Chapter 1: Introduction
MP65492–1 5 Linx 4900 Operating Manual
1.3 About Continuous Ink Jet
Printing
What is continuous ink jet printing?
Continuous ink jet printing is a non-contact form of high-speed printing
used to apply variable information such as dates, text, batch codes, product
names and logos to individual products on the production line. This
printing process is fast and versatile and can print on most materials
regardless of size, shape and texture.
How do Linx printers work?
The printer works by propelling a jet of conductive ink through a hole in
the printhead nozzle. Before the ink exits the nozzle, it is pulsed
(modulated) to produce a constant stream of identical ink drops. These
drops are emitted from the printhead in lines known as ‘rasters’. Each
raster has a certain maximum number of drops that determines the
potential height of a character.
The drops are selectively charged and deflected. A character is formed
from the ink drops emitted from the printhead and built up from successive
rasters as the substrate travels past the printhead to form a print pattern (as
illustrated in Figure 1-3 on page 6). Undeflected drops are recirculated.
About ink viscosity and time of flight
Precise placement of drops is dependent on the speed and amount of
deflection of the drops as they travel between the deflector plates. For this
reason, the printer constantly monitors the time of flight (TOF) of the drops
and compares it with the optimum (TOF Reference) value. The ink
pressure is increased or decreased, thus maintaining the correct speed of
drops for accurate placement and, therefore, quality of print.
4900 Op Manual.book Page 5 Tuesday, September 9, 2003 12:32 PM
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