Effects of nozzles array configuration on cross-talk in multi-nozzle electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing head

This paper presents the analysis of a triangular array of nozzles in a multi-nozzle electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing head. A methodology has been proposed to minimize the “end effect” by changing the traditional linear array of nozzles to triangular array of nozzles in multi-nozzle EHD printing head. Interaction (cross-talk) between the electrically charged neighboring jets is investigated and analyzed both numerically and experimentally using three glass nozzles with independent voltage connections and independent ink supply to each nozzle. In order to scrutinize the performance of triangular array multi-nozzle EHD inkjet printing head, comparative study of triangular array multi-nozzle EHD inkjet printing head to the linear array multi-nozzle EHD inkjet printing head has been made on the basis of electric field simulations and experiments. Experimental results illustrate that in triangular array multi-nozzle EHD inkjet printing head, the over potential requirement is low and individual capillaries are operating with more independence as compared to linear array multi-nozzle EHD inkjet printing head.

► Cross-talk between the electrically charged neighboring jets is investigated.
► End effect is minimized by changing the linear array to triangular array of nozzles.
► In triangular array multi-nozzle head, the over potential requirement is low.
► In triangular array multi-nozzle head, the onset voltage is same for all nozzles.