Transducer Function
Precision industrial components convert electrical signals into mechanical movement to control the ejection of fluid droplets. A piezoelectric printhead utilizes crystals that deform when a voltage is applied, creating a pressure pulse within the ink chamber.
Operational Advantage
Cold ejection allows for the use of a wide variety of ink chemistries, including reactive or acid dyes. Because the ink is not heated to its boiling point, the chemical stability of the pigments remains intact. This flexibility permits the printing of delicate silk or high-stretch lycra blends without risking thermal damage to the fluid.
Using these actuators also reduces the build-up of dried material known as kogation which is common in thermal systems.
Waveform Tuning
Software controls the specific shape of the electrical pulse to adjust the droplet size and velocity. Variations in the voltage pulse allow the same piezoelectric printhead to produce small dots for fine detail and larger dots for solid colour areas. This multi-drop capability increases the perceived resolution of the finished garment design.
Maintenance Requirement
Microscopic nozzles are susceptible to blockage from air bubbles or dried ink residue. Regular vacuum purging and maintains straight jetting and prevents deviation. Proper filtration of the ink supply is necessary to prevent hard particles from damaging the sensitive internal actuators.
