«Fundamentals of Inkjet Printing,» edited by Stephen D. Hoath, offers a comprehensive analysis of the scientific principles and practical applications underlying inkjet technology. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanics and physics that govern inkjet printing processes, distinguishing itself by focusing on the fluid dynamics, drop formation, substrate interactions, and the various applications of inkjet technology rather than just the engineering aspects of printhead manufacturing.
The introductory sections, written by Ian M. Hutchings, Graham D. Martin, and Hoath, contextualize the evolution of printing technology and the unique advantages of inkjet printing. Unlike traditional printing techniques which rely on pre-existing master templates for ink transfer, inkjet printing builds up patterns directly on the substrate through digital control, thereby offering significant flexibility for short print runs and high-resolution imaging. This digital advantage allows for low setup costs and has broadened the application of inkjet technology from simple coding and marking to diverse commercial uses including personalized products and high-quality graphics .
Subsequent chapters delve into the technical complexities of the inkjet process. Edward P. Furlani’s chapter on fluid mechanics addresses the fundamental principles of fluid flow, viscosity, and surface tension, alongside the challenges of computational fluid dynamics in modeling inkjet systems and processes. The technological nuances distinguishing continuous inkjet (CIJ) and drop-on-demand (DOD) methods, including their respective advantages and operating principles, are examined thoroughly .
The printhead technologies are elaborated by Naoki Morita and colleagues, detailing the thermal and piezoelectric mechanisms employed in contemporary inkjet heads. The chapter discusses the challenges of achieving consistent droplet generation, controlling residual oscillations, and maximizing industrial applications like high-speed printing and precision manufacturing .
Drop formation—critical to inks’ behavior from jetting to substrate impact—is scrutinized by Theo Driessen and Roger Jeurissen. They examine physical phenomena such as Rayleigh-Plateau instability and satellite droplet formation, which are pivotal for achieving precision in printing. Theoretical and numerical models are frequently employed to better understand these processes and to develop new printhead designs .
The chapters by Joseph S.R. Wheeler and Stephen G. Yeates, as well as by Mohmed A. Mulla and colleagues, tackle the formulation of inkjet fluids. They discuss the properties of polymers and colloids used in inks, addressing the molecular characteristics that influence printability and stability under high shear environments. The role of polymer architecture in enhancing print performance, the use of functional materials like PEDOT:PSS, and the handling of complex colloidal dispersions are covered in detail, offering insights into the formulation strategies that optimize ink performance for various industrial applications .
Emma Talbot and her co-authors provide a meticulous examination of droplet drying on surfaces, a process influenced by solvent evaporation, particle transport, and interactions at the contact line. The «coffee ring effect» is explained, including methods to exploit or avoid it depending on the desired print quality .
The synthesis of the various threads in inkjet technology culminates in practical visualization and measurement techniques for droplets and jets, as well as simulations of drop dynamics on surfaces, presented by multiple contributors. Advanced imaging techniques, holographic methods, and computational models are outlined to give readers a toolset for analyzing and optimizing inkjet printing processes .
Ultimately, the book concludes by forecasting future trends and technological advancements in inkjet printing. Graham D. Martin and Mike Willis discuss emerging applications and the potential for inkjet technology to address new markets and scientific challenges, reinforcing the notion that this versatile printing technology is poised to expand its influence across various sectors .
«Fundamentals of Inkjet Printing» serves as a vital resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals seeking a deeper, quantitative understanding of the fluid mechanics, material science, and practical applications that define modern inkjet technology.
