Msc: Mechanical Engineering TU​/e - Air bubble , dynamics and removal in inkjet print head

MSc:
Mechanical Engineering TU/e – Air bubble growth, dynamics and removal in an inkjet print head

Within an inkjet print head, numerous fluid (micro‑) channels are embedded to supply ink from the inlet to the thousands of driving ejection elements that form tiny (picoliter) droplets used to make a print. A big challenge in printing is the control of air within ink and formation of air bubbles within the complex channel structures.

Air bubbles can deteriorate jetting dynamics by blocking channels, obstructing ink supply to the ejection elements, and changing pressures as they grow and shrink. They also act as (micro‑)fluidic dampening elements affecting jetting dynamics, especially when system frequencies enter the kHz range.

Understanding air bubble formation is crucial for print quality. Industry uses high‑speed imaging, degassing membranes, ink recirculation systems, and optimized acoustic waveforms to develop solutions. In the print head design, the channel structure can be optimized to remove air bubbles, an area that has not yet been fully explored.

In this assignment you will explore the fundamental physics behind bubble formation within a print head channel system, using numerical simulations. You will extract requirements for a proper print head design and, through small prototype builds, verify and confirm your model‑based designs with conceptual experiments. This assignment will be carried out at CPP R&D.

You are currently studying at the TU/e Mechanical Engineering in the Micro Thermo Fluids or Microsystems department, ready for your final MSc graduation assignment. You are proactive, eager to learn what it means to carry out a project in an industrial environment, and want to explore the impact of your work on Canon’s product portfolio.

• A challenging assignment with skilled coaching
• Internship/Graduation compensation of €500 per month
• Travel cost compensation if you do not have an ‘OV-weekcard’
• The possibility to network with professionals inside and outside your field of expertise, thanks to the diversity of disciplines you will work with