Dürr Launches High-Resolution System for In-Process Vehicle Graphics
Dürr introduced EcoNextJet, a high-resolution application system that prints complex graphics, patterns and lettering directly onto vehicle bodies as part of the automated painting process.
The system integrates custom designs into existing paint operations, eliminating manual steps such as gluing films or patterns to vehicle surfaces. EcoNextJet applies graphics both horizontally and vertically and can dispense two colors simultaneously when required.
“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. Once the graphic has been clear coated, you can’t feel it anymore,” said Timo Beyl, manager new technologies at Dürr.
EcoNextJet is based on drop-on-demand technology, pairing a printhead with approximately 2,000 individually controllable nozzles to a painting robot. Each nozzle releases paint only when needed, with up to six drops dispensed per pixel. As droplets travel through the air, they merge before reaching the surface, enabling precise control of size and speed.
According to Dürr, the system produces a paint film thickness of approximately five micrometers with resolution up to 720 dpi. A two-channel printhead allows two colors to be applied simultaneously. Software developed by Dürr controls the robot’s movement and calculates the impact point for each drop, including on convex or vertical surfaces. The same paint is used across surfaces to ensure consistent finish quality.
EcoNextJet was developed in collaboration with Axalta and XAAR.
“Our customers want their designers to have more freedom, especially when it comes to high-resolution graphics,” said Frank Herre, director automotive (paint shop) at Dürr. “The partnership with Axalta and XAAR significantly shortened the development time and made it possible to offer a complete system that meets the automotive industry’s requirements.”
The system is available for initial testing at Dürr test centers in Bietigheim, Germany, and Southfield, Michigan, where manufacturers can evaluate automated, film-free graphic application within production environments.
This announcement reflects ongoing developments in finishing equipment used to improve precision and automation in paint and coatings processes.
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