Wallpen brings new life to walls with Xaar technology

Germany-based Wallpen has launched a large format UV printer system using inkjet technology from Xaar to print pictures and graphics direct to walls.

Developed over two years and underpinned by 15 patents, the Wallpen is the brainchild of Wallpen managing director Andreas Schmidt, who designed the vertical printer to have a wide range of possible applications.

The machine prints in brilliant, durable and high-definition colours directly onto a wide variety of substrates including plaster, wallpaper, wood, stone, plastic, tiles, glass, metal and concrete.

Incorporating a four-colour Xaar 128 print bar, the Wallpen utilises a rigid and lightweight aluminium structure to print the image. At the same time, it scans across the surface using a laser to adjust for surface imperfections and undulations, and automatically and continuously adjusts the print arm for any changes in the surface of the substrate onto which it prints.

The Wallpen printer can create designs on walls up to almost 4m high, with no limit to the printable width, and can cover up to 4sqm/hr at a resolution of 370 x 600dpi, making it an enticing new product for painters, decorators and interior designers, as well as sign makers, advertising agencies and graphic designers.

"Since the launch, we've had a great deal of interest in the printer from a wide variety of industries, and sales are already looking very healthy," commented Mr Schmidt.

"The Xaar 128 printheads are central to our product because of their ability to jet UV ink, and also because they can be easily incorporated into a small and lightweight printhead unit. As a consequence, Xaar technology is playing a major role in the Wallpen printer's success."