Systems, structures and associated processes for inline ultrasonication of ink for printing

摘要

Enhanced printing systems, structures, and processes provide ultrasonication of ink, such as to degas the ink, and/or to maintain the size of particles within the ink. At least one ultrasonic module, such as comprising any of an ultrasonic probe or an ultrasonic bath, is located within an ink delivery system. Ink is delivered to the ultrasonic module, and ultrasonic energy is applied to the ink, such as at a sufficient level and duration to degas the ink, and/or to reduce the size of particles within the ink. In some embodiments, the particles may be agglomerates, wherein the applied energy is configured to reduce the size of the agglomerates to a size that can be jetted through the print head. In other embodiments, the particles may be metallic particles, wherein the applied energy is configured to create smaller metallic particles that can be jetted with the ink through the print head.

主权项

1. A printing system for conditioning ink, comprising:
an ink supply station for storing the ink; at least one print head; a delivery conduit comprising an ink chamber, said delivery conduit located between the ink supply station and the at least one print head; and at least one ultrasonication assembly located within the delivery conduit, and extending into the ink chamber; wherein the system is configured to deliver the ink from the ink supply station to the at least one ultrasonication assembly; wherein the at least one ultrasonication assembly is configured to apply ultrasonic energy to the ink to condition the ink; and wherein the system is configured to deliver the conditioned ink from the at least one ultrasonic assembly to the at least one print head; wherein the ink contains metallic particles, and wherein the at least one ultrasonication assembly is configured to reduce the size of the metallic particles before delivery of the conditioned ink to the print head, wherein the print head is configured to deliver the conditioned ink having the reduced metallic particles onto a work piece.