Engineered Printing Solutions Will Showcase XD-AQ System
The company will demonstrate its new PFAS-free industrial inkjet technology at Chicago's upcoming PACK EXPO.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Engineered Printing Solutions will present its XD-AQ inkjet system at the upcoming PACK EXPO in Chicago, scheduled to run from October 18-21, 2026. The new machine is designed to print directly onto various packaging materials without the need for traditional plates or labels.
Why it matters
This system enables manufacturers to print high-quality graphics onto already folded or formed packaging, allowing for rapid design changes. Its ability to handle short production runs provides packaging producers with greater flexibility in their manufacturing operations.
The XD-AQ system prints at speeds up to 164 feet per minute and features a 5.4-inch print swath. It carries a price tag of $345,000 or 299,000 euros.
The players
Engineered Printing Solutions
This company specializes in the development and manufacturing of industrial digital printing systems for various packaging applications.
PACK EXPO
This is a major trade show held at McCormick Place in Chicago that showcases the latest innovations in packaging and processing machinery.
Xaar
This organization is a provider of industrial inkjet printhead technology, including the Aquinox printheads utilized in this system.
The details
Utilizing eight Xaar Aquinox printheads and high-viscosity water-based, PFAS-free inks, the system eliminates the need for UV lamps in the printing process. It offers 10 inches of vertical clearance, accommodating a range of die-cut, cartonboard, and corrugated packaging shapes.
Timeline
The system was first announced in September 2026 at the FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS Summit.
A live demonstration of the system will occur at PACK EXPO from October 18-21, 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition from analog printing plates to direct-to-package digital inkjet systems remains a primary driver of industry modernization. The XD-AQ system follows this established trajectory by offering a flexible, plate-free alternative for large-scale packaging operations.
Producers utilizing this technology may see reduced costs and faster turnaround times for customized packaging orders. Average customers could benefit from an increase in brand-versioned designs and specialized, short-run packaging on store shelves.
The takeaway
The move toward PFAS-free, high-viscosity water-based ink reflects a broader manufacturing trend toward safer and more sustainable industrial processes. Adopting such digital systems allows companies to pivot quickly between design iterations without the expense of physical inventory buildup.
Further reading
Discover more innovations in the Consumer Goods section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Industry Europe.
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