Modeling 3D Droplet Movement Using a Drop-on-Demand Inkjet Printhead Model

Abstract

This article presents a numerical simulation of a printhead model for drop-on-demand (DoD) inkjet printers. A three-dimensional droplet model is provided for the numerical study of inks, ejection parameters, droplet movement, and the analysis of droplet impacts on the surface. This work is devoted to the analysis of different droplet ejection settings during the printing process, when the behavior of the droplet directly affects the accuracy of the printing process itself. A numerical model was also developed to investigate the effect of various settings on droplet stability, including printhead size and nozzle orifice, motion parameters (pulse strength and droplet ejection amplitude) and fluid properties. The results reflect the behavior of the ink droplet over time. The behavior of the drop was tested at different waveform ejection parameters and a mass turnover was observed.