Japan’s Seiko Epson Corp. has announced the development of a thin-film piezo element that can actuate the highest degree of distortion. As result of this high degree of distortion, the ejection nozzles of the next generation of Epson’s Micro Piezo print heads will have a density of 360 dpi, double that of the company’s existing product.
The Micro Piezo print head is an inkjet print head which utilizes Epson’s original Micro Piezo technology. This technology uses electrical signals to change the shape of piezo elements and then fires ink droplets according to the physical force generated by the change in shape of these elements.
Inkjet systems have become popular because they are ideally suited to small print loads and because they are gentler on the environment. Among inkjet systems, Epson said Micro Piezo technology offers superior ink ejection performance, compatibility with a wide variety of inks, and durability.
Volume production of next-generation Micro Piezo print heads that feature these elements as actuators will be launched in April 2007.
[Site: Epson.co.jp]