Xaar unveils new printhead

The Xaar 2002 is capable of printing speeds of up to 75m/min at 720dpi
The Xaar 2002 is capable of printing speeds of up to 75m/min at 720dpi

Inkjet developer Xaar has launched the 2002, its first new printhead for three years, which is targeted at applications including packaging, labels, ceramics and glass.

The Cambridge-headquartered company said that the 720dpi unit was developed in “close collaboration” with its global OEM customers and, as a result, offers “straight out of the box” integration.

This is enabled through drop-in printhead alignment, where improved mechanical tolerances enable the new head to be dropped into print bars easier to reduce setup and build times for manufacturers.

Graham Tweedale, general manager of Xaar’s printhead business unit, said; “After extensive collaboration with our global OEMs we worked hard to ensure the Xaar 2002 delivers the operational improvements they have asked for.

“With its simple installation and significantly reduced setup times, we believe the Xaar 2002 printhead offers the speed and performance our customers now demand for the print applications they provide.”

The head is manufactured using Xaar’s advanced Tuned Actuator Manufacturing (TAM2) and AcuChp Technology and, according to the company, offers maximum uptime thanks to “visibly improved colour uniformity across the width of the printhead”.

With high firing frequencies of up to 36kHz, the head is capable of printing speeds of up to 75m/min at 720dpi.

It is available in three versions: Xaar 2002 Plus, 2002 Premium and 2002 Advanced, all of which are backwards compatible with 2001+ systems.

Each head uses Xaar’s TF Technology for ink recirculation enabling it to fire a broader range of inks and fluids and prevent nozzle dry-out.

“The Xaar 2002 range offers all round ease of setup and use, while delivering the exceptional print quality, unsurpassed reliability and unique technologies Xaar is renowned for," said Tweedale.