The Xaar 502 printhead
Xaar has launched the new 502 product family of greyscale piezoelectric DOD printheads.
The first release is Xaar 502 GS15 O, which has been optimised for coding and marking applications. It can be used in applications needing late-stage product identification, such as text, product data, bar codes and graphics, printed onto secondary packaging or directly onto shaped products and primary packaging.
With the ability to form drop sizes from 15-75 pl, it can print up to six grey levels for high resolution, intense blacks on low contrast surfaces, such as porous or semi-porous outer packaging and cartonboard.
The Xaar 502 family utilises the company’s latest piezoelectric DOD actuator design, PrecisionPlus, which provides a long throw distance and increases stability and robustness of the printhead.
Also included is TF Technology, which can be run in Pulsed mode. This optional new mode recirculates ink behind the nozzles during non-printing periods only.
The Xaar 502 GS15 O is compatible with a range of oil-based inks popular for use in coding and marking applications, including black mineral oil-free (MOF) SunJet IK822. This new ink is designed for use on secondary packaging, delivering high quality and optical density on a wide range substrates. The main benefit of this ink is its ability to break down easily during recycling.
‘The 502 GS15 O is the pinnacle of 25 years of Xaar’s investment in developing piezoelectric drop-on-demand printheads,’ said 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.’
