How Piezo Electric Printheads Works?
How Piezo Electric Printheads Works?
Piezoelectric printheads are essential components in many different printing applications. These devices use the piezoelectric effect, which is the ability of some materials to generate electric fields when exposed to mechanical stress, to control ink droplet formation and placement precisely. In this blog, we'll explore the different technologies involved with piezoelectric printheads.
1. Piezo actuator
At the heart of a piezoelectric printhead is a piezo actuator. These are made from materials that change shape in response to an electric field. When voltage is applied to the actuator, it expands or contracts, creating mechanical pressure that can be used to deliver precise amounts of ink.
2. Ink delivery system
Piezoelectric printheads require a system to deliver ink. This typically involves a reservoir of ink that is continuously replenished and a system of channels and nozzles that direct the ink onto the printing surface. Some systems use a separate channel for each color (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), while others use a single channel with multiple nozzles.
3. Damping system
Piezoelectric printheads require a damping system that can help dissipate the high-frequency energy generated by the piezoelectric actuators. These can include physical dampers like springs or silicone or damping circuits that can be built into the electronics.
4. Electronics
Piezoelectric printheads rely on electronics to precisely control the timing and voltages to activate the piezo actuators. This includes waveform generators that can create complex waveforms to control ink droplet size and shape, as well as control circuits that can monitor and adjust the state of the printhead to maintain print quality.
5. Print head design
Finally, piezoelectric printheads must be designed for specific printing applications. This includes factors such as print speed, resolution, color depth, and printing substrate. Design considerations like nozzle spacing, ink viscosity, and drop size are critical to achieving high-quality prints.
In conclusion, piezoelectric printheads are a complex technology that precisely uses various components to control ink delivery onto a printing substrate. By understanding the different technologies, we can appreciate the engineering marvels that make high-quality printing possible.