Xaar Proton

Delivering outstanding print quality, superiorthroughput and exceptional valueThe Xaar Proton is a premium quality, wide-swathe (53.7mm) binary printhead whichdelivers outstanding print quality in two drop volume options. The 35 and 60 picolitrevariants deliver the best combination of throughput and print quality for a range of applications, including wide-format graphics and coding & marking. Lockable ink andelectrical connections together with well-established drive electronics ensure easy integration and reduced time-to-market. Through expert design and advanced manufacturing techniques the Xaar Proton is able to deliver high productivity using the latest Xaar technology.  This printhead, developed  in response to customer feed-back, incorporates a number of features to ensure low cost of ownership.  The XaarProton delivers excellent and consistent print performance enabling users to printhigh quality without compromising on speed.

The Xaar Proton is the latest printhead from Xaar, a world leader in the developmentand manufacture of piezoelectric drop-on-demand inkjet technologies. The company,established in 1990, is headquartered in the UK, and has offices in Sweden, USA,Brazil, China and India. Today, Xaar’s state-of-the-art printhead manufacturing lines inEurope are among the most innovative in the world.

Xaar plc 316 Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0XR, UK. info@xaar.com www.xaar.com

Physical Xaar XaarAttributes Proton 35 Proton 60

Active nozzles 382 382Print swathe width 53.7 mm 53.7mmNozzle pitch 141 µm 141 µmDrop velocity* 5 m/s 5 m/sNozzle density 180 npi 180 npi (nozzles per inch)

Physical Xaar XaarAttributes Proton 35 Proton 60

Printhead weight (dry) 120 g 120 gInk type Solvent, UV, Oil Solvent, UV, OilDrop volume * 35 pl 60 plTypical firing frequency * 9.5 kHz 7.0 kHzDimensions (WxDxH) 86x21x75 mm 86x21x75 mm

Outstanding print quality• The Xaar Proton is available in two drop volume

options, 35 and 60 picolitres. These variantshave been selected to deliver the best combination of throughput and print quality for a range of applications

• Nozzles are individually lasered (using the same techniques as the Xaar 1001) giving better nozzle uniformity, leading to more accurate dropplacement and formation, and superior printquality

• Internal temperature sensing and automatic voltage compensation ensure high reliability and consistent drop volume, giving uniformity ofcolour within a range of ambient environments

• Optimised drop speed is achieved by tuning thewaveform for Xaar approved inks. As a resultthe Xaar Proton can combine high drop placement accuracy, optimum throw distanceand excellent reliability.

Easy integration• Luer lockable ink fittings and lockable

electrical connections enable an easy, accurateand secure printhead installation, preventingmechanical and electrical damage, and inkspillage

• Two ink ports enable ink supply from either orboth sides of the printhead for ease of primingand maintenance. This provides the potential forink recirculation giving increased reliability

• Well established drive electronics reduce thecost of integration and time-to-market, with the possibility for future upgrade.

High productivity• Through expert design of the core Xaar

actuator, the Xaar Proton achieves a high firingfrequency, delivering fast and useable linear speed

• The 35 and 60 picolitre drop volumes combinedwith its high firing frequency mean that the XaarProton can deliver throughput equivalent to aprinthead with a larger nozzle count

• 382 nozzles at 180 dpi over a 53.7 mm swathewidth deliver both single and multi-pass application solutions in a compact print engine.

Latest technology• The Xaar Proton uses the latest nozzle

processing techniques to deliver better printquality and longer throw distances

• Xaar’s latest “chevron” actuator design giveshigh efficiency and consistent drop formation,resulting in outstanding print quality

• Multiple waveforms can be stored in the print-head enabling configuration options for differentfluid types, applications and print characteristics

• Xaar’s low energy drop ejection method enables efficient drop formation with high drop placement accuracy

• Ink and waveform combinations are continuallybeing developed to ensure the best possibleperformance is delivered.

Low cost of ownership• The robust printhead casing protects against

costly accidental mechanical, electrical andchemical damage

• An integrated internal filter increases the product lifetime by protecting the actuator andnozzles from contamination through the ink path

• The Xaar Proton’s recessed nozzle plate protects against printhead damage caused bymedia crash or other mechanical impact.

Xaar Proton

* Dependent on ink used and system integration

Approved InksXaar actively partners with a widerange of ink manufacturers to develop high-quality ink solutionsfor its printheads. The Xaar Protonis designed to be compatible with arange of solvent, oil and UVcurable inks.

Issue 4 Ja

n 2012