Application Cases

Experiment Name: Pulsed Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing Platform

Test Purpose: In the pulsed electrohydrodynamic jet printing process, key parameters affecting printing include pulse voltage amplitude, frequency, duty cycle, printing height, flow rate, and platform movement speed. Therefore, the printing platform should allow for effective adjustment of these parameters. To observe in real-time whether the printing process is occurring in a stable "micro-droplet" mode, the experimental platform must be equipped with real-time microscopic imaging capabilities. The platform's positioning system is used for precise alignment before printing begins.

Test Equipment: Voltage amplifier, arbitrary waveform generator, micro-injection pump, three-axis motion platform, monitoring camera, positioning camera, computer, nozzle, etc.

Experimental Process:

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of the Pulsed Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing Setup

The experimental platform for the pulsed electrohydrodynamic jet printing setup is shown in Figure 1. The functions of the various hardware components in the printing platform are as follows:

(1) Arbitrary Waveform Generator: Generates the required waveform signals and outputs them to the voltage amplifier. After amplification by the voltage amplifier, the high voltage needed for printing is obtained.

(2) Voltage Amplifier: Its positive output terminal is connected to the nozzle, and the aluminum substrate on the three-axis motion platform is connected to ground. This creates a high-voltage electric field between the substrate and the nozzle, generating the electric field force required for printing.

(3) Micro-injection Pump: Pushes the liquid through a PTFE tube into the nozzle tip by driving a micro-syringe. The tubing connections must be tight to prevent air bubbles from entering the solution or leakage, which could affect printing stability.

(4) Three-Axis Motion Platform: Composed of three electric translation stages assembled together. It can move the aluminum substrate at the required speed and trajectory based on software control, enabling the printing of different microstructures via pulsed electrohydrodynamic jet printing.

(5) Computer, Cold Light Source, Monitoring Camera: Used for real-time monitoring and analysis of the printing process, allowing observation of whether printing is proceeding in a stable "micro-droplet" mode.

(6) Positioning Camera: Used in conjunction with ring and point light sources to precisely locate the printing position before printing commences, enabling on-demand printing.

The software control of the experimental equipment is primarily implemented by a PC and a motion control card, with the programming completed using LabVIEW software.

Figure 2: System Control Software Interface

Experimental Results:

A pulsed electrohydrodynamic jet printing experimental platform was successfully set up, and the functions of its various components were introduced. The coordinated operation of the equipment is controlled via LabVIEW software. Effective adjustment of printing parameters such as pulse voltage amplitude, frequency, duty cycle, height, and flow rate has been achieved. The real-time microscopic imaging function is used for monitoring and analyzing the printing process, enabling observation of whether it proceeds in a stable "micro-droplet" mode. The platform's positioning system is used for precise alignment of the printing position before printing begins, facilitating on-demand printing.

Recommended Voltage Amplifier: ATA-2161

Figure: ATA-2161 High Voltage Amplifier Specifications

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