Xaar launches Aquinox printhead

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 increased nozzle open time compared to typical aqueous printheads.  

 

Xaar Aquinox is compatible 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. And with Xaar’s High Laydown Technology the drop size capability is extended, making the Aquinox ideal for printing textiles, highly absorbent substrates, or thick film coatings.  

 

With Xaar’s Ultra High 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 vibrant and whites and blacks strong.  

 

Xaar’s technology and its chevron architecture is said to provide an 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 is claimed to reduce maintenance and ink waste. 

 

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 Hydra ink supply system, with its ‘plug and print’ capability and intuitive user interface each Xaar Aquinox printhead can be integrated into new print machines.  

 

The Aquinox comes with development kit. This includes the ink supply system and printhead drive electronics.  

 

Having collaborated with leading developers and manufacturers of aqueous inkjet inks to 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.  

 

Mills concluded: ‘The Aquinox seamlessly combines all 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.’