Cambridge UK design hothouse TTP has put the jet into inkjet printing: It has created digital inkjet technology capable of printing with standard industrial paints – and it has already been tested on cars and aircraft.
TTP says its Vista Inkjet process tested successfully with cellulose and two-part part polyurethane paints used for car and aircraft body manufacturing. This opens up many 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. TTP's patented printhead design overcomes the limitations of existing inkjet printing processes, 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 (pico litres) to over 1nl (nano litre). 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. Motion of the nozzle plate is controlled by customised electrical drive signals to eject droplets on-demand or on a continuous basis.Dr Allan Carmichael from TTP said: "We have taken the principles of inkjet printing and reinvented the ejection mechanism and printhead to create a potentially disruptive technology for digitally printing industrial paints.
"This opens 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 already well-proven in trials and TTP is now seeking partners to commercialise the technology.
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