Limitless printing possibilities in ultra high viscosity tech

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 a good manufacturing technology for Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing, as well as for personalisation, 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 customisation, opening up a number of new client sectors without the need for wasteful and cost-inefficient minimum order quantities.

Mike added: “With inkjet technology the only difference between your final prototype and your product, is just the number you produce.”

The dedicated Advanced Applications Team at Xaar works with all its customers to explore new applications and technologies, and their five-step process helps manufacturers find solutions for a wide range of industries and applications.

Mike concluded: “From enabling 3D printing on a truly industrial scale, to the mass customisation 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 commercialisation.”

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.