電気粘性流体DODインクジェットの基礎的研究 -直流電界制御による電気粘性流体の性質とインキ滴形成-

抄録

This paper describes tat the theoretical analysis and the experimental results of the new drop on demand inkjet system using electric field sensitive fluid as ink. The resistance to flow of this fluid can be altered over a wide range by subjecting the fluid to applied electric fields. The fluid is composed of substantial particles such as silica, oily liquid as a vehicle and some suface active agents. The composition of this fluid is similar to that of printing ink. Therefore, we will expect that the copy quality of this inkjet system is as high as that of lithographic printing. A couple of the electrodes is place inside the printhead and the ink is pressurized with the pump. If a sufficient magnitude voltage is applied between the electrodes, the effective fluid viscosity extremely increases so the fluid cannot flow in the prin-thead. When the applied voltage is removed for a short period, the jet of ink is produced because of decreased fluid viscosity. Experimental results show that the ink droplets can be produced by controlled electric fields.