Xaar launches new Versatex printbar

Xaar has launched the latest evolution of Versatex, its high-performance digital inkjet printbar. Designed to expand digital capability across a wide range of analog print lines and converting machines, the new printbar meets the growing demand for label varnish, foil embellishment and braille.  

Alongside high-quality printing of high-opacity whites at 85 per cent in a single pass, the Versatex’s compact, low-maintenance unit features an upgraded Ink Delivery System which increases the high laydown performance by doubling the High Build Print Mode headline speed. For example, jetting 100 microns can now be achieved at 50 meters per minute with the new Versatex, compared to 25 meters per minute previously.  

Powered by Nitrox printheads, it can jet fluids with viscosities of up to 1000 centipoise at ambient temperature (around 100 cP at jetting temperature). The Versatex’s ability to achieve higher laydown at builds in excess of 200 microns delivers exceptional performance for demanding print effects such as varnish and cold foil embellishments, white flood fill, black variable data and digital personalization.  

With Xaar’s High Creativity print mode and High Laydown Technology, customers can achieve laydowns from 15 to 100 microns in a single pass – ideal for delivering high-build gloss, spot varnish, and matte textures on premium labels across wine, spirits and cosmetics. 

Thanks to the Versatex printbar’s brand new braille mode – with enhanced speed and high laydown capabilities – braille printing is now faster and more precisely defined. This is especially valuable as demand grows in markets like Spain, where legislation is currently being proposed for braille on FMCG packaging . 

Versatex also includes an upgraded Meteor datapath, which improves flexibility and data rates while supporting a wide variety of digital and volume data workflows. This, combined with the increased speed and higher laydown performance, is enabling significant improvements for web based variable data black print applications.  

Developed in response to customer feedback, the new Versatex offers enhanced configurability and easy integration in a compact, low-maintenance design. Now compatible with right-to-left press directions as well as left-to-right, it fits new builds or retrofits without compromising layout or productivity. With many finishing lines running from right-to-left, this new capability makes the Versatex relevant for virtually all installations.  

Its on-press interface streamlines job setup and image adjustments, ideal for short runs and variable work. With minimal operator intervention required, Versatex delivers high uptime and consistent output, while its modular, space-saving design ensures seamless inline or offline integration into conventional presses and finishing lines. 

With sustainability in mind, the Versatex printbar, when compared to screen printing, continues to offer shorter setup times and a higher utilization rate, resulting in small run jobs being completed faster, the company reported. In addition, the ability to jet higher volumes and viscosities of fluids – at higher speeds – improves the efficiency of print processes, reducing the need for multiple passes, delivering faster print speeds and cutting energy use and costs.  

Tom Mooney, product manager at Xaar said: ‘The Versatex printbar delivers exactly what industrial converters and printers need. Whether it is meeting demand for braille and embellishments or driving greater productivity and value in label production – the greater speed, precision and versatility of our new printbar is bringing the many benefits of digital to analogue presses and converting lines.’ 

The new Versatex builds on the success of the original printbar, which was launched in 2023 and is available from a range of OEMs and distributors including Nilpeter and Jet Technologies.