Inkjet Research Centre: Next Generation Inkjet Technology Project
Research Activities
Cambridge, Institute for Manufacturing Inkjet Research Centre
Professor Ian Hutchings
Dr Graham Martin
The centre is currently focussed on recording and visualising the
performance of inkjet print heads for comparison with the results
from the other studies and modelling.
Cambridge, Chemical Engineering
Professor Malcolm Mackley
Cambridge Chemical Engineering will compare and measure the rheology
and dynamic surface tension of relevant fluids at the very high rates
of deformation experienced in inkjet printers. The effects of dissolved gases,
particles, colloids and agglomerations will be considered.
Cambridge, Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP)
Professor John Hinch
In collaboration with Leeds, DAMTP will provide analytical and computational
modelling and interpretation to link the viscoelastic and dynamic surface
tension properties of the fluids to experimental measurements on real inkjet.
Manchester
Professor Brian Derby
Manchester will study the generation, impact and spreading of ink-jet generated
droplets on a range of substrates focussing on the behaviour of relatively
complex fluids (e.g. highly loaded particulate suspensions, latexes and
polymer solutions). Manchester will also consider resolution improvement
using patterned areas of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces.
These will be investigated using modelling and experiment with model systems.
Durham
Professor Colin Bain
Two experimental platforms, the overflowing cylinder, and a liquid
jet combined with Laser Doppler Velocimetry are being used to look at
the dynamic surface tension and hence the shear stress at the free liquid
surface and the effects of mass transport of surfactants near the nozzle
in a forming liquid jet. This will include direct measurements of
flow profiles in the jet.
Leeds
Professor Tom McLeish
Dr Oliver Harlan
As well as the mathematical modelling collaboration with DAMTP,
Leeds will be looking at ink component molecular structure.
Once the rheology of typical inkjet fluids is adequately understood the
aim is to establish ways to re-design the fluids at the molecular level
so as to improve printing performance. Leeds will build on existing
experience to create molecular structure predictions for rheology that
meet the target challenges of the programme.
Aberystwyth
Professor Ken Walters
At Aberystwyth techniques such as the Worthington jet are being used to
investigate the effects of small amounts of high molecular weight
materials in inkjet inks.