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}Xaar 1003 GS-12C Printhead
Brand: Xaar
Tax excluded. Shipping calculated at checkout
Availability: In stock
The Xaar 1003 GS-12C is a genuine original industrial ceramic inkjet printhead engineered specifically for high-speed single-pass ceramic tile decoration using oil-based ceramic inks. Successor to the Xaar 1001 and 1002 ceramic heads, the 1003 GS-12C introduces XaarGuard™ nozzle plate protection for unmatched durability, combined with High Laydown™ technology for consistent ink deposition at any printing mode. With 1,000 nozzles, a 12–84 pl variable drop range across 8 greyscale levels, and a 70.5mm print swathe, it delivers the high-volume ceramic output demanded by large tile production environments. Every GS-12C we sell at Digiprint USA is 100% genuine original Xaar.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Xaar 1003 GS-12C |
| Active nozzles | 1,000 nozzles in 2 rows |
| Nozzle density | 360 npi (interleaved) |
| Nozzle pitch (interleaved) | 70.5 µm |
| Print swathe width | 70.5 mm |
| Drop volume range | 12 pl – 84 pl (8 greyscale levels) |
| Typical firing frequency | 6 – 12 kHz |
| Drop velocity | 5 m/s (typical) |
| Ink compatibility | Oil-based ceramic inks (C = Ceramic variant) |
| Greyscale levels | 8 levels |
| Nozzle plate | XaarGuard™ protected |
| Technologies | TF Technology™, High Laydown™, SmartStart™, XaarGuard™ |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 125 × 30 × 60 mm |
| Dry weight | 144 g |
| Condition | 100% genuine original Xaar, brand new |
GS-12C vs Other Xaar 1003 Variants — Which Do You Need?
| Model | Drop Range | Ink Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-6U | 6 – 42 pl | Solvent, UV, oil | Fine-detail non-ceramic applications |
| GS-12U | 12 – 84 pl | Solvent, UV, oil | Universal wide-format and label printing |
| GS-12C (this listing) | 12 – 84 pl | Oil-based ceramic inks only | Ceramic tile single-pass decoration |
| GS-40U | 40 pl nominal | UV, oil | Heavy coverage UV applications |
The GS-12C and GS-12U share the same 12–84 pl drop range and 1,000 nozzle configuration, but differ in ink chemistry compatibility. The GS-12C ("C" = Ceramic) is calibrated and approved for oil-based ceramic inks used in tile decoration. The GS-12U ("U" = Universal) supports solvent, UV, and oil-based inks for non-ceramic applications. Installing solvent or UV inks in a GS-12C, or ceramic inks in a GS-12U, will damage the head and void the warranty. Always confirm the suffix letter before ordering.
Xaar 1003 GS-12C Key Technologies Explained
XaarGuard™: A proprietary protective layer over the nozzle plate — the first in the Xaar 1003 series — that shields against abrasion from ceramic particles and frequent maintenance wiping, significantly extending nozzle plate service life in the high-wear ceramic production environment.
High Laydown™: Enables consistent high-volume ink deposition across all printing modes — essential in ceramic tile decoration where dense, even glaze coverage is required at both low and high production speeds.
SmartStart™: Reduces nozzle maintenance time at startup — the head reaches full jetting performance rapidly, minimising wasted tiles and production downtime at the start of a print run.
TF Technology™ (Through-Flow): Xaar's recirculating ink architecture maintains continuous ink flow through the head during operation and standby — preventing highly-pigmented ceramic ink from settling in the channels and reducing clogging risk.
Compatible Systems
The Xaar 1003 GS-12C is an OEM-integration head used by ceramic tile printing system manufacturers worldwide in single-pass decoration lines. It does not have a fixed compatible printer model list — specification is determined at the OEM system level. Contact our team with your ceramic printer make, model, and current printhead part number to confirm GS-12C compatibility before ordering.
Warranty Notice
This printhead is a high-precision industrial component. Due to its sensitive nature, we cannot accept returns, exchanges, or refunds once the head has been installed. All sales are final. Contact our team to confirm compatibility before ordering.
Why Buy from Digiprint USA
• 100% genuine original Xaar 1003 GS-12C — not compatible, not refurbished
• XaarGuard™ nozzle plate protection — engineered for ceramic production environments
• In stock in Doral, Miami FL — same day shipping before 2PM EST
• Ideal for Latin American ceramic tile manufacturers using Miami freight forwarders
• Free technical support — we confirm GS-12C vs GS-12U and correct 1003 variant before you order
View our full range of genuine Xaar industrial printheads including the Xaar 1003 GS-12U.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GS-12C and GS-12U?
Both have 1,000 nozzles and the same 12–84 pl drop range with 8 greyscale levels. The "C" suffix means Ceramic — the GS-12C is calibrated and approved for oil-based ceramic inks only. The GS-12U (Universal) supports solvent, UV, and oil-based inks for non-ceramic applications. Using the wrong ink type in either variant will permanently damage the printhead. Always confirm the correct suffix before ordering.
What is XaarGuard™ on the 1003 GS-12C?
XaarGuard™ is Xaar's proprietary nozzle plate protection system — a hardened protective layer that resists the abrasion caused by ceramic particles, frequent maintenance wipes, and the aggressive nature of oil-based ceramic inks. It was introduced on the 1003 series (not present on the earlier 1001/1002 heads) and is a significant improvement for long-term nozzle plate durability in tile production environments.
How does the GS-12C differ from the Xaar 1001 and 1002 ceramic heads?
The Xaar 1003 GS-12C succeeds the 1001 and 1002 ceramic printheads with three main improvements: XaarGuard™ nozzle plate protection (new to the 1003 series), Tuned Actuator Manufacturing technology for more consistent print quality across wide tile widths, and SmartStart™ for faster startup. The 1003 is a direct upgrade for 1001/1002-based ceramic systems — contact our team to confirm mechanical fit before ordering.
Do you ship Xaar 1003 GS-12C printheads to Latin America?
Yes — same day shipping from our Doral, Miami FL warehouse. Our Miami location is ideal for Latin American ceramic tile manufacturers using freight forwarders in the Doral area.
