Inkjet technology specialist Xaar has highlighted the recent publication of research – conducted by the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating at Swansea University – about the use of Nazdar’s high-viscosity water-based inks in corrugated printing, and the role played by its Aquinox printhead and Ultra High Viscosity Technology.
The peer reviewed study, published in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, revealed the ‘transformative’ benefits of high-viscosity inks for printing, including increased colour density and reduced ink usage.
The independent study, led by Dr Chris Phillips and professor Davide Deganello, evaluated the performance of high-viscosity aqueous inks manufactured by Nazdar, compared with conventional ink formulations using Xaar’s Aquinox printheads. Key findings included enhanced colour impact, improved efficiencies, and a reduction of drying energy when printing onto a variety of corrugated boards.
The research revealed that colour density increased by up to 13% on uncoated and 67% on coated white corrugated substrates, delivering richer, more vibrant print outcomes. The high-viscosity fluids used required less ink to achieve the same colour intensity as conventional inks, translating to lower energy usage and faster drying times. In addition, the increased viscosity of the fluids minimised absorption into substrates, enabling greater colour impact without additional pigment or energy-intensive processes.
The research also demonstrated gains on uncoated substrates, with Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology enabling higher pigment loads to achieve print results even without primers, simplifying production and reducing environmental impact.
Karl Forbes, R&D director at Xaar Group, commented, ‘The publication of this research validates the incredible opportunities high-viscosity inks and Xaar’s printheads and technologies bring to industrial printing. With improved print quality, sustainability, and productivity, this breakthrough represents a step change in how inkjet printing can compete and excel in a diverse range of applications.’
