Fundamentals of Inkjet Printing

Inkjet printing has developed from mere text and graphics into a versatile tool for depositing a wide variety of functional materials in an additive, non-contact and digital manner. In scientific research, inkjet printers are frequently used for manufacturing purposes, including micromanufacturing, tissue engineering and rapid prototyping. The process of successful inkjet printing is a complex one and requires the optimization of many parameters, such as the ink's temperature and pressure stability so as to form a stable jet as well as the surface wettability to ensure a homogeneous final film formation. From droplet formation to final applications, this practical book presents the subject in a comprehensive and clear manner, making use of only the very latest results. Starting at the beginning, the topic of fluid mechanics is explained, allowing for a suitable regime for printing inks to be selected. There then follows a discussion on different print-head types and how to form droplets, covering their behavior in flight and upon impact with the substrate. Commonly observed phenomena, such as the coffee ring effect, are included as is printing in the third dimension. The book concludes with a look at what the future holds. This practical book is unique in its worked examples both at the practical and simulation level, as well as case studies and videos, allowing students and engineers in R&D to fully understand the complete process of inkjet printing.