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Simulating Printhead Unimorph Actuators at FUJIFILM Dimatix
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation
Applicable Industries
- Electronics
- Consumer Goods
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Predictive Maintenance
- Digital Twin
- Process Control & Optimization
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
The primary challenge faced by FUJIFILM Dimatix was to design unimorph diaphragm actuators for their newest ink deposition products. These actuators needed to be miniaturized to reduce costs while maximizing deflection and matching the actuator's impedance to the flow channels and nozzle. The goal was to generate a droplet meeting a target mass at a given velocity with a target maximum firing frequency for the available voltage. The complexity of the design required a deep understanding of the interactions between the piezoelectric materials and the surrounding components, necessitating a robust simulation approach to optimize the design parameters.
About The Customer
FUJIFILM Dimatix is a leading producer of commercial inkjet printheads, known for their high-performance and innovative solutions in the printing industry. Their products are used in a wide range of applications, from commercial packaging and wide-format graphics to textiles and electronic applications. The company is committed to advancing inkjet technology and has a strong focus on research and development to maintain its competitive edge. By leveraging advanced simulation tools, FUJIFILM Dimatix aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of their printhead actuators, ensuring high-quality printing solutions for their diverse customer base.
The Solution
To address the challenge, FUJIFILM Dimatix employed a two-stage modeling approach using COMSOL Multiphysics software. In the first stage, various actuator geometries were modeled to determine their functional parameters. These parameters were then used in a complete jet model to understand the system's response. The simulation included different layers for the silicon, metals, insulators, and PZT, as well as sections of the ink-filled pumping chamber and neighboring flow channels. By simulating the actuator's deflection under pressure and voltage loads, the team could extract valuable compliance and output data. This information was crucial for optimizing the design to meet the tight specifications and smaller geometries required for the new printheads.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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