No abstract

The multi-drop method with a good droplet quality is a big challenge in inkjet technology. In this study, optimization of Drop on Demand (DoD) inkjet printer waveform design was conducted. The effectiveness of the waveform design, so-called W waveform, from previous study as a preliminary vibration for the multi-drop ejection method was investigated. The unmodified W waveform was proven not to be an effective waveform for lower viscosity of liquid, especially when compared by the standard waveform obtained from a print-head manufacturer. Edible ink with a viscosity below the optimum range for print-head specifications was employed as the operating liquid. The preliminary vibration W waveform was modified to improve the droplet quality of the edible ink. It was proven that a 40% adjusted voltage of the rear wave of the W waveform was effective as the optimum waveform design for edible ink. The droplet quality of the multi-drop ejection method for grey-scale technology was improved by optimizing the W waveform design.

There are two techniques that can be used to improve the print quality of an inkjet printer, namely binary and greyscale techniques. In the greyscale technique, the method used is the multi drop ejection method. In the multidrop ejection method, it is more difficult to control droplet behaviour because the possibility of residual vibration and crosstalk will be higher, which can cause satellites and ligaments that can make poor print quality. In this study, we reveal how to control droplet behaviour in a multidrop ejection method so that it can produce good quality droplets. The comparison of droplet image that generated from basic waveform with the waveform using preliminary and suppressing vibration, without and with adjustments of actuation voltage was also studied.

One of the operational issues that are generally encountered on the print-head performance is residual vibration. For good performance of droplet, the satellite and ligament of an ink droplet must be suppressed during the jetting process. It was proved that the suppressing vibration is viable to control the droplet's speed and volume. Two kinds of suppressing vibration with front and back position of suppressing pulse from the main pulse were investigated. The suppressing vibration was proved to be an effective way of damping the residual vibration and reducing the droplet volume and speed. By analyzing two types of actuation waveforms effect on droplet quality, this paper analyzes the distinctive effect of front and back suppressing vibration on droplet quality.

Previous studies into the elements that influence the growth factors of SME show that creating new values by innovation is a key to sustainable business progress, and also that there are constant demands for creating innovation in the society. In response to such demands, there have been various models developed on creating innovation. Many have pointed out the importance of grasping the innovation not as a solution for a single problem but for the whole process of engineering development - as a system which integrates the product manufacturing, engineering and business application. Furthermore, such innovation is increasingly considered significant in the studies on the elements influencing the factors that lead to constant progress of business of, not only SME, but also companies in general. In this study, we took an example of a Japanese manufacturer which achieved the position of a niche top and has been successful in continually growing in business to investigate on and analyze the following two subjects; “the elements influencing the growth factor of an enterprise” and “the transition of the growth factors in accordance with each product lifecycle”. The result hereby shows the different elements that can create a value affecting the business growth factors in the respective stages of product lifecycle, such as Introduction, Growth and Maturity.