In the field of inkjet printing, what processes we have？

In inkjet printing, there are several main processes that determine how ink is applied to a surface. These processes vary based on the technology behind how the ink droplets are formed and delivered to the substrate. Here’s a breakdown of some key types:

1. Thermal Inkjet (TIJ)

Working Principle: A tiny heater inside the printhead heats the ink rapidly, creating a bubble. The bubble forces ink through the nozzle onto the paper.

Applications: Widely used in desktop printers, especially for home and office use.

Advantages: Simple design, relatively inexpensive printheads.

Limitations: Limited to water-based inks and generally unsuitable for high-speed industrial printing.

2. Piezoelectric Inkjet (PIJ)

Working Principle: Uses piezoelectric crystals that change shape when an electric field is applied. This action pushes the ink out of the nozzle.

Applications: Industrial and commercial applications, including high-quality photographic and wide-format printing.

Advantages: Can handle a variety of ink types (e.g., solvent, UV-curable, aqueous), durable for long printing runs.

Limitations: Printheads can be more expensive than thermal inkjet.

3. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)

Working Principle: Ink is continuously ejected from a nozzle, and electrostatic fields direct selected droplets onto the substrate. Unused ink droplets are recirculated.

Applications: Primarily used in industrial coding and marking, such as labeling packages or products.

Advantages: High-speed printing, suitable for non-contact printing on various materials.

Limitations: More complex and costly to maintain.

4. Drop-on-Demand (DOD) Inkjet

Working Principle: Ink droplets are ejected only when needed, rather than continuously. Includes thermal and piezoelectric methods.

Applications: Wide variety of applications, including label printing, textile printing, and high-resolution graphics.

Advantages: Precision in ink usage, cost-effective, and lower maintenance compared to continuous inkjet.

Limitations: Slower than CIJ and less suitable for high-speed applications.

5. UV Inkjet Printing

Working Principle: Uses UV-curable inks that are exposed to UV light immediately after application, causing them to harden instantly.

Applications: High-quality printing on non-absorbent substrates, such as glass, metal, and plastics.

Advantages: Instant drying, durability, scratch resistance, and vibrant colors.

Limitations: Higher initial cost due to UV lamps and specialized inks, requires specific safety measures.

6. Solvent and Eco-Solvent Inkjet Printing

Working Principle: Uses inks with solvents, which penetrate the surface of materials for adhesion. Eco-solvent inks are milder with fewer VOCs.

Applications: Outdoor signage, banners, and vehicle graphics.

Advantages: Durable for outdoor use, resistant to fading and water.

Limitations: Solvent inks have a stronger odor and require ventilation; eco-solvent inks have less durability outdoors.

7. Textile Inkjet Printing (Direct-to-Garment or Dye Sublimation)

Working Principle: Involves applying ink directly onto fabric or using heat to transfer dye from a paper to the textile.

Applications: Textile industry, apparel printing, and custom designs on fabrics.

Advantages: Versatile color options, can create vibrant prints on textiles.

Limitations: Requires specific types of fabric, and dye sublimation only works on synthetic materials.

Each of these inkjet processes has its specific uses, advantages, and limitations, with ongoing innovation to enhance speed, resolution, ink versatility, and substrate compatibility