Dutch robot manufacturer Xyrec has successfully demonstrated a breakthrough in aircraft painting technology by printing a large digital image on an Airbus A320 fuselage. The demonstration took place in Hamburg, Germany.
This new and unique solution for decorating aircraft uses inkjet technology for digital printing and ink instead of paint.
The printer will be introduced in Xyrec’s Automated Paint Robot for aircraft, and will be the largest robot in the world, says the company.
The robot is capable of handling an entire aeroplane, which up until now has not been possible.
Xyrec developed this technology in cooperation with Southwest Research Institute, Airbus and Marabu.
The development of this revolutionary printer addresses a growing demand from airline operators to paint more intricate designs on their aircraft.
The technology consists of an automated process that enables operators to decorate the full body of an aircraft in every design and all colours fast and efficiently in a fixed amount of time.
The new technology means airlines can be much more creative, because current painting techniques make use of manual masking and spray guns, and result in complicated and lengthy processes.
This of course severely limits creativity in decorating airplanes. The new technology will offer new and fast opportunities for branding and advertising on airplanes.
Peter Boeijink, CEO of Xyrec: “The demonstration today marks the beginning of a new era in aircraft painting. Our partners have done a great job.
“This remarkable technology is the outcome of an international industrial collaboration of the best in class.”
Mr. Adam Hamilton, CEO of Southwest Research Institute: “Southwest Research Institute solves difficult problems and I am pleased that our research efforts provided an elegant and innovative solution for applying high-fidelity graphics.”
Mr. Boeder, CEO of Marabu: “We are very pleased that our unique ink development led to this result and looking forward to see a bloom in beautifully decorated aircraft.”
