Textiles

The changing landscape of the textile market makes the Xaar Aquinox printhead perfect for many applications. Simplified processes, exceptional print speeds and a wide array of customisation options, places the Xaar Aquinox at the very forefront of efficiency and versatility.

Whereas the inkjet printing of white inks has traditionally caused blockages and nozzle outs, our TF Technology and Ultra High Viscosity Technology has delivered proven improvement in dealing with whites and heavily pigmented inks, reducing maintenance, improving up-time and reliability, to produce the vibrancy and results needed in textile printing, particularly on dark substrates.

aQ Power Technology

Xaar’s aQ Power is a combination of ground-breaking technologies:

• A redesigned internal architecture which is optimised for aqueous fluids
• New materials compatible with aqueous fluids and working range of acceptable pH levels extended
• Revolutionary new drive system enabling optimum drop ejection for aqueous fluids, significantly extending nozzle open time, increasing lifespan and durability

Ultra High Viscosity Technology

Typically, inkjet is well known for being limited to jetting fluids of around 10 to 12cP. Xaar technology, however, is capable of jetting much higher viscosities up to 100cP.

Ultra High Viscosity jetting opens up a range of new inkjet possibilities:

• Higher particle loading and particle sizes for increased colour gamut, opacity and special effects (for graphics, ceramic tile and glass printing)
• Ability to print higher molecular weight photopolymers leading to increased toughness and flexibility for printed materials
• Reduced spreading for better edge definition on non-porous substrates
• Printing a wider range of functional fluids (such as paint, adhesives and solder masks).

Having worked with leading developers and manufacturers of aqueous inkjet inks to rigorously assess and improve performance, the Xaar Aquinox is capable of handling both dye based and pigmented fluids for use in a wide range of textile applications.

By using pigmented inks enables print processes to become simpler, with immediate final colour control, just-in-time print quality and the best lightfastness combining with the sustainability benefits from fewer work stages being required, saving both water and energy.

There are a number of benefits of digital textile printing versus older techniques such as analogue including:

• Cost-effective method of producing short-run items with minimal set-up costs, no requirement to produce new screens
• If using pigment-based inks, you can reduce and even completely remove certain production processes such as vaporizing and washing after printing
• Print on demand with much quicker introduction of new designs
• Increased personalisation and customisation
• Applicable to all types of fabric
• A more sustainable solution and kinder to the environment - lower energy, water and materials consumption