In the field of ceramic decoration, inkjet printing technology has become an important application method. It achieves decorative effect by ejecting ink on the surface of ceramic products and firing at high temperature. The performance of ceramic ink plays a key role in the entire inkjet process, in which surface tension and viscosity are important factors affecting the effect of ink ejection and coating. This article will explore the role of surface tension and viscosity in ceramic inkjet and introduce related solutions.
Ceramic Ink Requirements
Ceramic ink needs to meet many requirements in the inkjet process. First, it needs to meet the needs of inkjet printing, including viscosity, surface tension, particle size distribution, etc.; secondly, after high temperature firing, the ink must be able to develop color without chromatic aberration; in addition, other parameters such as pH value, solid content, and stability need to be considered.
The role of surface tension in ceramic inkjet
In the ceramic inkjet printing process, the surface tension affects the ejection and coating effect of the ink. When the ink is ejected from the nozzle, the size of the surface tension will affect the shape of the ink droplets. If the surface tension is too large, it may cause the ink droplets to tail, and if it is too small, it is easy to produce satellite-like ink droplets. This will affect the clarity and layering of the pattern. At the same time, the surface tension also affects the spread effect of the ink on the bottom glaze. If the surface tension is too small, the ink is easy to diffuse and separate, resulting in ink hanging problems; if it is too large, the ink cannot adhere well to the bottom glaze. Therefore, controlling the surface tension of the ink is crucial to ensure the ink ejection and coating effect.
The role of viscosity in ceramic inkjet
The viscosity of ceramic ink is also an important parameter that affects the inkjet effect. Changes in viscosity will lead to changes in the working voltage of the nozzle, which will affect the stability and life of the nozzle. At different temperatures, changes in viscosity may cause unstable ink ejection, and even cause problems such as disconnection and ink failure. Therefore, under different temperature conditions, it is necessary to adjust the working voltage of the nozzle in time to ensure the normal operation of the nozzle.
Solution: SITA t15 Surface Tensiometer
In order to meet the surface tension and viscosity requirements of ceramic ink, the German company SITA has launched the t15 surface tensIon Meter. The instrument can accurately measure the dynamic surface tension value of ceramic ink within 15ms to 20s, and has a high degree of repeatability. Through scientific dynamic surface tension curve analysis, the wetting performance of the ink can be effectively evaluated, helping to improve the ink formula. In addition, combined with the compatibility of additives and ink, the most suitable additives can be selected according to the dynamic surface tension value, and the amount of addition can be quantitatively controlled, thereby reducing costs.
SITA t15 surface tensIon Meter can also be used for incoming material detection, identifying differences between different batches of additives, adjusting the ratio of ink system in a targeted manner, and realizing scientific production. By controlling surface tension and viscosity, the printing effect of ceramic inkjet can be more stable and reliable, providing higher quality assurance for the ceramic decoration industry.
In a word, in the process of ceramic inkjet decoration, surface tension and viscosity are the key factors affecting the effect of ink jetting and coating. Through scientific testing and adjustment, better printing results can be achieved, product quality and market competitiveness can be improved.
