Fluid Management Systems – Ensuring Reliability in 3D Printing Applications

A reliable fluid management system is crucial to any inkjet application and in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, this is elevated to an even higher degree. The unique printing demands in these sectors are due to the multilayered nature of the printing process – which means a high level of precise fluid control and conditioning is paramount.

At Megnajet, we understand the importance of having a reliable fluid management system in 3D printing applications and we explore why in this blog.

Mitigating Risks

In 3D inkjet printing, products are carefully printed layer by layer, thus any print defect in any one of these layers can lead to significant consequences – ranging from cosmetic imperfections to structural failures. As the 3D inkjet printing industry continues to grow, as does the scale of prints - in turn, this increases the capabilities required of a fluid management system. For this reason, our systems are crucial for ensuring the fluids are supplied to the printhead in a controlled and uniform way enabling the printhead to perform to its highest standard, mitigating the risk and costs of wasted materials.

For example, in binder jetting applications, fluid management systems are responsible for accurately delivering binders to the printheads for depositing onto powder beds to create the 3D printed parts. Precise control over the fluid parameters is therefore essential to achieve accurate and repeatable results.

When carefully conditioning fluid to the appropriate pressure and temperature, a reliable fluid management system can prevent blockages in printhead nozzles and avoid foaming of the fluids. With this in mind, Megnajet’s de-gassing pumps are designed to combine with customers’ matrices and ensure consistent print quality by removing any air bubbles.

By heating fluids to the correct temperature, a fluid supply system’s internal heater is able to adjust the viscosity of the fluid for its intended application. Cooler temperatures often mean that the ink remains thicker, which if too cold can prevent jetting properly.

Additionally, if a fluid management system does not condition the fluid correctly, it can lead to parts failures or even present safety risks. Our ink supply systems are designed with reliability and control at their core, with each Megnajet system undergoing thorough testing before use.

Meeting Industry Requirements

One of the critical aspects of our fluid management systems is versatility. The world of 3D printing includes a wide range of printhead technologies, types, and applications. Therefore, our systems are created to work alongside a wide range of printheads – making us an indispensable partner for anyone looking to achieve unmatched results, whilst maintaining the freedom to choose any printhead.

Megnajet’s fluid management systems are based on industry requirements and have been tailored over time to fit the unique needs of our customers. Our commitment to reliability in the rapidly evolving 3D inkjet printing landscape sets us apart from many other systems, whether you are looking for an off-the-shelf solution, a customised or designed-from-concept bespoke system.

Contributing to Innovation

We believe that 3D Print and Additive Manufacturing stands as one of the most exciting sectors for inkjet technology. At Megnajet, we take pride in the often, unseen, contribution that our fluid management systems are making towards the growth and innovation of industrial inkjet printing as a whole. Our products and expertise play an important role in enabling the industry to push the boundaries of what's possible in inkjet, enabling the use of innovative printhead technology.

For example, when a printhead with recirculating architecture is matched with a reliable fluid management system, it not only enhances printhead reliability but also provides the opportunity for limitless innovation, such as enabling high-viscosity or high volume inkjet printing through controlling the precise temperature and pressure of fluids.

With complex and often expensive fluids such as certain types of liquid polymers or highly pigmented inks, fluid management systems save money and avoid waste by ensuring that the fluid is ready for the printheads to jet. By controlling temperature, pressure and flow rate, fluids are accurately managed and expensive waste is avoided.

For example, our latest system, the JetSource Core HFR has been designed for precise temperature regulation so that fluids can quickly reach the correct temperature for fast start ups. This makes the JetSource the ideal system for these harder to manage, complex fluids used in applications such as embellishments, braille, gloss effects, coatings and adhesives as well as high productivity additive manufacturing.

The way 3D inkjet printing and additive manufacturing is continuing to grow and develop means that the industry has access to printing more advanced materials than ever before and this, in hand, improves the functionality of parts and limits part failure.

A dependable fluid management system is the key to success in 3D printing applications. At Megnajet, we're committed to being a trusted partner for the control and conditioning of fluids for a range of 3D inkjet printing applications. Our versatile and reliable systems are designed to adapt with industry trends – and with our engineers constantly updating and developing our products and solutions, we are able to offer the innovation and reliability that is demanded for this dynamic sector.

Find out more about how our fluid management systems can benefit your 3D inkjet printing application