Using Perturbed and Asymmetric Microflow Architectures to Statistically Clarify Droplet-Ejected Deflection in Picoliter and High-Frequency Inkjet

Abstract

Currently a lot of experienced efforts for inkjet printing were paid to promote the print quality with high-density nozzles (>/= 600 nozzles per inch, npi) and little droplet (<10 picoliter, pL) since the inkjet can approach the photographic printing. In addition of promoting resolution, an accurate directionality of droplets ejected and flying vertically from nozzles is also essential to get a faultless print quality. This work at first developed a new method of statistically evaluating the droplet deflection by the dotimages printed on media. Different microflow architectures (arches) for thermal-bubble inkjet (TIJ) heads with perturbed orifices were designed in order to eject the droplets of 5∼7 pL with the jetting frequency of 5∼19 kHz. A variety of drop velocities were individually got by these different nozzle geometry to adjust the influence of deflection due to the asymmetry and the perturbation of orifices. Meanwhile the factors injuring or degrading the vertical directionality can be clarified. These evaluations of new microflow arches indicate the factors to reduce deflection and therefore approach the high-quality printing.