Xaar and Nazdar Ink Technologies Collaborate to Rewrite the Rulebook for Aqueous Inkjet Printing
Image By Courtesy of XAAR
June, 2024 – Xaar and Nazdar Ink Technologies are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration that is set to transform the landscape of aqueous inkjet printing.
This partnership was a celebrated highlight of drupa, the world’s largest printing equipment exhibition.
Speaking at the FESPA Global Conference on June 3, Xaar’s Group R&D Director, Karl Forbes, presented the latest advances in inkjet technology during the Touchpoint Textile Forum.
His presentation showcased how the collaborative efforts between Xaar and global ink developer Nazdar have culminated in the creation of the HighV Aqua Series—a unique high viscosity, pigmented water-based ink technology that promises disruptive performance benefits across Direct-to-Garment (DTG), corrugated, and outer case printing sectors.
Breaking New Ground in DTG Printing
Nazdar’s breakthrough R&D chemists have formulated a new fluid technology that provides exceptional clarity and high pigment loads using innovative techniques and raw material selection. This development means vibrant, color-rich textiles can now be achieved with significantly reduced ink usage and fewer printhead passes, all while cutting energy consumption in the drying process.
“This technology has the potential to make water-based inkjet a viable option in numerous sectors. By reducing ink usage and energy consumption and increasing production speed, water-based inkjet can become a mainstream production method,” said Martin Burns, Nazdar's OEM Business Development Manager. “This achievement is the result of a strong partnership with Xaar, and we’re excited to finally share it with the industry.”
A High-Performance, Sustainable Solution
The new HighV Aqua Series includes a high viscosity white ink. When coupled with the TF Technology embedded within Xaar’s Aquinox printhead, it provides customers with unmatched efficiency and quality in textile printing. The higher pigment loading and reduced water content deliver significant savings in printing time, as well as reductions in energy and material use. Overall, the speed of production can be more than doubled, making inkjet printing a practical reality for a wider variety of decorative applications.
Industry Impact and Future Potential
“Drupa is the perfect show for visitors to hear how Xaar’s inkjet technology is driving the development of new fluids and providing access to the many potential benefits of digital printing,” said Karl Forbes. “Aqueous inks containing high pigment loading and a lower ratio of water mean inkjet is now able to deliver the performance, sustainability, and innovation demanded, rewriting the rulebook for textile printing and many other applications.”
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the industry, combining technological innovation with sustainable practices to set new standards in printing.
About Xaar:
Xaar is a leading manufacturer of industrial digital inkjet printheads. Xaar’s technology drives the wide-format graphics, labels, packaging, ceramic tile decoration, and other applications.
About Nazdar Ink Technologies:
Nazdar Ink Technologies is a global leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality inks and coatings for a variety of print applications, including graphic, textile, and industrial markets.
