The printheads are being demonstrated as part of a wide format printer for the first time at the show, featuring in INX Digital’s new TP Printer series on stand B1-368. The printheads also feature in AEG’s Voyager Pro series launched earlier this month.
“We have changed 90% of the components,” said product manager at Xaar Mark Ritchie. “The whole emphasis has been to make the ink flow much more evenly so any pressure build-up is reduced. So these produce a very uniform print.”
He added: “We’ve also changed the way the nozzles are cut, so jetting accuracy is improved.”
Printers with machines using the predecessor range of 1001 printheads can also upgrade, though most will probably be happy to stick as they are said Ritchie.
“We have designed these to be the same size, format and shape so they would be backward compatible. The inks are the same and the electronics, and they are the same price,” said Ritchie. “But printers may not want to spend the money to upgrade when their machines are perfectly fine.”
The printheads, which replace the 1001 design and were launched in March, are aimed at a wide range of applications, including labels, direct-to-shape packaging, ceramics, laminate floorings and industrial applications.
The 1002 model can print heavily pigmented high-opacity white inks and high-viscosity varnishes, enabled by Xaar’s TF Technology ink recirculation system. External differences include a more robust connector that is impossible to misalign, making it simpler to fit even where access is limited in large arrays. Additionally, new seals provide greater protection against ink ingress.
Ritchie reported that all forthcoming machines from manufacturers currently incorporating the 1001 model would include 1002 heads.
The new INX TP Series is available in 1.6m and 2m widths and offer speeds up to 180 sqm/h. They can process media up to 200mm thick, offer resolutions up to 2,880x1,440dpi and feature a ‘robust handling table’ with three separate vacuum zones.
The AEG Voyager Pro combination flatbed and roll-fed UV curable printers are available in a range of widths and colour configurations.
