Xaar Brings Inkjet Decoration Technology to Indian Ceramics Market

15th February

Xaar invites visitors to Indian Ceramics 2012 to see how the Xaar 1001 industrial inkjet printhead with TF Technology™ can help transform their business.  Tile manufacturers need a robust printhead that delivers high-quality digital decoration consistently within challenging production environments.  The Xaar 1001 ensures reliable operation with minimal maintenance because it uses the revolutionary TF Technology™ combined with Hybrid Side Shooter™ printhead architecture, both of which are unique to Xaar. Xaar’s technology enables high-viscosity ceramic inks to flow directly past the back of the nozzles which means that they are continuously primed.  This results in maximum printer uptime and therefore maximum production output.

Digital decoration of ceramic tiles using inkjet printers is a rapidly growing manufacturing method and allows designers to be very creative. High-quality designs and effects are possible because the Xaar 1001 can jet inks accurately and consistently onto tiles. There is no limit on pattern repeats and even the edges of the tile can be printed. Inkjet printing also allows manufacturers to print on textured and embossed surfaces. In addition, they can customise, personalise and produce small quantities of tiles cost effectively. Digital printing is breathing new life into ceramics industry production as it is now possible to produce many life-like patterns, including marble and wood effects. A range of the creative and quality effects that can be achieved on tiles by using the Xaar 1001 printhead will be displayed on the Xaar booth at Indian Ceramics 2012.

Tile producers want the flexibility to produce both fine detail and strong colours. The Xaar 1001’s ability to jet variable-sized (greyscale) drops gives manufacturers the flexibility to select small dots for smooth tones and sharp lines. Larger dots are selected to provide high ink coverage to intensify colour density and saturation.  The result is a stunning replication of natural materials, enhancing the print quality so that the printed tile is almost identical to the original.   In addition, the digital process means that patterns are repeatable and quality is consistent, time after time.

Many printer manufacturers worldwide have chosen the Xaar 1001 printhead for its performance and imaging capabilities. At Indian Ceramics, visitors can see Xaar-enabled printers and samples displayed by several companies including: Arrow Digital – Kerajet (W11); Colorobbia (321); H&R Johnson (331); Hope (Foshan Aspiring Ltd) (151); Sacmi (131); SiTi (251); TecnoFerrari (S04); and Vidres – Cretaprint (361).

The industry’s premier ink and glaze firms: Chimigraf-Fritta, Colorobbia, Esmalglass-Itaca and Ferro have all validated their digital inks for use with the Xaar 1001.

“The Xaar 1001 is revolutionising the ceramics industry,” says Bob Bobertz, General Manager, Xaar Asia Pacific. “Over 56% of digital ceramic tile decoration printers sold today use the Xaar 1001 to deliver reliable and consistent high-quality results. We are the only printhead manufacturer to provide dedicated local support to the world’s leading ceramic ink and digital inkjet printer manufacturers in India. This demonstrates the importance of the market and our on-going commitment to it.”

ENDS