Application Cases

Experiment Title: Research on Micro-Nano 3D Printing Technology

Experimental Principle:
The Taylor cone jetting effect is achieved through a self-excited electrostatic field to realize fine micro-jetting, combined with the attraction of polarized charges to enable precise multi-layer stacking, thereby accomplishing additive manufacturing of 3D micro-nano structures. Based on the analysis of the printing principle, two printing modes—pulsed cone jetting and continuous cone jetting—are proposed to meet actual manufacturing requirements.

Testing Equipment:
Signal generator, ATA-7020 high-voltage amplifier, displacement stage, printing nozzle, camera.

Experimental Procedure:
The input end of the high-voltage power supply is connected to the output end of the signal generator. The positive output end of the high-voltage power supply is directly connected to the printing nozzle (conductive). The upper part of the printing nozzle is connected to a pressure control and material supply unit, while the lower part of the nozzle is positioned above the printing substrate. The printing substrate is placed on an X-Y displacement stage. The movement of the displacement stage and the CCD camera are controlled by a computer.

Experimental Results:
The positive output port of the high-voltage power supply is connected to the printing nozzle (conductive) without requiring a grounded counter electrode, thereby establishing a high electrical potential. Due to electrostatic induction, charges within the substrate redistribute, resulting in negative charges accumulating on the upper surface of the substrate, while positive charges are repelled to the lower surface. A stable electric field is formed between the extraction electrode and the substrate (or the printed structure). Under the combined effects of back pressure and gravity, the printing material at the nozzle forms a meniscus. As the electric field intensifies, the printing material overcomes surface tension and viscous forces, ejecting an ultra-fine jet from the bottom of the meniscus, which deposits onto the substrate. By controlling the X-Y and Z displacement stages to follow a predefined path, three-dimensional solid printing is achieved. The signal generator is used to control the high-voltage power supply to output any required waveform, enabling both continuous and pulsed cone jetting printing modes.

Figure: Specifications of the ATA-7020 High-Voltage Amplifier