The study was conducted using Xaar’s Aquinox printheads
A study has been published showing the benefits of high-viscosity aqueous inks compared to conventional formulations as they were found to provide richer colours with less product.
Led by Dr Chris Phillips and Professor Davide Deganello, at the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating at Swansea University, the investigation evaluated the performance of high-viscosity aqueous inks manufactured by Nazdar, compared with conventional ink formulations, using Xaar’s Aquinox printheads.
The results were published in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research.
Some key findings were colour intensity increasing by 13% on uncoated and 67% on coated white corrugated substrates, delivering a richer outcome, all while requiring less ink, translating to lower energy usage and faster drying times.
Also, the increased viscosity of the fluids minimised absorption into substrates, enabling greater colour impact without additional pigment or energy-intensive processes.
The findings were shared with the industry during a presentation by Xaar’s group R&D director, Karl Forbes, and business development manager – inks, Neil Cook, at the FuturePrint Tech Conference in November.
Mr Forbes said: “The publication of this research validates the incredible opportunities high-viscosity inks and Xaar’s printheads and technologies bring to industrial printing.
“With improved print quality, sustainability, and productivity, this breakthrough represents a step change in how inkjet printing can compete and excel in a diverse range of applications.”
