Driven by the wave of Industry 4.0, the global machinery manufacturing industry is accelerating its transformation to automation and digitalization. Inkjet coding systems play an indispensable role in enhancing productivity, reducing error rates, and meeting quality standards due to its high efficiency and accuracy. According to market research, the global inkjet marking coding machine market size has reached USD 3.25 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.30% to USD 5.71 billion by 2032.

Inkjet printing technology continues to advance as market needs evolve. In response to increasingly refined application scenarios, the industry is actively seeking more advanced and reliable inkjet solutions.

01· Analysis of modern inkjet technology

(Continuous Inkjet, CIJ)

CIJ technology operates on the principle of high-speed continuous ink flow, in which ink is ejected at extremely high speeds through precision nozzles and then split into micron-sized droplets by means of high-frequency vibrations. This process, combined with charge control and electric field guidance technology, ensures high precision and speed.

This technology is widely used for marking information on a variety of substrates, such as production dates, serial numbers, 2D barcodes, etc., and maintains excellent print quality even when the object is in dynamic transit.

· (Drop On Demand, DOD)

The structure of DOD inkjet technology is relatively simple, and it realizes the high-resolution output of images by precisely ejecting ink droplets at the required point in time.DOD is mainly divided into two modes: thermal bubble (using heating to generate bubbles to drive the ink droplet ejection) and piezoelectricity (through the deformation of piezoelectric material to promote the ejection of ink droplets), which can be flexibly selected according to specific needs.

DOD technology is suitable for digital printing, art reproduction, advertising signs and graphic reproduction and other scenes that require high color transition and clarity.

02 Core Challenges in the Inkjet Industry

1.Ink Compatibility and Seal Stability

The ink used in inkjet printing in a variety of ink types, including water-based, solvent-based, weak solvent-based and oil-based ink, which contains chemical additives which often have a strong corrosive properties. If the ink supply system materials are not selected properly, it is very easy to cause corrosion and wear of the pump body, diaphragm or valve, which in turn affects the operating efficiency and service life of the equipment, and even the risk of ink leakage. Therefore, the selection of materials must have excellent chemical resistance, and with high sealing design to ensure long-term stable operation.

2.Precise Liquid Line Pressure Control

The pressure fluctuation of the liquid system during the inkjet process directly affects the formation of ink droplets and jetting stability, which is one of the most important factors in determining printing accuracy and consistency. Ink supply pumps need to have excellent flow regulation and pressure stability in order to meet the stringent requirements of high-precision printing for drop size and drop point control.

3.Reliability Tested by Long-Term Continuous Operation

Inkjet printing equipment is usually in a state of uninterrupted operation for a long time, which puts higher requirements on the ink supply system. Pumps not only need to have excellent durability, but also must be able to maintain a constant and stable performance output under complex working conditions, to ensure that the entire printing process is efficient, reliable and trouble-free operation.

TOPSFLO Inkjet Printer Pump Recommended Solutions: Empowering High-Precision Printing

In response to the inkjet industry’s core challenges in ink compatibility, fluid control and continuous operation, TOPSFLO Pumps has launched two high-performance diaphragm pumps, TF30 and TF22. Adopting coreless brushless motor drive, supporting PWM speed control and FG signal feedback, combined with imported double bearing structure design, they comprehensively improve system stability and response accuracy, which is the ideal choice for ink supply system of modern inkjet equipment.

TF30 diaphragm liquid pump – double guarantee of efficient ink supply and stable circulation

01 Excellent chemical resistance for safe sealing

EPDM, FKM, FFKM and other highly corrosion-resistant materials are used as the core diaphragm of TF30, which can effectively resist the erosion of corrosive components in water-based, solvent-based, weak-solvent-based and oily inks, significantly extending the service life of the pump body and reducing the maintenance cost. At the same time, its precision sealing structure design ensures that the system still realizes zero leakage operation under complex working conditions, eliminating the pollution and equipment risk caused by ink spillage.

02 Powerful flow rate output to meet the needs of efficient production

The TF30 has excellent flow control capability, and can realize stable delivery of 350ml/min or 800ml/min, which is suitable for a wide range of inkjet equipment. The high flow rate feature not only enhances the printing speed, but also provides reliable ink supply support for large-scale industrial inkjet systems, helping enterprises realize higher productivity and efficiency.

TF22 Micro Diaphragm liquid Pumps – Reliable Choice for Precision High Pressure Transmission

1. Low-pulsation design for stable high-pressure delivery

In high-precision inkjet applications, pulsation control of the ink supply system is crucial. Excessive pressure fluctuations not only affect the stability of ink drop formation, but also may trigger early ink curing or color changes, which in turn affects print quality.The TF22 adopts an optimized low-pulsation pumping structure, effectively suppressing the extra heat and energy impact generated by the cavitation effect, ensuring that the ink remains chemically stable and fluid under high-pressure environments.

The maximum working pressure of the pump can reach more than 10 bar, long-term continuous operation pressure stabilized at 6 bar, can be capable of a variety of complex inkjet equipment in the pressurized ink supply needs, it is an ideal power to protect the core of the high-resolution printing effect.

2. Highly durable structure, combining quietness and long service life.

The TF22 features a number of mechanical enhancements that significantly reduce wear and tear on internal components and improve reliability over long periods of continuous operation. Even in high-intensity industrial environments, the TF22 maintains stable performance output, extends maintenance cycles, and reduces overall cost of ownership.

In addition, the TF22 is optimized for noise reduction, keeping the operating noise below 50dB, creating a quiet and comfortable operating environment for users, combining high efficiency with a user-friendly experience, making it a reliable core component in inkjet printing systems.

TOPSFLO Pumps has always been committed to providing professional solutions to key challenges in the inkjet printing process through technological innovation. As a company specializing in the development and manufacture of micro pumps for printers, we have a diverse product line that comprehensively meets the industry’s needs for high efficiency, reliability and durability. In the future, TOPSFLO will continue to plough into the inkjet field and help the industry realize a double leap in print quality and productivity!