New Developments in Epson's Inkjet Head Technology

Abstract

Today, color inkjet printers are being used extensively in both offices and homes. Inkjet printers have many advantages including print quality, low cost, and a small footprint. Epson has continued to develop improved printheads. This paper describes new technology that doubles the nozzle count and firing frequency, while halving ink droplet size with respect to previously developed heads.In general, the types of piezo elements for printheads may be classified according to their oscillation mode: longitudinal or flexural. Heads of the latter type are used in low-cost printers. Although heads of the former type have been configured with multi-layer piezo elements, only heads of the latter type with a single layer have appeared in commercial products.Our new head incorporates a double layer of piezo elements that use the flexural oscillation mode. We reduced the size and optimized the geometry of the pressure chamber in order to obtain a high natural firing frequency. Furthermore, by completely covering the signal supplying electrodes with the piezo elements, the activating reliability and durability were enhanced.We have launched products such as the Stylus Photo RX500 and CX4600, Stylus C66, and PictureMate with this new improved head. Further development and optimization are ongoing.