Why are some UV printers very thick and blurry while others are very fine with the same nozzle and hardware configuration?
There are several main influencing factors:
Waveform
Each nozzle chip has a fixed waveform inside. The waveform directly affects the ink ejection force, ignition frequency, inkjet dots, etc. of the nozzle. It is equivalent to the basic origin. If the nozzle waveform does not match the corresponding software waveform, problems such as ink breakage, roughness, and oblique spraying will occur. And before the waveform is adjusted properly, no matter how it is repaired, it cannot be repaired. The most serious case will affect the entire nozzle channel and no ink will come out. There are also large dots, middle dots, small dots, single dots, variable dots, etc. in the waveform. Different inkjet requirements correspond to different dots, and different inkjet dots also have dedicated waveforms. Therefore, if the above problems occur, first of all, the waveform is not adjusted properly or the waveform does not match the software and ink.
Curve
The curve is the most important link of color software, playing a role in transition, compensation, accurate point-to-point ejection, color calibration, ink volume, etc. This is why there is color difference in the printing effects of two machines of the same manufacturer, the same machine, and the same nozzle. This requires curve adjustment. Especially for gray levels, almost no standard gray can be printed without curve adjustment.
Ink
Different ink manufacturers have different ink formulations. Some ink manufacturers are lighter, some are thicker, some are bluer, some are redder, some have more solvents, and some have stronger adhesion. The waveforms and curves corresponding to different inks need to be adjusted. Therefore, it is not recommended to frequently change different brands of ink. Because manufacturers generally repeatedly test the compatibility of ink with their own machines. It is not simply based on ink price as the first factor. Factors such as ink fluidity, adhesion, smell, and color intensity need to be considered. These all need continuous adjustment and testing to match one’s own machine. The most direct consequence of rashly changing ink is nozzle clogging. In fact, it is not really nozzle clogging. It is caused by the replaced ink not matching the waveform curve of the machine you are currently using.
Machine installation
Mainly the debugging of assembly personnel and the combination of materials. It includes the straightness and level of the crossbeam, the flatness and straightness of the X-axis, the flatness and straightness of the Y-axis, the levelness of the nozzle base plate, the levelness of nozzle installation, and the overall levelness of the printing platform in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The selection and combination of materials is also very important. These will all affect the printing effect and precision. The more fine the pattern, the higher the assembly requirements of the machine. The overall deviation cannot exceed 0.03 millimeters.
