Episode 234 - Ultra High Viscosity: Rewriting the Rules of Inkjet Printing with Xaar & Nazdar
Forget everything you thought you knew about digital printing’s limitations. In this eye-opening conversation, Karl Forbes from Xaar and Martin Burns from Nazdar unveil how ultra-high viscosity inkjet technology is transforming the landscape of corrugated printing—delivering unprecedented quality, efficiency, and economic viability.
The breakthrough revolves around a fundamental shift: increasing ink viscosity from the traditional 2-12 centipoise to an astonishing 100 centipoise at jetting temperature. This tenfold increase radically alters ink-substrate interaction, eliminating the challenges that have historically hindered inkjet’s adoption in corrugated packaging.
Why This Matters for Corrugated Printing
Traditional inkjet inks struggle on porous substrates like corrugated cardboard. The pigment absorbs quickly, leading to color loss, lack of precision, and inconsistent print quality. The Xaar-Nazdar innovation changes this completely. With ultra-high viscosity inks, the pigment remains on the surface, producing sharper details, vibrant colors comparable to flexographic printing, and superior overall results.
Backed by independent research from Swansea University, this technology not only enhances print performance but does so with reduced ink consumption, faster drying times, and lower energy requirements. In many cases, it even eliminates the need for substrate pre-treatment, streamlining the production process.
Beyond Incremental Improvement: A Game-Changer for the Industry
This is not just an enhancement—it’s a paradigm shift. Corrugated packaging printers can now achieve cost-effective, high-quality digital printing without the compromises that previously made inkjet unfeasible. The technology unlocks new creative and functional possibilities, allowing for greater customization, shorter production runs, and more sustainable manufacturing practices.
The collaboration between Xaar’s expertise in inkjet printheads and Nazdar’s mastery of ink formulation showcases the power of strategic innovation. In just 12 months, the partnership has overcome technical barriers that hindered inkjet’s viability in the corrugated sector for years.
Unlocking the Future of Corrugated Packaging
The future of corrugated printing is here, and it’s powered by ultra-high viscosity inkjet. Are you ready to revolutionize your production process? Subscribe to future episodes and visit futureprint.tech
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