permanent markers.
Avoid fountain and gel pens as they won't dry on the page.
Pencils such as B, HB, F and Chinagraph are also suitable.
Mechanical pencils have a thinner tip which can dig into the paper.

What about XE and the environment?
Material
The XE range uses light and dimensionally stable Polyester base film combined with an aqueous coating which means no solvent waste or VOC emission during the production process and its life cycle.

XE vs Laminating
Laminating paper to increase its durability is a possible alternative to XE. However, laminating does not reduce the use of plastic, has limited resistance, and the printed material often needs to be re-produced over time. On the other hand, printed XE films are designed solely to create durable applications. XE does not need laminating, thus removing the need to re-print and the need for additional processing to improve durability - thereby saving energy and materials – making XE a better alternative than laminated paper in terms of environmental impact.

End-of-life
The PVC-free synthetic film used in the XE range is inert and can be landfilled and is classed as a category 7 plastic for recycling. In many circumstances energy balance studies show that incineration with Energy Recovery by licensed authorities is the most environmentally efficient recovery route for polyester film waste. The valuable energy released can be recovered and used in heating of public buildings and homes, depending on local regulation and recycling facilities available.

• Store in cool dry conditions ideally between 10-20°C (20-55% relative humidity).
• Move into print room 24 hours before printing to allow XE to regulate to room temperature for optimum print performance.
• Fan sheets before loading into the printer paper tray in order to remove static build up.
• Always refer to your printer manual to check paper thickness/gsm limitations and to determine optimum film settings.
• Return unused product to its original packaging.
• Shelf life: 18 months after delivery (under recommended conditions- see individual product technical sheets for more information).

Ready to use straight from the printer, the applications for the XE Waterproof Laser paper and XE Self-Adhesive ranges are limitless. Here are just a few of the industry applications in which the XE range is being successfully used:

Hospitality
In food environments, all printed material needs to be durable, cleanable, resist contaminants and withstand regular handling.

Horticulture
Plant stakes, tags and wraps need to be waterproof, weather resistant, and wipeable whilst maintaining vibrant graphics. Save time and money by printing on demand when codes, texts or images need changing.

Education
NO NEED TO LAMINATE!
XE is tearproof, washable and durable to withstand daily use with repeated handling. The perfect solution for printable educational aids and other cost effective uses within schools and colleges:

Medical
Waterproof, tearproof, cleanable and alcohol resistant documents and signs which can be written on.

Retail
Print on demand for up-to-date vibrant and durable imagery.

Industrial
When paper is just not tough enough!

Marine / Oil
XE is waterproof, weatherproof, and resistant to oil, diesel and petrol making it perfect for applications across the marine and oil industries.
XE marine grade self adhesive labels are not only impervious to saltwater but have a marine grade adhesive, proven to BS5609 certification.

Recreational
Whether it’s rain, heat, sweat or dirt, XE can take a pounding and still remain usable in any environment.

Military
XE is able to withstand even the most extreme physical and environmental conditions. Use for ultra tough and durable labels, signage, manuals and maps. All waterproof, tearproof and chemical resistant.

Local Council/Government
Council notices such as planning applications and public safety notices must maintain their legibility wherever they are displayed. XE delivers a professional appearance and all weather endurance without the need to laminate. Save time and money – simply print and go!

Transport
Easy to clean and reusable, XE is durable to withstand daily use with repeated handling.

See how XE can work for your application and try before you buy. Click here to fill out our on screen form and tell us which XE items you are interested in. Free samples are sent out in A4 size and despatched via first class post.