Xaar introduces Nitrox printhead

Xaar Nitrox offers firing frequencies of up to 48kHz, enabling print at up to 100 m/min, fast set-up time, and installation with drop-in printhead alignment and Xaar’s AcuChp automation technology. The printhead features plug-and-print capability and TF recirculation technology minimizing temperature changes to eliminate print density variations and controlling viscosity for consistent printing. 

Maintaining a constant flow of fluids directly past the back of the printhead nozzles enables instant priming of the Xaar Nitrox and avoids the need for purging before printing can start. The high flow rate also prevents sedimentation and nozzle blockages, particularly in heavily pigmented inks, improving reliability. 

The Xaar Nitrox supports a wide range of applications. Its open architecture and TF Technology facilitate printing in multiple orientations. 

High Laydown Technology delivers high volumes of ink in a single pass and, combined with Xaar’s TF technology, allows fluids with higher particle loading and sizes. This enables printing an increased color gamut and special effects for applications in the ceramic, glass, and packaging sectors and jetting higher molecular weight materials for advanced manufacturing and 3D printing. 

Three variants of the Xaar Nitrox: Core, Pro, and Elite are backward compatible with the Xaar 1003. The Nitrox Core is designed for applications using oil-based inks, such as in ceramic tile decoration, while the Nitrox Pro can handle more demanding fluids, including soluble salts and frit used for printing glass. The Nitrox Elite delivers printing at up to 48kHz. Its exceptional drop placement and accuracy make it perfect for functional fluids and 3D applications, alongside more traditional display graphics and label printing solutions. 

Graham Tweedale, general manager of Xaar’s printhead business unit, said: ‘We are delighted to be launching the next printhead from our ImagineX platform. Whether using the latest highly viscous fluids for 3D printing or High Laydown for packaging and labels, the speed, performance, and productivity of the Xaar Nitrox mean you can use it to print right the first time and every time.’