A Story of Two Technologies: Inkjet Printer Cartridges within the UK
Inkjet printers are a major player in the workplace and at home when it comes to computer-related work. From vibrant colour images to crisp, clear black lettering, inkjet printers deliver superior results at reasonable price points. Here are some facts about inkjet printers and inkjet printer ink cartridges for UK buyers.
Types of Ink Cartridge Printing
Unlike laser printing, where toner is deposited onto the paper by using an electro photographic process, inkjet printing is a non-contact printing modality. This means inkjet printers are useful for raised and/or uneven paper. Two essential forms of this technology are in place: drop-on-demand and continuous, each relying on inkjet ink cartridges.
Continuous Inkjet Printing
Continuous printing requires your typical, average inkjet cartridges, and are the most frequently used. The method utilizes a high-pressure pumping mechanism to generate a continuous stream of ink droplets by drawing from a reservoir of liquid ink and guiding the ink through a very small nozzle onto paper and other media.
Inkjet Printer Ink Cartridges -Drop-On-Demand Inkjet Printing: Thermal/Bubble
Drop-on-demand inkjet printing splits into two categories: thermal/bubble and piezo. Thermal/bubble printing utilizes printer cartridges that have several chambers containing ink as well as very small heating elements. The heating elements create a steam explosion inside the chambers, which thusly initiates and propels a bubble of ink onto the media. Thermal/bubble inkjets use water-based inks, standard paper and relatively inexpensive printer cartridges.
Drop-On-Demand Printing: Piezo
Piezo inkjet printing is beneficial in that it is quite flexible. This process can use a number of different ink formulas. The ink itself can be liquid or solid. Piezo printing also has the capability of printing onto various forms of material. The make-up of piezo inks can be customised for different surfaces by adding different acrylics, binders and polymers. Their inkjet print heads and ink cartridges produce top-notch resolution without conceding speed and throughput. The technology is particularly useful in situations where printing is scanned, like bar codes.
Inkjet Printer Ink Cartridges -Additional Applications
Business are looking into whether inkjet technology can print large surfaces by “stitching” multiple print heads together in sequence. Also coming up are applications where piezo printing systems will implement UV-curable inks to print right on non-porous surfaces instead of labels. Such surfaces include bottles or containers for household cleaning products, personal care products or cosmetics.
With so many past and future uses, inkjet printers and inkjet printer ink cartridges it’s full steam ahead into the next generation of quality UK technology.
