Fluid Homogeneity
Continuous movement of ink within the intermediate reservoirs of a digital press prevents the settling of heavy pigments and additives. Sub tank recirculation ensures that the liquid remains a consistent mixture from the top of the tank to the bottom. This process is especially important for white inks and metallic pigments that have a high density and tend to drop out of suspension quickly.
Temperature Regulation
Constant flow helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the ink supply system. By using sub tank recirculation, the printer maintains the ink at a stable viscosity, which is necessary for reliable jetting at the nozzle. This thermal stability reduces the need for the printer to make constant voltage adjustments during a long production run.
Air Removal
Moving the ink through the system allows for the integration of degassers that remove microscopic air bubbles. Through sub tank recirculation, the risk of air reaching the printhead and causing a nozzle to stop firing is significantly reduced. A clean and air free ink supply is the foundation of high speed digital textile manufacturing.
Sediment Prevention
Stagnant ink in the lines can lead to clogs that are difficult to remove. Industrial printers use sub tank recirculation to keep the entire fluid path active even when the machine is not actively printing. This constant motion extends the life of the filters and ensures that the system is always ready for the next job.
Automated pumps manage the flow rate to match the current consumption of the printer.
