New XIJ Technology Printer from Matthews Marking

Coding and labeling specialist Matthews Marking Systems is launching a new small-character inkjet printer that combines some of the advantages of continuous and thermal inkjet printers. Matthews is calling it XIJ technology.

The new MPERIA AX1000 Series printer utilizes Matthews’ Axian Inkjet (XIJ) printing technology, which employs a micro-valve MEMS printhead to control the drops of ink, rather than the piezo electric or heat and bubbles used in other drop-on-demand inkjet printers.

“XIJ technology is a true game-changer for industrial printing.

By combining the best of multiple inkjet technologies with our proprietary micro-valve MEMS innovation, we’re delivering unmatched speed, print quality, and reliability.

This breakthrough empowers manufacturers to achieve new levels of efficiency and sustainability in their operations.”

~ Lee Lane, Group President, Matthews Industrial Technologies and Matthews Environmental Solutions

The AX1000 printer is designed to be a similar size to existing continuous inkjet printers and offers several advantages:

Prints 2D barcodes and text at high speeds
Does not require the use of additive or makeup fluids
Higher print resolution than CIJ printers
Less maintenance than CIJ printers
A closed ink system that reduces emissions

MPERIA AX1000 Series Basic Specifications:

MPERIA AX1000 Series
Technology	Micro-valve MEMS
Max Print Height	13 mm
Print Resolution	100 dpi
Throw Distance	Up to 8 mm
Max Print Speed	60 m/min
Ink Type	Solvent-based for non-porous materials

My Thoughts

This is an interesting new coding system, and it will be interesting to see how it competes with CIJ and also thermal inkjet (TIJ) alternatives.

I would like to have the option of a larger print height to accommodate printing GS1 Digital Link QR codes. Many of these will be larger than the current 13 mm maximum print height of the AX1000 printer. The Markem-Imaje SPI printer, for example, can print 16 mm high at 100 dpi.