Proven Platform Innovating for Inkjet Printing Excellence
In the inkjet printing industry, achieving precision within a compact space is a significant technical challenge, demanding innovative solutions to ensure superior repeatability, reliability, and extended lifecycle
This case study showcases how IMI Life Science customized the Picosol valve platform to address the precision challenges in inkjet printing. By developing a media-separated design, the new valve enhances performance, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures reliable operation with aggressive inks.
Overcoming Precision Challenges in Inkjet Printing
In the realm of inkjet printing, achieving precision within a compact space is a significant technical challenge. The industry requires miniature solenoid valves that deliver superior repeatability, reliability, and an extended lifecycle, all within a confined 10mm valve body. Minimizing dead volume is essential for precise ink dispensing, which is crucial for maintaining high print quality standards, particularly in the food and beverage and packaging sectors. Therefore, there is a clear need for a media-separated design that can withstand harsh conditions while maintaining high precision and accuracy over an extended lifecycle.
Proven Platform Innovating for Inkjet Printing Excellence
The development journey began with the PICOSOL valve platform, known for its engineering robustness. Customizing this platform involved addressing critical industry needs, with a focus on material compatibility and life expectancy. The solution introduced a media-separated design that resists ink clogging, ensuring durability and precise control of aggressive media.
The engineering approach has been based on co-design, prototyping, and iterations, starting from existing proven solutions in the IMI Life Science range and adapting them to meet new customer expectations. Emphasis was placed on the media-separated valve to address material compatibility challenges and adapt the PICOSOL platform. Bespoke elements included changing key components like seals to ensure compatibility with MEK-based inks.
The new 3/2 media-separated PICOSOL valve is designed to address the specific needs of the inkjet printing industry. This innovation aims to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs due to lower maintenance requirements, longer life expectancy, and reduced ink consumption with a minimal dead volume. It also seeks to enhance performance with better accuracy and miniaturization. The new 3/2 media-separated PICOSOL valve is a testament to the power of collaboration to develop innovative solutions that precisely meet specifics needs in the inkjet printing industry.