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Hidden technological breakthroughs: What makes thermal and piezo inkjet so unique?
With the rapid development of digital printing technology, inkjet printing technology has gradually become one of the most popular printing methods today. According to data, inkjet printers have been sold worldwide and have further promoted innovation in various industries. Inkjet printers recreate digital images by depositing tiny jets of ink onto paper and other materials, a technology that dates back to the early 1950s but continues to innovate today.
Over time, technology has advanced to create several different types of inkjet printing, including thermal inkjet and piezoelectric inkjet. The uniqueness of these two technologies is closely related to the principles behind them.
Thermal inkjet technology
Thermal Inkjet technology is a printing method based on the working principle of heating elements. The technology was developed mainly by engineering teams from HP and Canon, who heat the ink inside the printhead to form bubbles and use this rapidly changing air pressure to push out ink droplets. The technology was an instant success in the 1980s.
Advantages and Applications
The advantages of thermal inkjet technology are its relatively low production cost and the use of readily available water-based inks. This makes thermal inkjet the most popular choice in the consumer market. Especially when printing photos and artwork, it delivers richer colors and elegant details.
However, thermal inkjet technology is not without its drawbacks. This can result in relatively slow print speeds due to the need for heating, and reliability can be challenged in high-demand printing environments.
Piezoelectric inkjet technology
Different from thermal inkjet, piezoelectric inkjet technology relies on the electrical changes of piezoelectric materials to drive the discharge of ink. The core principle of this technology is that when voltage is applied to the piezoelectric material, it will change shape, thereby generating pressure, which in turn pushes the ink droplet out of the nozzle.
Advantages and Applications
The main advantage of piezo inkjet technology is its increased flexibility. Because it does not rely on heat, a wider variety of ink formulations can be used, including oil-based inks and high-viscosity inks, making the technology increasingly popular in commercial printing and industrial applications. In addition, piezoelectric technology also allows for faster printing speeds, which is important in high-volume production scenarios.
Despite this, the production cost of piezoelectric inkjet technology is relatively high, and its nozzle is relatively difficult to manufacture due to the use of complex piezoelectric materials.
Technical Comparison
The two technologies have their own advantages and are designed for different market needs. Thermal inkjet is more suitable for daily printing needs in homes and small offices, while piezo inkjet has become the preferred technology in the commercial and industrial sectors for its superior performance and adaptability.
Market Trends
Both technologies are evolving as the demand for digital printing increases. For example, piezoelectric inkjet technology is gradually entering the field of 3D printing and electronic device production, challenging traditional printing methods. In the future, with the advancement of material science and printing technology, the application scope of these technologies will be even wider.
ConclusionIn an increasingly competitive market, the uniqueness of thermal inkjet and piezoelectric inkjet technologies has undoubtedly brought new possibilities to the printing industry. The advantages and disadvantages of these two technologies can be said to complement each other. Whether in artistic creation or industrial application, they have demonstrated the future potential of printing technology. How they will continue to develop will eventually lead us into a more digital printing era. Woolen cloth?
