Overview

PicoJet printheads use drop-on-demand, piezoelectric, bend mode technology. Drop-on-demand technology allows the printhead to generate ink drops only when the drop is needed to create an image. Piezoelectric drop-on-demand printing uses the deformation of piezoelectric material to cause an ink volume change in the pressure chamber. This sudden volume change generates a pressure wave that propagates toward the nozzle. This acoustic pressure wave overcomes the viscous pressure loss in the small nozzle and the surface tension force from the ink meniscus so that an ink drop can be ejected from the nozzle.

Thermal drop-on-demand methods eject ink drops through the growth and collapse of super-heated water vapor bubbles. The high temperature required to create bubble growth limits the types of inks that can be jetted using thermal ink jet printheads. The cavitation resulting from the bubble collapse degrades the heating element which severely affects the longevity of the printhead. Thermal technology is best suited for applications where low ink volumes are required such as home and office.

Piezoelectric technology is the choice of industrial applications because the technology is more reliable and able to jet higher volumes of ink. Ink drop formation does not require super heating of the ink and piezoceramic material is inherently more reliable.