Xaar’s 2002 printhead is at the heart of System Ceramics' new Creaseven digital printing machine, which was unveiled this week at the Latech Open House in Indonesia.
Founded in 1970, System Ceramics is a leader in ceramics industry technology, and the launch of the Creaseven meets the rising demand for innovative ceramic tile printing. The collaboration between System Ceramics, Xaar, and Indonesian tile producer Roman Ceramics was key to bringing this advanced machine to market.
The Creaseven on display features 60 Xaar 2002 GS12 printheads across four print bars, delivering superior flexibility, reliability and print quality across up to eight different fluids. This innovative machine also offers users greater flexibility with its expandable architecture accommodating up to 120 printheads across eight print bars, supplying up to 16 different fluids. This scalability enables ceramic tile manufacturers to expand capabilities as production needs evolve – from basic decoration to complex, multi-fluid applications incorporating special effects and glazes.
With its dual-channel architecture, the Xaar 2002 can jet one or two different fluids simultaneously. By using two colours in one printhead at 360dpi alignment is minimised and the number of bars reduced, while individual waveforms ensure optimal fluid performance. Alternatively, by using the same colour ink or fluid in both channels, higher-resolution prints of up to 720 dpi can be achieved, perfect for more intricate ceramic designs.
Through using individual waveforms to run different fluids, Xaar’s technologies can maximise ceramic tile printing creativity. Both high laydown and standard laydown can be used, providing unmatched freedom in ceramic tile effects and all in a single pass. Xaar’s software also streamlines printhead setup for OEMs and enhances print uniformity and quality, meeting the increased demand for flat tone tiles, and avoiding potential colour banding issues.
Reliability is ensured thanks to Xaar’s TF Technology, providing optimal ink recirculation for precise jetting of a range of fluids. In addition, Sure Flow enables users to clear and prevent nozzle blockages without the need to remove the printhead, maximising operational print time for optimum productivity in ceramic printing whilst lowering the cost of ownership.
AcuChp technology ensures consistent colour uniformity and print quality across the width of the printhead for each ceramic tile. In addition, printhead installation and set-up times are reduced, improving efficiencies for users.
Roman Ceramics conducted extensive testing of the machine at its Indonesian facility. This feedback enabled System Ceramics to fine-tune the Creaseven to meet the specific needs of the ceramic tile market.
“The collaboration with Roman and Xaar has resulted in a game-changing machine for ceramic tile printing,” said Stefano Severi, General Manager of System China. “With Xaar’s 2002 printhead, we’ve achieved superior quality, productivity, and reliability.”
The Creaseven debuted at System Ceramics’ Latech Open House, where Xaar COO Graham Tweedale presented on Xaar’s role in shaping the future of ceramic tile printing.
“We’re thrilled that the Xaar 2002 printhead has been central to this innovation in ceramic tile printing,” said Graham Tweedale. “The Creaseven machine showcases what’s possible when industry leaders such as System Ceramics, Roman and Xaar collaborate.”
