Parametric Optimization of E-Jet Based Micro Manufacturing System through Hybrid Taguchi Methodology

Abstract

Electrohydrodynamic inkjet (E-Jet) printing is a non-contact mask less additive fabrication technology to print wide variety of functional materials in micro/nano scale. The material wastage in this manufacturing technology is almost avoided, which is the upmost importance while patterning highly expensive material. The printing performance depends on several process operational variables like applied voltage, stand-off height, nozzle diameter, applied pressure etc. By tuning these process variables through optimization route improved printing performance can be achieved. In this present study, an attempt has been made to optimize the printing performance characteristics namely, printed droplet diameter and ejection frequency with the help of Weighted Principle Component Analysis (WPCA) coupled with Taguchi methodology. Applied voltage between the nozzle and the substrate, applied pressure to the ink chamber, and the nozzle stand-off height taken as process parameters which are to be tuned. WPCA convert the multi-response problem into single objective problem, thus enabling the employability of Taguchi’s robust design approach and also the correlation among the responses if exists well taken care of. The study proposes favorable operational condition of the process and also highlighted the features of the proposed synergistic combination of WPCA with Taguchi method for predicting the optimal setting of process parameters.