A breakthrough in inkjet imaging for print production is claimed by Fujifilm Dimatix with its announcement of an advanced variable drop jetting technology. The patented VersaDrop technology takes advantage of the inherent high frequency response developed by the company that enables each of several hundred nozzles in one or more piezoelectric printhead arrays to deliver a desired amount of fluid in each drop of ink. Available later this year in Fujifilm Dimatix‘s Spectra M-Class printheads and jet modules, it can be used by systems builders to offer “unprecedented flexibility in printhead operation and product design”.
By varying the size of the drop fired, rather than the number of drops fired or the number of passes by the printhead to create each pixel, VersaDrop makes it possible for inkjet systems is said to satisfy a wide range of requirements, including applications demanding fine tonal gradations and crisp 4pt text printed within the same job. In addition, the ability to precisely modulate the size and shape of individual ink drops, and accurately place them, enables it to produce smooth tonal variations and extremely fine features. It is also said to be more robust than competitive grayscale methods for modulating drop size by producing a single drop at high speed, rather than a burst of drops at significantly slower speeds.
John Batterton, president and ceo of Fujifilm Dimatix, states: "By taking full advantage of our proprietary silicon based MEMS printhead to deliver precision variable-drop jetting without affecting device throughput or productivity, VersaDrop technology provides unparalleled versatility to systems builders in designing and producing printing products without having to make trade-offs between production speed and print quality. Now they can achieve products that offer both."
| Contact |
| Fujifilm Dimatix |
