Electrohydrodynamic jet printing via low-solute concentration inks for enhanced positioning accuracy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Electrohydrodynamic 3D printing (EHD-3DP) employing the solution and melting liquids as inks, receives extensive applications in the manufacturing of different materials. However, the jet lagging effect associated with positioning accuracy has yet to be solved. Here, we report a new technique of non-tailing jet printing to deposit fibres precisely. By applying poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) solution at an ultra-low concentration of 5 wt.%, a straight-line jet profile perpendicular to the collector plane was obtained at the high motion speeds of 30–90 mm/s. This enabled the moving jet-to-collector point kept up with the projection of nozzle tip on collector plane, leading to improved positioning accuracy of PCL fibres. The optimal protocol on material and processing parameters avoided the structural staccatos of printed fibres. This work provides insights into how the printed fibres from low-concentration inks are influenced by different parameters. The technique was applicable for the complex linear and non-linear pattern printing.