Ink Discharge Evaluation

Ink Discharge Evaluation

Services and Support


Services and Support
  • Ink Discharge Evaluation
    We will verify whether the ink is discharged correctly from the inkjet printhead.
  • Print Evaluation
    We will verify whether circuits and patterns are printed correctly onto the substrate by the inkjet printing device.
  • Prototyping
    We will make prototypes using an inkjet printer or other means according to your request.
  • Contract Manufacturing
    Based on the prototyping results, the manufacturing of the product may be outsourced to us starting from small lots.

Ink Discharge Evaluation Service

Using a high-performance printhead made by Seiko Epson Corporation (hereinafter "Epson"), we will evaluate the performance of your inkjet ink in a short time.
ink discharge
The service is ideal for the following:
  • For evaluating the inkjet compatibility of the functional ink that you have developed.
  • For a discharge evaluation of the enzyme and protein inks you have developed.
  • You are after a specialist's opinion on the development of your ink.
  • You want to test your ink with a printhead that has a proven track record in mass production of printed electronics.

Apply for Ink Discharge Evaluation Service

Different aspects of the service

A one-stop ink discharge evaluation service
  • An ink discharge evaluation service to bring inkjet printing to a wider range of applications.
  • From receiving the ink to running ink discharge tests and writing reports, Elephantech provides a one-stop service.
Ink evaluation using a cutting edge Inkjet machine for R&D
  • Using Epson's PrecisionCore inkhead, performance indicators for printing onto substrates and such are evaluated with inkjet printing equipment used for cutting edge R&D.
  • If necessary, we will also perform waveform adjustments and Print Evaluation.
Conditions regarding the evaluation
  • This service is provided by Elephantech under license from Epson. The evaluation results will be shared with Epson.
  • In general, we will offer the fees for the initial ink discharge evaluation service for free. There may be cases where we cannot progress to the evaluation following a safety data sheet (SDS) check.

Outline of Epson’s Inkjet machine for R&D purposes

Ink evaluation using a cutting edge Inkjet machine for R&D
Manufacturer Seiko Epson Corporation
Printhead PrecisionCore
Ink viscocity guide 1-10 mPaS (Please contact us if not within this range.)
Minimum required ink volume 50 mL
Observation functions Ink droplet flight
Printing
Printing function Print on 100mm square stage
Ink type Water-based and solvent-based inks
Evaluation Evaluated by Elephantech under commission from Epson

Flow of the ink discharge evaluation

In addition to the one-stop ink discharge evaluation, we also provide characteristic improvement proposals and consultations based on our experience in mass production.
Application and initial meeting
We will hold a meeting with clients who apply for the service.
Memorandum of understanding
An MoU on ink evaluation will be concluded.
Provision of SDS and ink
The client will provide us with SDS and ink. The SDS must be provided.
Ink evaluation and improvement proposals
We will evaluate the ink. At the same time, we will propose improvements to ink characteristics and such.
Report submission
We will submit a report to the client once the evaluation is complete.

Results provided by the ink discharge evaluation service

Test items Description of items

Initial ink filling

 We will evaluate the initial fill characteristics on an inkjet nozzle. We will mainly judge whether the characteristics as a fluid are good.

Intermittent stability

 We will evaluate the stability in situations where ink is discharged intermittently. We will mainly judge ink discharge stability and resistance to drying.

Droplet volume followability

 We will evaluate whether the volume of the droplet follows changes in voltage. Higher followability will allow for finer control.

Drop velocity followability

 We will evaluate whether the drop velocity follows changes in voltage. High-speed flight will stabilize the landing position and allow for high-precision printing.

Frequency characteristics

 We will evaluate suitability for high-frequency printing. We will determine how far the printing throughput can be increased to.

FAQs

What is the relationship between Elephantech and Epson?

Epson is a shareholder of Elephantech and we have a capital and business alliance. (We are not an equity method affiliate.)

What is the relationship between Elephantech and Epson regarding the ink discharge evaluation service using Epson’s Inkjet machine for R&D?

Epson has set up a research and development base called “Inkjet Innovation Lab Hatchobori Satellite” inside the Elephantech Hatchobori Head Office, and Elephantech is entrusted by Epson to conduct research and development work such as ink evaluation.

The Inkjet machine for R&D at Hatchobori Satellite is an Epson R&D asset.

Can the ink discharge evaluation be done without having the results shared with Epson?

We regret to inform you that the ink evaluation is done using Epson assets, and so the R&D inkjet printing device cannot be used to evaluate the ink discharge without the results being shared with Epson.

Can we ask Epson directly for an evaluation?
It will depend on the resources at Epson's disposal, but it is possible. There is no specific need to go through us.

 

Make an inquiry about or apply for the ink discharge evaluation service
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