Domino picks Xaar 502 printhead for new outer case coders

Domino has chosen to incorporate Xaar's 502 GS15 O printhead into the new 70mm C6000+ variant of its C-Series Plus piezo drop-on-demand outer case coders.

The printhead, which was unveiled last November, incorporates Xaar’s PrecisionPlus and TF Technology and is said to provide OEMs with a fast, reliable and high-quality way to address the challenges of coding and marking.

The C6000+, the largest variant in Domino’s C-Series Plus range, is a high-resolution, large-character printer that is used to mark porous and semi-porous substrates – such as cardboard boxes, trays, and bags – for identification, traceability and graphic personalisation.

The machine is capable of printing TrueType fonts, graphics and GS1 compliant barcodes and provides a maximum print height of 70mm, making it suitable for direct coding onto outer case packaging.

The 502 GS15 O printhead is said to offer highly accurate drop placement by utilising Xaar’s piezoelectric actuator design, PrecisionPlus, the benefits of which include a long throw distance and increased stability and robustness.

With its optimised nozzle guard to support automated maintenance routines, the 502 GS15 O is suitable for use in harsh, demanding coding and marking environments.

The TF Technology can be run in either full through flow mode or pulsed mode. This optional mode recirculates ink behind the nozzles during non-printing periods, which is said to ensure maximum reliability and performance, high energy efficiency and a long lifespan.

Domino Printing Sciences OCC product manager Andy Barrett said: “Our customers look for consistently high-quality codes, reliable performance and high uptime. For our C6000+ printer, the new Xaar 502 printhead delivers on all accounts.”

The 502 GS15 O printhead is compatible with a range of oil-based inks that are frequently used in coding and marking applications, including black mineral oil-free (MOF) SunJet IK822.

This ink is designed for use on secondary packaging and is said to deliver high quality and optical density on a range of porous and semi-porous substrates. Its key benefits are its handling safety and its capacity for easy breakdown during recycling.

“The Xaar 502 GS15 O is the pinnacle of 25 years of Xaar's investment in developing piezoelectric drop-on-demand printheads,” said Xaar senior product manager Simon Kirk.

“Today brand owners and retailers expect to be able to put larger, more detailed, more brand-orientated product identification text and graphics onto their packaging.

“Another key driver for manufacturers is to have more control over ink usage while delivering higher resolution print on cardboard. This new wide-swathe greyscale inkjet printhead delivers the superb performance needed to achieve this.”