Multiphase micro-drop interaction in inkjet printing of 3D structures for tactile maps

摘要

Ink-jet technology is a novel method for rapid deposition of accurately measured material with high precision. Consequently it has been used for applications such as, deposition of light emitting polymers and more recently for fabricating 3D objects and micro-mechanical structures. Ink-jet technology is also being applied to produce tactile maps for the visually impaired. The efficiency of the tactile maps. as outlined by psychophysical and cartographic studies of haptics, depends on its 3D features. To comprehend and control these features, detailed understanding of interaction amongst micro-drops. which are typically 50 mu m in diameter, is imperative. Multiphase interaction takes place between each liquid drop at impact with liquid or solid cured drops (deposited previously) and the solid substrate in an envelop of air. The behavior of micro-drops with regards to surface tension, drop coalescence among liquid and solid drops, drop impact kinetics, wettability, surface energy and drop spread has been analyzed using a computational model.