Xaar 501 GS8 O† Printhead

The Xaar 501 GS8 O† is a wide‑format graphics (WFG) inkjet printhead designed for high reliability and robustness, especially with oil inks and heavily pigmented inks like white. For a buyer, it’s a single‑row, 180 nozzle/in printhead offering 8–40 pL drop sizes, up to 6 grey levels, and 8 kHz firing frequency, with various options for TF Technology recirculation and filter modules.

Key specifications (Xaar 501 GS8 O†)

•     Active nozzles: 500
•     Print swathe width: 70.5 mm
•     Rows: 1
•     Nozzle pitch: 141.1 µm
•     Nozzle density: 180 npi (nozzles per inch)
•     Nozzle guard: WFG (wide‑format graphics)
•     Ink types: Oil (O models)
•     Drop volume: 8–40 pL (depending on ink & integration)
•     Grey levels: 6 (binary + up to 4 more levels)
•     Typical firing frequency @ max DPD: 8 kHz
•     TF Technology modes: None, Pulsed (for O† models; O models can have Pulsed or High Flow depending on variant)
•     Weight (dry): ~208 g
•     Dimensions: 104 × 17 × 113 mm (O† with filter module).

The “O†” suffix specifically indicates an oil‑ink version with a filter module included.

What makes the 501 GS8 different?

Architecture and drop quality

•     Uses PrecisionPlus architecture, an evolution of Xaar’s Hybrid Side Shooter design from the 1003 printhead.
•     Enhanced actuator gives uniform drop formation across the swathe, improving colour density consistency and edge definition.
•     Nozzles are individually lasered, improving drop placement accuracy and print quality for graphics and text.

Ink and reliability features

•     Designed for high‑viscosity or heavily pigmented inks (e.g. white), especially when TF Technology in Pulsed mode is used.
•     Internal temperature management and industrial design support a wide range of fluid viscosities and ambient temperatures.
•     Optional TF Technology recirculation helps keep nozzles clear of particles and air bubbles, reducing sedimentation and improving uptime in harsh environments.

Integration flexibility

•     Supports vacuum‑controlled ink supply or TF Technology in Pulsed/High Flow modes.
•     Designed for quick priming and automatic nozzle priming, simplifying maintenance and startup.
•     Flexible ink supply options and straightforward integration aim to reduce manufacturing time and servicing time.

Our customers quick‑evaluation checklist

When deciding if the 501 GS8 O† is right for your machine/application:

    Ink type compatibility

•         Confirm your printer uses oil inks (O models are oil‑only; UV variants are separate: GS8U/GS8UR).
•         If you print heavy whites or high‑pigment inks, consider enabling TF Technology Pulsed mode if your system supports it.

    Print quality needs

•         Good for: large exterior banners, indoor POS graphics, secondary packaging coding.
•         Benefits: smooth tints/graduations, strong edge definition, consistent density across swathe.

    Production environment

        Choose 501 GS8 if you need:

•             High uptime in harsh or variable environments.
•             Robustness against particulates/bubbles via TF recirculation.
•         If your environment is very clean and you don’t need recirculation, a non‑TF variant may be simpler/cheaper.

    Mechanical integration

        Check:

•             Swathe width: 70.5 mm and single‑row layout.
•             Inlet/outlet: hose barb 4 mm (typical for 501 variants).
•             Mounting orientation: downshooter / “skycraper” options available.
•         Ensure your carriage and ink delivery can support a printhead of ~208 g and the 104×17×113 mm envelope (with filter).

   Comparison snapshot: Xaar 501 GS8 variants (for context)

All share the same core specs (500 nozzles, 70.5 mm swathe, 180 npi, 8–40 pL, 6 grey levels, 8 kHz) but differ in ink type, filter, and TF configuration.

Should you buy the 501 GS8 O†?

Leaning yes if:

•     You print oil inks for wide‑formatgraphics.
•     You need robustness with white or heavily pigmented inks.
•     Your system can support TF Technology (Pulsed) and you want the included filter module for easier maintenance.
•     You value consistent colour density and sharp edges across a 70.5 mm swathe.

Consider alternatives if:

•     You use UV inks (then look at 501 GS8 U variants).
•     Your application only needs lower resolution or simpler nozzles, and you can tolerate more frequent maintenance.
•     Budget is very tight and you don’t need TF recirculation or a filter module.