Inkjetprinting

Inkjet printing is a non-impact printing process that forms images by ejecting tiny droplets of ink through microscopic nozzles onto a substrate. The two principal families are continuous inkjet (CIJ) and drop-on-demand (DOD). In CIJ, a stream of ink droplets is produced continuously, with some droplets directed to the page and others redirected; in DOD, droplets are generated only when needed. DOD subdivides into thermal inkjet, in which tiny heaters create vapor bubbles that force a droplet from the nozzle, and piezoelectric inkjet, where a piezoelectric element changes nozzle pressure to eject droplets.

Consumer inkjet printers typically use cartridges containing cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks, with dye- and pigment-based formulations. Dye inks tend to provide bright color at a lower cost, while pigment inks offer better longevity. Inks may be water-based for general paper printing, or solvent-, UV-curable-, or latex-based for specialized media, such as textiles, plastics, or signage. Printing on diverse substrates is enabled by specialized inks and surface coatings.

Applications range from home and office document printing to professional photo reproduction, packaging, textile printing, and some industrial manufacturing. Inkjet has the advantage of high print resolution, the ability to print on varied media, and relatively low equipment cost, but may incur higher running costs due to ink price and occasional nozzle clogging. Environmental considerations include cartridge recycling and the use of low-VOC inks.

Ongoing developments focus on faster print speeds, larger drop sizes with grayscale rendering, improved color management, and durable inks for industrial and outdoor use. Some inkjet technologies have also been adapted for 3D printing through material jetting.