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Trans Tech, a leader in industrial product decoration systems and consumables, and Xaar, the leading independent printhead manufacturer announce the worldwide launch of the InDecs SPM™ Single Pass Inkjet Module, a high speed product decoration system using Xaar printheads. The module will be displayed at ITW Trans Tech’s booth 12004, South Hall, during the National Plastics Exposition (NPE 09) at McCormick Place, Chicago, June 22-26, 2009.

Based on piezo-electric printheads with XaarDOT^TM, Xaar’s Drop Optimization Technology, and with online UV curing and a custom user interface, the InDecs SPM™ Single Pass Inkjet Module is capable of printing high quality color graphics at speeds up to 16 inches per second. The flexible InDecs SPM™ offers single or multiple color capabilities, as well as customized print widths to meet individual application requirements. Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates, including most plastics and metals, is achieved with the ColorBond™ UV-curable ink set.

The modular design of the InDecs SPM™ Single Pass Inkjet Module allows for ease of integration with various product transports and industrial automation systems. Trans Tech’s extensive experience with substrate pre-treatments, material handling and system integration offers customers a complete turnkey approach to their product decorating needs. The InDecs SPM™ Single Pass Inkjet Module joins the InDecs™ UV flatbed series for customers looking to realize the emerging benefits of industrial digital printing.

The InDecs SPM™ Single Pass Inkjet Module is available with either Xaar 760 or Xaar 1001 printheads, depending upon the performance desired. The mounting plates and the electronics of the InDecs SPM™ Single Pass Inkjet Module are compatible with both printheads. While both printheads are appropriate for high quality graphics printing, the Xaar 1001 printhead is recommended for 24/7 use, with minimum maintenance requirements. The customizable printing system is scalable from one to three printheads wide, and up to six colors.

“Xaar greyscale printheads are recommended when a manufacturer requires high resolution printing, because they give an apparent resolution of 900dpi in a compact array,” remarks Chris Sobaszek, ITW Trans Tech Business Unit Manager, Digital. “The Xaar printheads have been easy to integrate, have exceptional output quality, and are faster than other printheads we have researched.”

ITW Trans Tech’s primary markets are medical, automotive, sporting goods and electronic devices—applications where products require ‘decoration’ with a logo, markings, or just about any direct printing. Thus, the InDecs SPM™ Single Pass Inkjet Module must be able to print onto a wide variety of product surfaces. “In particular, the Xaar 1001 printhead has allowed us to use a wide range of fluids with different viscosities. We are now able to cross over inkjet into applications previously only met with analog printing technologies,” adds Sobaszek. “In this regard, both the Xaar 760 and 1001 printheads have been extremely helpful.”

The InDecs SPM™ Single Pass Inkjet Module has been demonstrated at the company’s headquarters to select customers. Its official worldwide debut at NPE 09 also signals its immediate availability.

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About ITW Trans Tech
Founded in 1979, ITW Trans Tech designs, fabricates and supplies pad printing, laser, and digital printing equipment to provide complete product decorating solutions for a wide range of industries. The Illinois Tool Works (ITW) company offers a full line of standard equipment as well as custom automated systems to manufacturers of medical devices, automotive components, sporting goods, appliances, hand tools, communications, and plastic injection molders. ITW Trans Tech provides a single source of consumables, including: silicone pads, printing plates, standard and specially formulated inks, and other printing supplies and accessories. The company continuously supports its products and customers with the largest experienced team of service experts in North America.  For more information, please visit www.itwtranstech.com  

About Xaar
Xaar is the world’s leading supplier of industrial inkjet printheads, inks and peripheral equipment to commercial printing and industrial manufacturing markets. Xaar’s innovative technology offers OEM customers and licensees commercial advantage through product differentiation, productivity, and faster time-to-market. Additional information about Xaar is available at www.xaar.com

For more information please contact:

Xaar
Elena Knight, Xaar, Marketing Communications Manager T: +44 1223 423663 E: Elena.Knight@xaar.com
Chris Lynn, VP Sales & Marketing, Xaar Americas, Inc. T: +1 770 509-4888 E: chris.lynn@xaar.com
Irvin Press, Press+   T: +1 508-384-0608  E: irv@press-plus.com
Ruth Clark, Splash! PR T: +44 1580 241177 E: ruth@splashpr.co.uk

ITW Trans Tech
Chris DeMell, Technical Sales Manager T: +1 630 909-5910 E: cdemell@itwtranstech.com
Chris Sobaszek, Business Unit Manager, Digital T +1 630 909-5909 E: csobaszek@itwtranstech.com