In a recent post, we talked about the newer digital inkjet printers/presses that rival offset printing in quality and speed. While most of these digital inkjet presses deploy a technology known as continuous inkjet printing, there is another technology known as thermal inkjet printing. Today we’ll discuss the differences and advantages of each technology.
What is Continuous Inkjet Printing
Continuous inkjet printers store inks and solvents in separate tanks before they are sent to a main tank where they are mixed and pressurized before being sent to the print head. A piezoelectric element vibrates the ink stream to create the droplets of ink that will be applied to the substrate. In addition, an electrical charge is delivered to the ink droplets with electrode plates utilized to guide the droplets to the substrate. Droplets that do not receive an electrical charge are routed back to the main tank. Digital inkjet presses utilizing this technology are capable of high speed and longer production runs.
What is Thermal Inkjet Printing?
Thermal inkjet presses use disposable ink cartridges where the ink is not electrically charged. Instead of pressurizing and pumping the ink to the print head, the ink is heated and forms vapor bubbles that effectively push the ink to the nozzle where ink droplets are formed one drop at a time.
Are There Advantages to Continuous Inkjet Presses?
The primary advantage of a press using continuous inkjet technology is higher speed and capacity. Quality of the output is not really an issue.
Are There Advantages to Thermal Inkjet Presses?
In essence, the thermal inkjet presses deliver the same quality albeit with less speed and capacity. Thermal inkjet presses are ideal for smaller print shop environments.
If you have any questions about Continuous or Thermal Inkjet Printing, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
