Design and fabrication of a PET/PTFE-based piezoelectric squeeze mode drop-on-demand inkjet printhead with interchangeable nozzle

E. Q. Li, Q. Xu, J. Sun, J. Y.H. Fuh, Y. S. Wong, S. T. Thoroddsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A PET/PTFE-based piezoelectric squeeze mode drop-on-demand inkjet printhead with interchangeable nozzles is designed and fabricated. The printhead chamber is comprised of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) tubing or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, or Teflon) tubing, which of a much softer material, than the conventionally used glass tubing. Applying the same electrical voltage, PET/PTFE-based printhead will generate a larger volume change in the material to be dispensed. The novel printhead fabricated herein has successfully dispensed liquids with viscosities up to 100 cps, as compared to 20 cps for the commercial printheads. Furthermore, PTFE-based printhead provides excellent anti-corrosive property when strongly corrosive inks are involved. The interchangeable nozzle design enables the same printhead to be fitted with nozzles of different orifice size, thus a clogged nozzle can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. The characteristics of this novel printhead are also studied by dispensing glycerin-water solutions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)315-322
Number of pages8
JournalSensors and Actuators, A: Physical
Volume163
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Drop-on-demand
  • Inkjet printing
  • Interchangeable nozzle
  • Piezoelectric droplet generator

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