Piezo Inkjet vs. Thermal Bubblejet
Piezo Inkjet vs. Thermal Bubblejet: Understanding the Key Differences and Benefits
Piezo inkjet and thermal bubblejet are two distinct technologies used in inkjet printers to eject ink out of the print head nozzles. While both methods are widely used, they differ in how they generate the pressure required to eject ink, leading to different benefits and applications.
1. Piezo Inkjet Technology (Epson)
How it works:
Piezo inkjet printers use piezoelectric crystals located in the ink chamber behind each nozzle. When an electric charge is applied to the crystal, it changes shape (expands or contracts), generating a precise mechanical force that pushes the ink out of the print head nozzles.
Piezo technology does not require heat and the ink is ejected through mechanical pressure from the crystal.
Benefits:
Wider Ink Compatibility: Since no heat is involved, piezo inkjet printers can use a broader range of ink types, including dye aqueous like Dmax®, solvent-based, UV-curable, and pigment inks. This versatility makes piezo inkjet printers ideal for various applications, such as fine art, industrial label printing, as well as printing screen print positives.
Better Durability: Piezoelectric printheads tend to be more durable and have a longer lifespan compared to thermal printheads because they don’t rely on heating elements, which can wear out over time.
Precision and Print Quality: Piezo inkjet printers can produce highly detailed images with excellent control over ink droplet size and placement. The ability to produce variable droplet sizes (grayscale printing) results in smoother gradients and more accurate color reproduction.
Energy Efficiency: Piezo inkjet technology uses less energy since it doesn’t need to heat the ink. This can be advantageous for industrial applications where continuous printing is required.
2. Thermal Bubblejet (Thermal Inkjet) Technology (Canon)
How it works:
Thermal bubblejet printers use heat to create ink droplets. Each nozzle has a tiny heating element that rapidly heats the ink to form a bubble. As the bubble expands, it pushes a droplet of ink out of the print head nozzle. When the bubble collapses, it creates a vacuum that draws more ink into the chamber, ready for the next ejection.
This process happens very quickly, often at speeds of tens of thousands of droplets per second.
Benefits:
Lower Cost: Thermal inkjet printers are generally cheaper to manufacture than piezo printers. The technology is simpler, making it a cost-effective option for consumer-grade printers and low-to-medium volume printing applications.
Faster Print Speed (in some cases): Due to the rapid heating and cooling process, thermal inkjet printers can eject ink at very high speeds. This can result in faster print speeds in certain scenarios, particularly for everyday documents.
Compact Design: Thermal inkjet printheads are often smaller and lighter than piezoelectric heads allowing for more compact and portable printer designs, especially in home or office printers.
3. Benefits of Piezo Inkjet:
High Precision & Versatility: With control over droplet size and the ability to use various ink types, piezo printers are ideal for professional-quality printing, including photography, fine art, industrial applications and the production of screen print positives.
Longer Printhead Life: Piezoelectric printheads are known for their durability, which makes them cost-effective in the long run for high-volume or professional printing environments.
Environmental Impact: Piezo technology is more energy-efficient since it doesn’t need to heat the ink.
4. Benefits of Thermal Bubblejet:
Cost-Effective: Thermal inkjet printers are generally more affordable, making them accessible for home and office use. The simplicity of the design keeps manufacturing and operational costs low.
Good for Everyday Printing: They are excellent for printing documents, standard images, and the production of screen print positives.
Conclusion:
Piezo inkjet printers excel in professional, high-quality printing applications where durability, ink versatility, and precision are paramount. Thermal bubblejet printers are a cost-effective choice with a shorter life span.
