In an article published on Printweek’s website on December 14, 2022, Xaar—a UK-based leader in inkjet printhead technologies—confirmed it has made an investment in a 3D printing start-up focused on additive manufacturing innovations. Although the full financial details of the deal were not disclosed, Xaar executives indicated that the partnership aligns with the company’s broader strategy to diversify beyond its traditional inkjet segment and explore new applications for digital deposition technologies.
According to the Printweek report, the unnamed start-up specializes in developing next-generation 3D printers and printable materials, potentially opening avenues for Xaar’s advanced printhead solutions to be integrated into high-precision additive manufacturing systems. Xaar’s CEO, John Mills, was quoted as emphasizing the synergy between inkjet and 3D printing: both rely on complex fluid handling, droplet formation, and layer-by-layer deposition to build or decorate substrates. By combining Xaar’s expertise in printhead design with the start-up’s R&D in materials and 3D printer architecture, the partners intend to accelerate innovation for industrial clients seeking faster, more accurate methods of producing components and prototypes.
The article points out that this move continues Xaar’s history of venturing into emerging technologies. In recent years, the company has introduced inkjet solutions not only for traditional graphics and packaging, but also for functional applications like electronics printing, décor, and ceramics. Additive manufacturing is seen as a key growth sector, expected to benefit from improved printing speeds and expanding materials portfolios.
Printweek also highlights that the agreement may expand Xaar’s intellectual property portfolio, with potential joint patents or co-developed hardware. However, the partnership still faces challenges, such as establishing stable supply chains for specialty materials and ensuring cost-competitiveness versus incumbent 3D printing methods. Moreover, the article mentions the broader context of competition within the additive manufacturing market, which has seen major players—such as HP, Stratasys, and 3D Systems—invest heavily in new printer designs.
Despite those challenges, the editorial tone suggests that Xaar is well-positioned to create unique high-resolution, high-speed solutions given its existing printhead technology. The article concludes that industry observers will be watching closely for product announcements or prototypes arising from Xaar’s investment, as the synergy between inkjet engineering and 3D printing could further drive innovation across manufacturing, consumer products, and potentially even medical sectors.
