Novel Inkjet Print Head for Manufacturing Processes

Abstract

Inkjet technology has been integrated into manufacturing processes due to (1) efficient material usage (environmentally friendly), (2) direct write process (an additive process), (3) speedy set-up (digital printing and no masks needed), (4) large area printing, (5) high productivity by increasing number nozzles and jetting frequency, (6) non contact printing for sensitive substrate, (7) print heads and jetting materials tailored for specific applications and (8) ultimately low capital investment. Also piezoelectric inkjet print heads have dominated in drop-on-demand (DOD) industrial and commercial market for last two decades, because they offer high jetting frequency, long life expectancy, and the ability to jet a wide range of fluids. Emerging market opportunities in production of flat panel display, solar cell, printed circuit boards and printed electronics will require highly flexible, reliable and robust design piezoelectric inkjet print heads. This paper focuses on some recent developments and some unique features such as high reliability, accurate orifice manufacture, replaceable orifice - chamber plates, inert print head bodies, individual orifice jetting performance calibration, and a highly flexible design to adapt to a wide range of drop volumes and jetting fluids. Trident's print heads (256Jet-D) has currently been released to meet these applications.