Recent Advances in Real-Time Inkjet Monitoring Techniques Based on Piezo Self-Sensing Signals

Inkjet technology has been used in the manufacturing process due to its high throughput using multiple nozzles for simultaneous jetting. However, not all nozzles are in good condition, and misfiring nozzles should be excluded from the printing process. Moreover, the condition of some nozzles may change even during the printing process. Thus, real-time monitoring of the whole nozzle status is one of the important issues in an inkjet-based manufacturing process. In this Spotlight, we discuss recent advances in real-time inkjet monitoring methods based on piezo self-sensing signals. To improve the monitoring algorithm and verify the proposed method, the analysis results of long-term jet behavior are presented. Based on scatter plots of more than 140,000 jetting cases, the influence of parameters on the reliability of monitoring was also investigated. Finally, the prospects for real-time inkjet monitoring techniques based on our current advances will be discussed.