Multi-pass Inkjet Printing Machine Printhead Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous inkjet digital printing machines face limitations in achieving painting depth and density without reducing printing speed, as they are designed for single-pass operations with limited ability to repeat ink application on the same point.
Innovation Solution
Equipping continuous inkjet digital printing machines with multiple inkjet printhead groups lined along the machine width, each filled with identical color paint materials, allowing for multi-pass printing without gaps and maintaining consistent speed by using multi-canal inkjet printheads that can handle different colors independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If single-pass printing is used in continuous inkjet digital printing machines, then printing speed is maintained, but painting depth and density cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into multiple independent printhead groups (first, second, third, and fourth printhead groups) arranged in sequence along the material transport direction. Each printhead group can independently apply paint material in separate passes, enabling multi-pass printing while maintaining continuous material movement. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high printing speed and painting depth by distributing the painting depth and density requirements across multiple specialized printhead groups.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple printhead groups are added for multi-pass printing, then painting depth increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each printhead group is designed with multi-functionality, capable of independently controlling paint material ejection for different passes. The printhead groups use identical or similar structures (nozzles, channels, heating elements) that can be configured for different printing functions. This universality reduces overall system complexity by using standardized modular components rather than entirely different mechanisms for each pass.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple printhead groups are merged into a single integrated printing system that operates in coordination. The control system merges the operation of all printhead groups into a unified multi-pass printing process, where each group contributes to the overall painting depth and density requirements. This merging approach manages complexity by coordinating multiple components through a single control architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If paint material is sprayed in larger amounts to increase density, then painting depth improves, but printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system employs periodic action by applying paint material in multiple sequential passes rather than a single continuous application. Each printhead group applies paint material at optimized intervals and amounts for its specific pass, with the material being deposited periodically as it travels through the printing zone. This periodic multi-pass approach achieves high painting depth without requiring excessive paint material in any single pass, thereby maintaining printing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by preparing and positioning multiple printhead groups in advance, each configured for specific painting requirements. The paint material is pre-positioned in the material and progressively enhanced through each pass. This preliminary preparation allows each subsequent pass to build upon previous deposits efficiently, achieving high painting depth without speed reduction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables increased painting depth and density on the printed material without decreasing printing speed, as identical colors are applied in consecutive passes, ensuring consistent and efficient ink distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Inkjet printing machines prints by spraying particular amount of paint material over the material which will be printed on
Implementation Method 2
The paint material sprayed in particular amounts, mixes on the material which will be printed on
Implementation Method 3
The paint material sprayed in particular amounts, mixes on the material which will be printed on
Implementation Method 4
Will-be-printed material inputs to the machine from the inlet of the will-be-printed material to the machine (2) is glued on the belt (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
In continuous single-pass inkjet digital printing machines, in order to increase the density of paint material, the fixed speed of will-be-printing material moving under the inkjet printheads (7) and/or the multi-canal inkjet printheads (8) is reduced. With continuous multi-pass printing machines, by spraying the identical color printing material to will-be-printed material at different time instances, paint depth and density can be created on the will- be-printed material. With such method, faster and quality printing with denser paint materials will be provided with the continuous inkjet printing machines.