Xaar to implement ultra high viscosity inkjet technology for AMP

Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity inkjet technology, such as the printheads used in the new dp Polar system, is providing manufacturers with an array of new and practical production possibilities, offering the chance to print without limits and drive creativity in additive mass production (AMP) applications. Ever since it sold off its HSS printhead business (Xaar 3D) to Stratasys (to compete with HP in the PBF production segment) the company has been focusing on new production applications in the field of high-viscosity photopolymer materials (a segment so far led by vat-based high-speed photopolymerization processes such as Carbon’s DLS).

Now Xaar is looking to further evolve this segment by introducing inkjetting capabilities with high-viscosity durable materials, targeting higher speed and higher material control (theoretically enabling multi-material and multi-color capabilities). The growing role and capability of inkjet printheads is presented in Xaar’s latest White Paper, titled, ‘Pushing the boundaries of inkjet technology with high viscosity printing’. It looks at the historical background to the limitation of inkjet technology’s use and highlights how the latest printhead innovations are enabling a much wider range of fluid viscosities to be printed at around 100 centipoises (cP) at jetting temperature, equating to approximately 1000cP at ambient temperature.

This capability is increasing the relevance and practicability of inkjet technology across a variety of new printing, coating, advanced and additive manufacturing applications. It is rapidly becoming the manufacturing technology for Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing, as well as for personalization, coating and other innovative print and manufacturing processes.

Mike Seal, Xaar’s Head of Advanced Applications, Technologies and Fluids, said; “Ultra High Viscosity Technology offers a wide range of new 3D and Additive Manufacturing possibilities which are really as wide as the customer can think of. We’re giving people a new tool to create better products and with Ultra High Viscosity transforming 3D printing by enabling extra material properties that aren’t possible with other inkjet printheads.”

Xaar sees its Ultra High Viscosity Technology as providing an opportunity for manufacturers to transition to inkjet, giving a digital advantage of small-batch turnaround and mass customization, opening up a number of new client sectors without the need for wasteful and cost-inefficient minimum order quantities.

With inkjet technology, the only difference between your final prototype and your product is just the number you produce.Mike Seal, Head of Advanced Applications at Xaar

The dedicated Advanced Applications Team at Xaar works with all its customers to explore new applications and technologies, and their 5-step process helps manufacturers find solutions for a wide range of industries and applications. Seal concluded; “From enabling 3D printing on a truly industrial scale, to the mass customization of 3D printed parts, we are excited to show customers how Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology can take them from an initial conversation through to full commercialization.”

Xaar’s White Paper can be downloaded at Xaar’s website and a video demonstrating how Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology is transforming 3D printing can be seen here.

Together with our partners and customers, Xaar has been transforming the world of inkjet technology for 30 years. With a new leadership team, new technology and new products, the company is now following a roadmap for the future – that will help partners unleash the true power of inkjet printing and open up a world of opportunities for their business. Inkjet technology can not only maximize the efficiency of businesses but help them evolve too.