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Xaar XJ128 Series - User Manual

Xaar XJ128 Series
70 pages
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Guide to Operation
XJ128
High Performance
Ink Jet Printhead
XJ128/200
XJ128/200 Plus
XJ128/360
XJ128 Guide to Operation
ļƒ“Xaar Document no D031010302 Version A
Xaar Confidential

Table of Contents

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Summary

Introduction

Overview

Provides an overview of the XJ128 printhead, its operation, and the document's structure.

Safety instructions

Details crucial safety precautions for using the XJ128 printhead, emphasizing handling and liquid contact.

Disclaimer

States terms of use, accuracy, and liability regarding the manual and the XJ128 printhead.

General Product Information

The XJ128 printhead

Describes the XJ128 printhead's composition: piezo-based, 128-channel actuator, ink-supply filter, and drive circuitry.

Xaar technology

Explains Xaar's patented shear mode, shared wall piezo-based technology used in the printhead.

Product handling and installation

Covers essential precautions for handling and installing the XJ128 printhead, including ESD and cleanliness.

Anti-static precautions

Highlights the need for ESD precautions when handling static-sensitive Xaar printheads.

Handling

Warns about sensitive nozzle plates and the need to avoid contact to prevent performance degradation.

Installation and pre-flushing

Advises on potential residual fluid in printheads and the need for pre-flushing with specific fluids.

Hot-plugging

Prohibits connecting/disconnecting the printhead to electrical supply while power is on to prevent damage.

Storage and shipment

Provides guidelines for storage conditions and shipping to maintain printhead integrity and warranty.

Product Description

Parts description

Details the main components of the XJ128 printhead, illustrated with an isometric view.

Actuator

Describes the actuator's location and function: converting electrical energy into pressure waves for ink ejection.

Electrical connector

Identifies the interface for connecting the printhead to the user's external electronics.

Ink inlets and filter

Details the ink inlet port and the integral 15µm stainless steel mesh filter for nozzle protection.

Nozzle plate

Differentiates nozzle plate properties for XJ128/200, XJ128/360 (non-wetting) and XJ128/200 Plus (wetting).

Product specifications

Presents performance specifications for XJ128 models tested under standard operational conditions.

Mechanical Guide

Channel numbering and side definition

Defines nozzle numbering (1-128) and orientation on the printhead for mechanical integration.

Printhead mounting

Details care required for printhead mounting, emphasizing nozzle plate protection and load relief.

Print distance

Specifies recommended printing distance and warns about reduced quality at greater distances.

Thermal management

Emphasizes managing printhead temperature, with a maximum limit of 55°C to prevent damage.

Ink connection

Details the ink inlet port and recommends tubing size and cleanliness for ink supply.

Printhead shock and vibration

Recommends protecting the printhead from shock and vibration to maintain image quality and life.

Electrical Functions

Function overview

Introduces the major electrical control functions and signals for the XJ128 printhead.

Signal descriptions

Details the function of each signal pin (nSS, VDD, VPPL, VPPH, nFAULT, nRESET, MOSI, etc.).

Electrical connection to the printhead

Specifies the 30-pin AMP™™ connector type and part number for electrical interfacing.

Grounding and isolation

Provides guidelines for proper grounding and isolation of power supplies to prevent damage.

Electrical Specifications and Data

Electrical requirements

Details the printhead's ICs, interface, and power supply requirements (VDD, VPPH, VPPL).

Absolute maximum electrical ratings

Lists critical voltage and current ratings; exceeding them can cause permanent damage.

Power supply sequencing

Stresses the importance of correct power supply sequencing for IC protection during power-up/down.

Recommended electrical operating conditions

Specifies recommended voltage, current, and clock frequency for reliable printhead operation.

Data structure

Cycle order

Explains nozzle grouping into three cycles (A, B, C) for synchronized firing.

Print data structure

Defines the bit order and loading sequence for pixel data to the printhead.

Ink Supply System Design

Ink supply materials compatibility

Stresses material compatibility for ink system components to ensure printhead longevity and performance.

Ink preparation

Covers requirements for using approved inks and proper storage to maintain performance and prevent damage.

Ink filtration

Details the integral filter's function and the necessity of primary system filtration for longevity.

Providing a negative pressure ink supply

Explains the need for negative ink supply pressure to control ink flow and prevent uncontrolled ejection.

Ink supply system design

Details essential components for a well-designed ink supply system, including reservoir, pump, and filter.

System filter

Highlights the importance of adequate system ink filtration to protect the printhead's integral filter.

Filling the printhead and supply system

Covers procedures for cleaning the ink supply system and filling the printhead.

First Use

Describes the initial start-up maintenance cycle required before printing.

Maintenance, Reliability and Lifetime

Printhead maintenance

Explains the critical role of printhead maintenance for performance and reliability.

Maintenance strategies

Outlines different maintenance approaches: operational, short-term, and long-term.

Printhead maintenance methods

Introduces various techniques for printhead maintenance, referencing specific ink compatibility.

Pressure purge

Describes pressure purge for cleaning nozzles and the nozzle plate, detailing pressure and duration.

Vacuum purge

Explains vacuum purge for cleaning nozzles and the nozzle plate using vacuum application.

Wiping

Details wiping procedures, applicable only to wetting nozzle plates, to remove fibres and contamination.

Vacuum wiping

Describes vacuum wiping to remove excess ink and contamination without nozzle plate contact.

Capping

Describes capping as a protective measure for the nozzle plate during non-operational periods.

Image Processing

Image processing background

Discusses the importance of image processing for print quality, varying with application complexity.

File formats

Lists common digital image file formats (TIFF, BMP, JPEG, PSD) used in printing applications.

Image processing software

Mentions software like Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation and RIPs for advanced applications.

Colour spaces

Explains colour spaces (RGB, CMYK, CIE LAB) and their relevance to achieving accurate colour reproduction.

Processing an image

Outlines the general workflow for preparing images for printing with the XJ128 printhead.

Process flow

Provides a flowchart detailing image processing steps from opening to printing.

Resolution and sizing

Explains how image pixel size and resolution affect printed output size and printhead compatibility.

Changing colour space

Describes converting image colour spaces (e.g., RGB to CMYK) for printing requirements.

Ink control

Discusses adjusting ink levels based on substrate and pixel values for optimal print coverage.

Splitting ink channels

Details splitting colour images into component channels (C, M, Y, K) for printhead processing.

Binary patterning methods

Covers methods like dithering and halftone screens for representing grayscale data in monochrome images.

Saving an image for printing

Guides on saving processed images in the correct format (e.g., 1-bit bitmap) for the printer driver.

XJ128 image transformation

Explains how mounting angles and image slanting are used to align printed dots.

Extraction of image data

Describes extracting image data as slanted slices for slanted printheads.

Trouble Shooting

Printhead problems

Directs users to relevant sections for troubleshooting printhead issues.

Returning printhead(s) to Xaar

Provides instructions for returning printheads to Xaar, including warranty voidance warnings.

Feedback and Support

Feedback

Invites users to provide feedback for improving the manual's usefulness.

Support

Lists contact information for Xaar Technical Support in different regions.

Appendices

Appendix A, Environmental Considerations

Covers guidelines for disposing of packaging and recycling printhead components.

Appendix B, Document History and Changes

Details revision history and document changes for the manual.

Appendix C, Patents, Trademarks and Product Marking

Lists patents, trademarks, product marking information, copyright, and safety standards.

CE Compliance and working environment

Discusses CE compliance, ESD testing, and suitability for light industrial environments.

Appendix D, Mechanical drawing

References Appendix D for detailed mechanical drawings of the printhead.

Appendix E, The Xaar flex-cable

Describes the Xaar flex-cable, its connector, and pin connections for system integration.

Glossary

Index

Xaar XJ128 Series Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandXaar
ModelXJ128 Series
CategoryPrinter Accessories
LanguageEnglish

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