Silicone Adhesive Printhead Bonding UV Ink Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adhesives used in inkjet printhead fabrication, such as R1500, exhibit high absorption and swelling when used with UV inks, leading to nozzle plate non-flatness and poor jetting performance due to compatibility issues with UV ink chemistries.
Innovation Solution
A silicone-based adhesive, such as dimethyl silicone with optional accelerants and solvents, is used to bond plates in the printhead, providing improved compatibility and stability with UV inks, reducing weight gain and dimensional changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If acrylic-based adhesive (R1500) is used to bond plates in printhead, then bonding strength is achieved, but adhesive absorbs UV ink causing swelling and nozzle plate non-flatness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive from acrylic-based to silicone-based (specifically dimethyl silicone with molecular weight 10,000-1,000,000). This parameter change fundamentally alters the adhesive's interaction with UV ink, preventing absorption and swelling while maintaining bonding strength. The silicone base polymer's chemical inertness to UV ink components resolves the contradiction between achieving strong bonds and maintaining dimensional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite adhesive system by combining dimethyl silicone base polymer with specific additives including accelerants (such as organometallic compounds), solvents (such as toluene or methanol), and optionally crosslinking agents. This composite formulation enhances both the bonding performance and chemical resistance to UV ink, resolving the contradiction by integrating multiple functional components that work synergistically.
2Strength
If traditional adhesive is used with UV inks, then initial bonding is achieved, but adhesive swelling leads to mis-directional jetting
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the adhesive's chemical composition to silicone-based, the patent eliminates the swelling response to UV ink exposure. This maintains the original bonding strength while preventing dimensional changes that would cause nozzle plate non-flatness and mis-directional jetting, thereby preserving manufacturing precision throughout the adhesive's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solvents such as toluene or methanol in the adhesive formulation that evaporate over time, leaving behind a stable silicone-based adhesive matrix. These short-living solvent components facilitate initial application and bonding but are designed to disappear, leaving a stable final structure that prevents swelling and maintains jetting precision.
3Strength
If acrylic-based adhesive is used for bonding, then bonding capability is achieved, but high absorption of UV ink occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical parameters of the adhesive from acrylic polymer to silicone polymer (dimethyl silicone). This parameter change exploits the chemical inertness and low polarity of silicone, which dramatically reduces absorption of UV ink components while maintaining adequate bonding capability through the adhesive's formulation and curing mechanism.
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
The silicone adhesive results in significantly less weight gain and dimensional stability compared to acrylic-based adhesives, potentially improving jetting performance by reducing adhesive swelling and mis-directional jetting issues.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive layer bonds at least two of the plurality of plates together. The adhesive comprises silicone.
Data Source
AI summary
A printhead assembly comprises a plurality of plates stacked together. The plates form a flow path having an inlet and a nozzle. An ejection chamber is in fluid connection with the flow path. A diaphragm is in operable connection with the ejection chamber. A micro actuator is in operable connection with the diaphragm, the micro actuator being configured to actuate the diaphragm. An adhesive layer bonds at least two of the plurality of plates together. The adhesive comprises silicone.