Xaar 128/80L Printhead Blue - XP12800005

The Xaar 128/80L Printhead (Blue) – model XP12800005 is a compact, industrial-grade piezoelectric inkjet printhead designed for coding & marking (CM) and wide-format graphics (WFG). It is especially valued for its lightweight design, broad ink compatibility (oil/solvent/dye-sub), and reliable performance in harsh environments.

Key Specifications (XP12800005 – Blue Tag)

Strengths for our Customers

•     Lightweight & compact: At only 15.5 g, it’s ideal for systems where mass and space are constrained (e.g., moving gantries, compact coders).
•     Broad ink compatibility: Works with oil, solvent, and dye-sub inks—useful for packaging codes, outdoor graphics, and industrial marking.
•     Robust in tough conditions: Designed for industrial reliability and stable operation in demanding environments.
•     Easy integration: User-friendly electrical/mechanical interface; widely documented with many third-party driver boards and integration guides.
•     Cost-effective workhorse: Long-established model with good availability of parts and support.

Limitations to Consider

•     Resolution: 200 dpi may be limiting for very high-detail graphics compared to newer 300–600 dpi heads.
•     Drop size: 80 pL is relatively large; excellent for bold marks and high-speed coverage, less suited to fine photographic detail.
•     Speed vs. quality trade-off: While it can fire at high frequencies, achieving consistent high-quality output at top speeds depends on ink, drive waveform, and mechanics.

Quick Comparison Context (Xaar 128 Family)

Xaar offers several 128-nozzle variants differentiated mainly by drop size and resolution:

•     128/80L (Blue) – 80 pL, 200 dpi – general-purpose CM/WFG, solvent/oil/dye-sub.
•     128/40 (Dark Grey) – 40 pL, 360 dpi – finer detail, higher frequency capability.
•     Other color tags (e.g., purple, light grey) indicate alternate drop volumes/resolutions within the same family.

If you need finer detail or higher native resolution, a 40 pL / 360 dpi variant may be better; if you prioritize bold marks, speed, and ink versatility, the 80 pL blue version is a strong fit.

Purchasing Checklist

Before buying XP12800005, confirm:

•     Ink compatibility: Ensure your specific ink (brand/chemistry) is validated for Xaar 128.
•     Drive electronics: Verify your controller/driver board supports the 128’s waveform and voltage requirements.
•     Mounting angle & swath: Your mechanical design should leverage the 16.5 mm swath (often used at an angle for effective width).
•     Supply chain: Check lead time and warranty from supplier (This printhead is covered with manufactured warranty and lead times 4-6 business day).
•     Application fit: Match 80 pL / 200 dpi to your use case (e.g., outer carton coding, posters, large graphics vs. fine photo prints).