At FuturePrint, innovation is often sparked by a single question. For Nazdar’s Dean Allen, Business Development Manager, and Morgane Galizzi, R&D Chemist, that question centered on the potential of pushing the boundaries of ink viscosity in inkjet printing. Their exploration into high viscosity inks—typically operating at 50 centipoise, far beyond the traditional 2–12 centipoise range—has opened new doors for innovation, particularly in corrugated packaging and functional applications. By expanding the viscosity range, Nazdar’s team has unlocked the ability to incorporate more diverse and functional chemicals into their ink formulations, effectively broadening their creative and technical possibilities.
The journey began in collaboration with printhead manufacturer Xaar, which initiated the conversation around high viscosity inks. Intrigued by the potential, Nazdar partnered with Swansea University to deepen their research, combining practical industry knowledge with academic expertise. The result is a growing portfolio of high viscosity ink solutions, with applications spanning flexible packaging, textiles, coding and marking, and notably, aqueous corrugated printing. This shift in viscosity has allowed Nazdar’s chemists to explore higher pigment loading and more robust binders, leading to improved colour density, durability, and reduced ink penetration—especially on untreated corrugated substrates.
In practical tests using a Xaar Aquinox printhead, Nazdar’s high viscosity inks demonstrated significant performance improvements. On untreated brown corrugated board, the 50 centipoise ink achieved a 20% boost in colour density compared to a standard 10 centipoise formulation. On white clay-coated board, the improvement ranged between 32% and 37%. Even more impressive, when comparing air-dried standard inks to high viscosity inks printed with infrared (IR) assistance, colour density increased by up to 50%. These results go beyond technical metrics; they translate into tangible operational and environmental benefits. Faster drying times reduce energy consumption, while greater throw distances minimize printhead strikes and enhance press design flexibility.
Allen emphasized that this is just the beginning of a broader journey. While aqueous corrugated printing is already showing commercial promise, other applications, such as high viscosity inks for flexible packaging, remain in the early stages of exploration. What began as a skeptical inquiry has become a cornerstone of Nazdar’s innovation strategy. The team hopes that high viscosity inks will soon be recognized as a mainstream option by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) developing next-generation printing presses.
Ultimately, Nazdar’s work with high viscosity inks is about more than just the ink itself—it’s about the possibilities it unlocks. By enabling new applications, efficiencies, and design opportunities, high viscosity ink acts as a catalyst for industry-wide innovation. As Allen aptly put it, “This isn’t just about ink—it’s about what that ink makes possible.” Through collaboration, experimentation, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, Nazdar is helping to redefine the future of printing.
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