Xaar, a provider of inkjet printing technology, has launched a printhead – the Xaar Aquinox – which is said to deliver reliability, creativity, and sustainability in printing aqueous fluids. The Aquinox is the latest development from Xaar’s ImagineX platform, and its aQ power technology provides a new approach to how water-based fluids are jetted reliably.
Xaar’s aQ Power is a combination of technologies designed to optimize the Aquinox’s lifespan and robustness when handling aqueous fluids. 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 enabling optimum drop ejection. This, together with Xaar’s TF Technology ink recirculation, ensures the Aquinox delivers significantly increased nozzle open time compared to typical aqueous printheads.
Water-based inkjet printing has become effective because of Xaar Aquinox’s technologies, print speeds, and compatibility with multiple aqueous fluid types. Speeds of over 100m/min can be achieved, and a high native resolution of 720 dpi and firing frequency of up to 48kHz, enable high fluid laydown, with maximum productivity. With Xaar lay down technology, the drop size capability is extended, making the Aquinox ideal for printing textiles, highly absorbent substrates, or thick film coatings.
Due to Xaar’s viscosity technology, the Aquinox is capable of jetting fluid viscosities of up to 100cP. By enabling a wider color gamut and fluids with larger particles and more pigment for higher opacity, colors are more vibrant and whites and blacks stronger ensuring the Xaar Aquinox can bring the latest imaginative designs and finishes to life.
The Xaar Aquinox not only delivers the impact and creativity demanded, but also helps users future-proof their business in a more environment-friendly way. Xaar’s technology and its chevron architecture provide a very energy-efficient operation, reducing the power required for printheads, printers, and end users alike. In addition, the Aquinox’s improved nozzle open time and latency reduce maintenance and ink waste, helping to minimize the total cost of ownership for users.
John Mills, CEO of Xaar, said: “The introduction of the Xaar Aquinox, powered by our ImagineX platform, is our most significant product launch in recent years.
“The Aquinox demonstrates our commitment to driving the future of inkjet into new and ever more sustainable applications, and we are proud of this revolutionary transformation in aqueous inkjet printing.”
Supported by the proven Hydra ink supply system, with its ‘plug and print’ capability and easy-to-use, intuitive user interface, each Xaar Aquinox printhead is easily integrated into new print machines.
The Aquinox comes with a development kit that gives OEMs everything they need to get up and running. This includes the ink supply system and printhead drive electronics.
Having collaborated with leading developers and manufacturers of aqueous inkjet inks to rigorously assess and improve performance, the Xaar Aquinox is equally capable of handling dye-based and pigmented fluids and inks, across a wide range of applications.
John said: “The Aquinox seamlessly combines all of Xaar’s proven technologies and innovations into a truly transformational and reliable aqueous printhead, providing a real step change in reliable aqueous inkjet printing.
“From textiles to ceramics and packaging, we see the Xaar Aquinox breaking new ground, enabling new water-based print applications, many of which were previously not possible with inkjet.
“The Xaar Aquinox will revolutionize aqueous printing, helping to deliver a world where you can truly print anything you imagine.”
