Dürr unveils system for printing designs on cars

Dürr has launched EcoNextJet, an application system that prints custom graphics, patterns, and lettering directly onto vehicle bodies during the painting process. The system replaces manual film application with an automated sequence, offering resolution up to 720 dpi and the ability to print in two colours simultaneously.

EcoNextJet uses drop-on-demand technology, with a printhead featuring 2,000 individually controllable nozzles attached to a painting robot. Each nozzle dispenses paint only when needed, with up to six drops per pixel merging in flight before reaching the surface. The system produces a paint film thickness of approximately five micrometres.

In a statement, Timo Beyl, Manager of New Technologies at Dürr, said: “The lines printed by EcoNextJet are as fine as a human hair. Regardless of the geometry or alignment of the body, detailed designs with high surface quality are possible in almost any location.”

The system was developed in partnership with paint manufacturer Axalta and printhead manufacturer Xaar. EcoNextJet is available for testing at Dürr’s facilities in Bietigheim, Germany, and Southfield, Michigan.

Source: Dürr