Printing paints could revolutionise manufacturing

16th December 2014

Source: TTP (The Technology Partnership)

Capable of printing with standard industrial paints, digital inkjet technology has been announced by The Technology Partnership (TTP). The Vista Inkjet process has been successfully tested with cellulose and two-part part polyurethane paints used for car and aircraft body manufacturing, opening up other possible applications including the use of thermoplastic fluoropolymer paints such as Kynar, for decorative finishes on architectural metallic structures.

TTP is also exploring the printing of low cost and high functionality materials for ceramics, textiles, security and brand protection along with high conductivity patterns and 3D printing.

Overcoming the limitations of existing inkjet printing processes, which are restricted by ink formulations and the use of closed chambers and narrow channels, Vista Inkjet is based on a planar construction that allows free-flowing ink circulation and accurately controls the movement of the nozzle plate to eject droplets, from 0.5pl to over 1nl. This means that fluids with large particulates and high viscosities can be used along with aqueous pigmented inks and a range of solvent inks such as alcohol based fluids, ethyl acetate, MEK and Dowanol. The nozzle plate is controlled by customised electrical drive signals to eject droplets on-demand or on a continuous basis.

Providing precise, well-formed and consistent droplets with excellent direction control and placement accuracy, the Vista Inkjet system can deliver drop placement accuracy with a standard deviation of just ±3mrads. Printheads can also be designed with specific nozzle diameters, pitch and number of rows for different inks, paints and applications. The simple inertial transfer mechanism and fluid recirculation enable the ejector system to be reliable with easy priming, self-cleaning and excellent refill attributes.

Dr David Smith, Head of Business Development, Vista Inkjet, TTP, comments: “We have taken the principles of inkjet printing and re-invented the ejection mechanism and printhead to create a potentially disruptive technology for digitally printing industrial paints, opening up exciting new opportunities from customising car and aircraft bodies to creating architectural finishes and printed electronics. As well as providing greater flexibility, the process also saves time and money and reduces waste.”

The patented Vista Inkjet technology is well-proven in trials and TTP is currently looking for partners to commercialise the technology.

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