Press Centre

Xaar Leopard printheads with patented greyscale technology help to make ‘late differentiation’ a reality in pharmaceutical blister packaging production.

Visitors to the Romaco stand (Hall 16, booth B 23) at Interpack 2005 will be able to see Xaar’s greyscale technology in action in Romaco’s new UV ink-compatible Hapa DP8000 digital packaging printer - specifically developed to provide packaging specialists with a ‘late stage customisation’ print functionality for pharmaceutical blister production.

Says Ian Dinwoodie, CEO, Xaar: ”This is yet another clear demonstration of the true flexibility of Xaar’s inkjet technology in the packaging sector. The Leopard printhead, incorporating our greyscale technology, is providing the digital inkjet quality, versatility and speed needed to create a unique proposition for the industrial and packaging markets. Romaco Hapa has been supported by Vivid Print, our US integration division to integrate Xaar’s technology into the packaging line - the result is the Hapa DP8000.

“Xaar’s inkjet technology has now enabled the Hapa DP8000 to address one of the most fundamental challenges to the packaging sector - that of late differentiation. This new machine will now enable packaging specialists involved in blister packaging production for the pharmaceutical sector to meet the increasing demands from customers for a true Print-On-Demand (POD) and late differentiation package printing solution.

Xaar’s Leopard printhead produces eight levels of greyscale to create an apparent visual dpi of >900 using Xaar's patented drop-on-demand inkjet technology. The greyscale effect is achieved by firing multiple droplets from the same nozzle in rapid succession, rather than a single droplet as occurs in binary applications. Constructed with a stainless steel nozzle guard to enhance its robustness and integrating a thermal management facility to promote performance, the Leopard has been specifically developed for the rigors of an industrial market. In addition, the Leopard has a 53.6 mm print swathe to increase coverage.

Continues Mr Dinwoodie: “Print flexibility and quality, and maximising production efficiency are all critical factors in maintaining real competitiveness in the packaging supply chain. The new Hapa DP8000 will enable the printer to adopt a ‘make to stock’ production methodology, reducing lead times and production overruns. We are looking forward to continuing our association with Romaco and other companies in the packaging sector to develop tailored inkjet solutions in response to industry demand.”

Ends

About Xaar
Xaar plc is a market-leading ink jet technology company. It targets the world’s office, commercial and industrial printing markets. The office printing market is approached through Xaar’s licensees; the industrial printing market is targeted by XaarJet, the manufacturing arm of Xaar; and a combination of partners and key players work with Xaar to serve the commercial printing market. Vivid Print Innovations, the applications division of Xaar, provides Xaar’s in-house specialist integration service.

Peter Frei
Romaco Hapa
Volketswil, Switzerland
T: +41 43 399 32 00
E: peter.frei@romaco.com

For more information, please contact:

Alex Challinor, Xaar plc
T: +44 (0)1223 423663
achallinor@xaar.co.uk
www.xaar.co.uk

Laura French
T: +44 (0)1372 464470
lfrench@adcomms.co.uk