Why Gear Pumps Are Ideal for Inkjet Printing Applications

September 9, 2024

Inkjet printing is a popular technology used to create high-resolution images and text by propelling droplets of ink onto surfaces like paper. The quality of these prints is directly influenced by the precise control of ink flow, which determines the sharpness, color accuracy, and clarity of the final output. Gear pumps play a crucial role in continuous inkjet printers, offering several advantages that contribute to superior print quality.

Pumps for Consistent High-Quality Printing

For inkjet printers to produce detailed, high-resolution images and text, they need to control the size and placement of ink droplets with extreme precision. Precision gear pumps excel in delivering a consistent, uniform flow of ink, thanks to their positive displacement mechanism. This ensures that each droplet is accurately formed and delivered, helping to prevent print defects such as streaks and banding caused by irregular ink flow.

Inkjet printer with ink cartridges of different colours powered with precision gear pumps

Adaptable Pump Flow Rate Control and Printing Speeds

Accurate ink delivery at the required volumes and specific intervals is key to achieving fine details in high-quality prints. Gear pumps offer precise control over the flow rate, a crucial factor in ensuring consistent print quality across various applications. Diener’s Extreme Series gear pump, for instance, delivers a steady flow of ink between 100 and 5000 ml/min, adapting seamlessly to different printer speeds while maintaining consistent quality across all tasks.

Pressure Stability to Prevent Pump Cavitation

Gear pumps are well-suited to handle higher pressures compared to diaphragm pumps, which may struggle with pressure stability. Maintaining stable pressure is essential to prevent cavitation—the formation of air bubbles in the ink—which can disrupt the ink flow and compromise print quality. Diener’s Silencer Series and Extreme Series gear pumps feature low-pressure pulsation that keeps pressure constant, helping to prevent clogs, cavitation, and variations in ink droplet size.

Versatility with Viscous Inks

close up of a palette of colours printer with inkjet printer pump

Inkjet printers often use a variety of inks, including high-viscosity pigmented inks that are prone to settling and clogging. Gear pumps provide robust, reliable pumping action, ensuring smooth and consistent flow, even with thicker inks. Diener’s Extreme Series gear pumps, for example, can handle fluids with viscosities ranging from 0.3 to 1000 cps, making them ideal for maintaining the homogeneity of different ink types.

Pumps for Reliable Printing Performance

Gear pumps are designed for durability, with fewer moving parts that can withstand the wear and tear of continuous operation. This reduces the need for maintenance and minimizes downtime, unlike diaphragm pumps that require frequent replacement of worn-out diaphragms, particularly when handling viscous inks. Diener’s gear pumps are constructed from chemically resistant materials and feature magnetic couplings and hardened gears, ensuring long-lasting performance across various printing environments.

Custom Pump Design for Seamless Integration

Thanks to their compact and simple design, as well as diverse customisation options, gear pumps can be easily integrated into the sleek profiles of modern inkjet printers without compromising performance. Diener’s Silencer LD Series gear pump, for instance, offers a compact solution with a flow range of 50 to 2500 ml/min at pressures up to 4 bar. With flexible port locations and 3D mounting options, this model provides versatility for different printer designs, making it a perfect fit for manufacturers.

Silencer Series precision gear pump by Diener Precision Pumps

The precision, consistency, and ability to handle various ink types make gear pumps indispensable for inkjet printing. Their stable, uniform ink flow ensures the sharp, vibrant, and accurate prints that inkjet technology is known for.

At Diener Precision Pumps, we are committed to delivering reliable, innovative fluid management solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether your goal is to improve print quality, adapt to different ink formulations, or ensure long-term performance, our range of gear pumps is designed to meet your requirements. Contact us to explore how our expertise can enhance your future projects.

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With their excellent delivery accuracy and consistency, DPP precision pumps are perfect for applications where your flow needs to be perfect each and every time.
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