Advanced inkjet drives embellishment shift

Inkjet technology has evolved from an alternative to analogue printing into the backbone of modern print and packaging production, according to Jack Malki, director at Jet Technologies, who highlights how industrial printheads are enabling capabilities previously impossible at digital speeds.

Malki points to Xaar's piezoelectric drop-on-demand platform, which can jet fluids up to 100 centipoise viscosity, opening possibilities for high-build varnishes, textured embellishments and dense pigments normally tied to screen or plate processes.

'This capability matters because it expands what printers can offer,' said Malki. 'Add recirculation to keep pigments in suspension, self-cleaning features to reduce downtime and high-laydown options for thicker layers, and you get a platform designed for consistent, repeatable production rather than one-off digital jobs.'

The director describes a shift toward what he terms 'Label Typography', where brand owners can contour print in the third dimension with multiple heights and effects. Jet Technologies' Jet iQ embellishment range, powered by Xaar's Versatex Printbar, demonstrates this capability, allowing converters to achieve screen-like results with digital agility across varying SKU counts.

According to Malki, beyond embellishment, high-viscosity jetting offers practical advantages in corrugated production, where thicker inks reduce water on board, cutting drying time and energy use. Digital workflows also eliminate screens, foils and consumables, while room-temperature jetting reduces energy demand.

'The bigger picture is that the future of print will be driven by technology that combines creativity with serious manufacturing performance,' stated Malki. 'Short-run customization, luxury packaging and more sustainable production models are only going to grow, and advanced inkjet platforms are perfectly positioned to support that shift.'

Malki notes that Xaar's printhead technology originates from demanding industrial sectors including automotive, glass, electronics and renewable energy, bringing reliability and durability to packaging applications. Developments like the ImagineX roadmap and advanced waveform control will enable jetting of an even wider range of fluids for tactile finishes, protective layers and functional coatings.