Piezoelectric inkjet printing: The principles, fluid dynamics challenges, and applications

Abstract

Piezoelectric inkjet printing is extensively applied in additive manufacturing due to its cost-effectiveness, high precision, and the ability to efficiently print a wide range of materials. Despite the great advances in print speed and print accuracy, there are still challenges in combining theoretical studies with practical applications. Current research has focused on one stage of the droplet jetting to deposition process, but little is known about the interconnections between the ink flow from inside the printhead to the droplet formation and deposition process. In this context, this review discusses the principles and numerical analysis methods of piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printing, presenting six major fluid dynamics challenges, including acoustic properties within the printhead, bubble entrapment within the ink channel, nozzle plate wetting phenomena, droplet formation, dynamic processes of impacting the substrate, and deposition. Then the applications of piezoelectric DOD inkjet printing are systematically reviewed. Finally, suggestions for the future development of piezoelectric DOD inkjet printing are provided to address the current bottlenecks faced. In conclusion, this review is expected to generate significant interest for researchers in fields related to piezoelectric DOD inkjet printing.