InPrint 2015

InPrint is the only print show to cover all industrial printing areas under one roof. For Xaar, this is a great opportunity to demonstrate our expertise across multiple vertical markets where Xaar’s technology is used as part of the production process and to show our exceptional range of printheads for the growing needs of a highly diverse printing industry. 
In its second year, the show was held at Munich Tradefair Centre from 10 to 12 November. The show exceeded expectations from last year with a much bigger venue to accommodate a significantly increased exhibitor and visitor presence which totalled 3,400 visitors from 68 countries. The show was held alongside Productronica, the world's leading trade fair for electronics development and production. With open access for visitors and exhibitors alike, this provided an ample opportunity for Xaar to target technologists and process engineers looking for simple improvements to provide cost-enhancing technical solutions. 

There was a greater range of machines on show this year, many of which belonged to Xaar’s OEMs and featured the Xaar 1002 printhead.  

Heidelberg launched a new four-colour version of theJetmaster Dimension digital 4D print solutionfor direct printing onto objects. 

JetSet Industrial introduced GATE, a new open platform for industrial and OEM inkjet integration. Designed for high-productivity and high-precision scanning applications in a multitude of segments, Gate is characterised by its full modularity and the capability to integrate different substrate handling (including roll-to-roll for flexible substrates, conveyor belt and sliding vacuum table) and a variety of printheads, ink chemistries, ink recirculation systems, drying and curing technologies such as mercury and LED UV lamps, infrared, NIR, air blades, etc.
 
Other notable products from Xaar OEMs included the new DIGI 5 modular system fromBergstein Digital BVfor direct-to-product printing;Hymmen’sseven-model Jupiter range of industrial digital printers for laminates; theINX NW210 label press; and the n.jet lab gantry system fromNotion Systemsfor technical applications. 

Demonstrating the unique combination of our OEMs engineering capabilities matched with Xaar’s world-leading digital inkjet technology, the machines bought the theory of digital inkjet possibilities to life, and further reinforced Xaar’s reputation as an industry leader across diverse markets and applications. 

The growing appetite for digital inkjet capabilities demonstrated at the show across a diverse range of industrial applications meant Xaar was well placed to engage with a number of the industry’s leading players looking for the latest technology for improving manufacturing efficiencies. 

As one of the founding partners and a major sponsor of InPrint, Xaar had a significant presence at the show with a 40sqm stand which gave particular focus to the recently launchedXaar Print Bar System, theXaar 1002 and501printheads.

​Xaar’s stand was a focal point at the show attracting a high footfall of visitors interested in learning more about Xaar’s versatile and flexible range of innovative technology, and to view our range of printed examples including ceramics, glass, décor laminates (floor coverings and furniture) and 3D printing – all made possible through Xaar’s world class printhead technology. 

With our range of drop-sizes and compatibility with different fluids, our printheads are the ideal component for OEMs looking for versatile, efficient and flexible solutions to meet their industrial printing needs. 

Particularly popular with visitors to the stand were our two videos specially created for the show. The first showed a selection of our OEMs machines in action using our printheads in different applications. The second video was a celebration of Xaar’s history and heritage through the years. Both videos provided an additional element for engaging with exhibition visitors. 

Mark Ritchie and Mark Alexander from Xaar delivered presentations during the InPrint conference covering two key industrial print areas: packaging and advanced manufacturing. Richard Darling presented the new Xaar Print Bar System in the Innovation competition – sadly being pipped to the post by Kuei.  

Senior Product Manager, Mark Ritchie’s presentation ‘Future Technological Developments for Inkjet and Advanced Manufacturing Technology’ focused on the future of functional, rather than decorative, inkjet printing in manufacturing applications.  Mark Alexander, Director of Business Development, put forward the case for inkjet packaging printing in his presentation ‘To be or not to be? A true story of inkjet in packaging.’  

​Xaar also sponsored ‘Pushing the Boundaries of Inkjet Applications’, a presentation by Professor Neil Hopkinson, Head of Sheffield University’s Centre for Advanced Additive Manufacturing. The presentation aimed to open delegates’ eyes to additive manufacturing’s role in the commercial production of quality engineering components, as well as volume production of high-quality fast-moving consumer goods.  Xaar has been working closely with theUniversity of Sheffield's AdAM Centre and partners, including Unilever and BAE Systems to develop HSS (High Speed Sintering) technology, which is a key driver to growth in the 3D printing industry.  ​

All three presentations were very well received at the conference and generated a lively debate afterwards. 
Overall, InPrint was an overwhelming success for Xaar as well as our customers.