Press Centre

Xaar plc ("Xaar"), the inkjet printing technology group headquartered in Cambridge, announces that its customer, Nakan Corporation (“Nakan”) has launched a production machine for use in LCD screen manufacturing incorporating Xaar printheads.

Nakan, a world leader in the manufacture of LCD-TFT process technology and equipment, has successfully installed its first GEN5.5 polyimide (PI) alignment-layer inkjet printing platform for manufacturing LCD screens of up to 1,300 mm by 1,500 mm at one of the world’s leading manufacturers of LCD screens.  The PI alignment layer is a key process in the production of all LCD screens and the new Nakan platform offers a cost-effective, fully scaleable inkjet printing solution for any substrate size.

The printing platform incorporates large arrays (16 printheads or more) of Xaar’s advanced multi-pulse greyscale Xaar760 printhead which enables single-pass coating with high-precision and control.  By using Xaar’s multi-pulse inkjet technology the new platform achieves excellent drop placement and volume control, creating thin, highly uniform coats with sharply defined edges and a corresponding reduction in materials usage and scrap for the manufacturer.

Xaar’s Advanced Applications Technology Group worked closely with Nakan to develop the deposition processes and conditions to ensure industry requirements are met fully.  Xaar and Nakan will continue to work closely together to build on the success of this first installation.

Ian Dinwoodie, Xaar’s Chief Executive, commented: “Our relationship with Nakan gives us a foothold in the LCD screen manufacturing sector at a time when many of the major manufacturers are considering moving from analogue to digital deposition technologies in high volume screen production.”

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.

About Nakan Corporation

Based in Sakura-City, Japan, Nakan was founded in 1937 as a manufacturer of printing machinery.  In recent years it has focused on the business of Flat Panel Displays, especially manufacturing equipment and related devices for producing LCD panels.

Ends

Contacts