Xaar explores new possibilities for inkjet printing on corrugated board. With its Aquinox printhead and Ultra High Viscosity technology, the British printhead manufacturer aims to limit the penetration of aqueous ink into the substrate to improve optical density and control production costs.
Up to 60% greater optical density and 50% less ink consumption
In concrete terms, the use of high-viscosity inks limits their absorption into the board, particularly on uncoated or unprimed substrates. By ensuring better surface retention, color density is higher. According to a study carried out by the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating (Swansea University), these inks increase the optical density of the print by up to 60%, thus widening the gamut.
These features also make it possible to eliminate the primer stage, thereby simplifying the production flow.
By reducing the amount of water present in the inks, drying becomes less energy-intensive, a parameter increasingly monitored as part of environmental impact reduction objectives.
And the lower absorption also means that, for equivalent visual quality, ink consumption can be reduced by up to 50% compared with standard viscosity inks on primed and unprimed substrates.
Xaar's Aquinox head for high cycle rates
The Aquinox head is advertised as compatible with high-speed, digital printing lines for corrugated board.
To guarantee inkjet stability, the Aquinox head is combined with a fluid management system developed by Megnajet. In addition, the extended throw distance prevents accidental contact between the head and irregular substrates, while TF (Through Flow) technology minimizes obstructions caused by cardboard dust.
Neil Cook, Head of Business Development at Xaar, comments: "Until now, inkjet printing offered neither the quality, reliability nor speed required for printing corrugated packaging. Today, thanks to our Ultra High Viscosity technology, we can guarantee the high print quality required while reducing the cost per print."
