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Inkjet and inkjet-based 3D printing: connecting fluid properties and printing performance

Yang Guo (Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA)
Huseini S. Patanwala (Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA)
Brice Bognet (Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA)
Anson W.K. Ma (Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA and Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA)

Rapid Prototyping Journal

ISSN: 1355-2546

Article publication date: 18 April 2017

2765

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize the latest developments both in terms of theoretical understanding and experimental techniques related to inkjet fluids. The purpose is to provide practitioners a self-contained review of how the performance of inkjet and inkjet-based three-dimensional (3D) printing is fundamentally influenced by the properties of inkjet fluids.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is written for practitioners who may not be familiar with the underlying physics of inkjet printing. The paper thus begins with a brief review of basic concepts in inkjet fluid characterization and the relevant dimensionless groups. Then, how drop impact and contact angle affect the footprint and resolution of inkjet printing is reviewed, especially onto powder and fabrics that are relevant to 3D printing and flexible electronics applications. A future outlook is given at the end of this review paper.

Findings

The jettability of Newtonian fluids is well-studied and has been generalized using a dimensionless Ohnesorge number. However, the inclusion of various functional materials may modify the ink fluid properties, leading to non-Newtonian behavior, such as shear thinning and elasticity. This paper discusses the current understanding of common inkjet fluids, such as particle suspensions, shear-thinning fluids and viscoelastic fluids.

Originality/value

A number of excellent review papers on the applications of inkjet and inkjet-based 3D printing already exist. This paper focuses on highlighting the current scientific understanding and possible future directions.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the Faculty Large Grant at the University of Connecticut for financial support.

Citation

Guo, Y., Patanwala, H.S., Bognet, B. and Ma, A.W.K. (2017), "Inkjet and inkjet-based 3D printing: connecting fluid properties and printing performance", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 562-576. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-05-2016-0076

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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