Xaar | 47Xaar printhead set to ‘revolutionize’ aqueous inkjetXaar’s newly developed Aquinox printhead technology is claimed to be able to jet inks and fuids with far higher viscosity and pigment loading, opening up exciting new application possibilities. Andy Thomas-Emans reportsaar has launched a new printhead capable of jetting aqueous inks and functional fuids whilst also allowing the use of high viscosity and high pigment loaded fuids. XThis is expected to lead to the development of aqueous inks with more vibrant colors, superior adhesion properties and print process simplifcation.Xaar’s Aquinox technology, aQ Power, is built on the company’s ImagineX platform, claimed to provide a radically new approach to how water-based fuids are jetted reliably in an industrial environment. Xaar’s aQ Power is a combination of technologies designed to optimize the Aquinox’s lifespan and robustness when handling Xaar Aquinox printheadaqueous fuids. These include a redesigned internal architecture, new water-compatible materials capable of coping with an extended working range of pH levels, and a new drive system “The key to the industrial enabling optimum drop ejection. Xaar’s TF technology ink reliability of the Aquinox printhead recirculation allows Aquinox to deliver signifcantly increased nozzle open time. is our TF recirculation technology, Aquinox printheads are compatible with multiple aqueous fuid types and Xaar says operational speeds of over 100m/min can be which allows us to print highly achieved. Native resolution is 720dpi and a fring frequency up to 48kHz maintains a high level of fuid deposition.pigmented, high opacity whites Aquinox printheads are capable of jetting fuids with viscosities up to 100cP at jetting temperature, meaning larger particles and and other colors without any more pigment for higher opacity. Colors are claimed more vibrant and Whites and blacks stronger. danger of the nozzle clogging up”Xaar’s chevron printhead architecture provides for energy effcient operation, reducing the power required for the printheads. keeps the fuid moving at all times. This is all about increasing Improved nozzle open time and latency reduces maintenance printer uptime.’ and ink waste, helping to minimize the total cost of ownership Karl Forbes notes that a typical printhead cannot handle fuids for users. thicker than 10 – 15cP, which constrains the design window for Aquinox is supported by Xaar’s proven Hydra ink supply system, the fuid chemist. ‘This restricts the amount of ink pigment the with a ‘plug and print’ capability and intuitive user interface, which fuid can carry to typically 15-20 percent. With Xaar ImagineX allows easy integration into new digital presses or modules. Technology we can comfortably double that. So, the ink can be Aquinox is delivered with a development kit that gives OEMs much more vibrant with a wider color gamut and will still dry everything they need to get up and running. This includes the ink quickly on the substrate and be tough and fexible. For the ink supply system and printhead drive electronics. designers this gives a much bigger operating window.’Xaar has tested the Aquinox printhead with both dye-based and Forbes notes that this new design freedom should also see pigmented fuids and inks, across a wide range of applications. advances in changing the current process required for water-based printing. Opportunities such as reducing the need for special Deep dive primers and lowering energy levels in dryers are examples Forbes L&L interviewed Karl Forbes, Xaar Group R&D Director, to better believes are possible. understand why Xaar believes Aquinox is such a breakthrough The wider process window for the Aquinox printheads could technology. also make it possible to use existing water-based fexo ink raw ‘The key to the industrial reliability of the Aquinox printhead is chemistry, including metallic options.our TF technology recirculation, which allows us to print highly Concludes John Mills, CEO of Xaar, ‘Xaar Aquinox, powered by pigmented, high opacity whites and other colors signifcantly our ImagineX platform, is our most signifcant product launch in improved jetting reliability and uptime. We are talking about an recent years. From textiles to ceramics and packaging, we see the open time of potentially days not minutes, which means a huge Xaar Aquinox breaking new ground, enabling new water-based reduction in maintenance requirements.’ print applications, many of which were previously not possible with Open time is a measure of how long it takes printheads to dry inkjet. The Xaar Aquinox will revolutionize aqueous printing.’out when not printing. A typical open time for aqueous printheads is 30-60 minutes, after which the printhead has to be serviced. Labelexpo Europe 2023 will include a special show feature on ‘Our TF technology recirculation means ink is recirculated past the fexible packaging, including new water-based inkjet systemsback of the nozzle and importantly, within the nozzle itself, which Jan - Mar 2023