Common problems and solutions in ink dispensing operations
Release time:
2025-04-21 08:10
Source:
Leica Technology
Ink Dispensing This technology is widely used in electronics, printing, packaging, and many other fields. Its precision and stability are crucial to product quality. In practice, operators often encounter a series of problems that affect production efficiency and product quality. This article aims to explore common problems in ink dispensing operations and propose corresponding solutions to provide a reference for relevant practitioners.
I. Uneven Ink Dispensing
Problem Description:
Ink Dispensing Uneven dispensing is one of the most common problems in operation, manifested as inconsistent dispensing amounts, with some areas having too much and others too little, or even missing spots. This not only affects the product's aesthetics but may also lead to functional failure.
Solutions:
1. Adjust the dispensing needle size: Select the appropriate needle size according to the ink viscosity and dispensing requirements to ensure that the dispensing amount is moderate and uniform.
2. Optimize dispensing parameters: Adjust the air pressure, dispensing speed, and time of the dispensing machine to find the optimal combination through experiments to achieve the ideal dispensing effect.
3. Regularly clean the needle: Prevent needle clogging or residue from affecting dispensing accuracy. Regularly clean the needle with a special cleaning agent.
4. Adopt a closed-loop control system: Introduce a visual recognition or weight detection system to monitor the dispensing amount in real-time and automatically adjust parameters to maintain consistency.
II. Poor Ink Curing
Problem Description:
Poor ink curing can lead to reduced adhesion at the dispensing site, making it prone to peeling or discoloration, seriously affecting the product's durability and appearance.
Solutions:
1. Control curing temperature and time: Set the appropriate curing temperature and time according to the ink type to ensure that the ink is fully cured.
2. Improve the curing environment: Maintain the humidity and cleanliness of the curing room to avoid dust and moisture affecting the curing effect.
3. Use efficient curing equipment: Such as UV curing machines, which can quickly and evenly irradiate the ink, improving curing efficiency and quality.
4. Accurate ink ratio: Strictly mix the curing agent according to the ratio provided by the supplier to avoid poor curing due to improper ratio.
III. Bubbles and Impurities
Problem Description:
Air bubbles or impurities mixed in the ink can cause voids or spots after dispensing, affecting the overall product quality.
Solutions:
1. Vacuum degassing treatment: Perform vacuum degassing treatment on the ink before dispensing to effectively remove air bubbles from the ink.
2. Filter the ink: Use a high-precision filter to filter the ink and remove tiny impurities.
3. Maintain a clean operating environment: Ensure that the dispensing area is dust-free and use dust covers to protect the dispensing equipment and ink containers.
4. Regularly inspect and maintain equipment: Avoid equipment aging or malfunctions introducing impurities. Regularly clean and calibrate the dispensing system.
IV. Needle Clogging
Problem Description:
Needle clogging is a common malfunction during dispensing, which can cause dispensing interruptions or abnormal dispensing shapes.
Solutions:
1. Select needles of suitable material: Choose needle materials that are corrosion-resistant and not easily clogged according to the ink composition.
2. Regularly clean the needle: Establish a regular cleaning mechanism and use a special solvent to clean the inside of the needle to prevent ink from drying and clogging.
3. Control ink viscosity: Appropriately adjust the ink viscosity to avoid excessive viscosity leading to needle clogging.
4. Use an automatic cleaning system: Some high-end dispensing machines are equipped with an automatic cleaning function, which can automatically clean the needle before and after each dispensing, reducing manual intervention.
V. Conclusion
Ink Dispensing As a crucial part of modern manufacturing, every detail in its operation directly relates to the quality and performance of the final product. By scientifically adjusting parameters, optimizing processes, and strengthening equipment maintenance to address the common problems mentioned above, we can not only effectively solve problems but also improve production efficiency and reduce costs. With continuous technological advancements, future ink dispensing technology will become more intelligent and automated, bringing more innovation and possibilities to the manufacturing industry. For practitioners, continuous learning and exploration of new technologies and methods are key to continuously improving dispensing quality and meeting market demands.
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As a precision component that operates at high frequency, the precision dispensing valve requires scientific daily maintenance to extend its service life and maintain dispensing accuracy. Shenzhen Laike Technology has compiled the following key maintenance points for you: Daily cleaning is crucial and should not be overlooked. After finishing work, promptly remove any residual adhesive from the exterior of the valve body, especially around the nozzle and plunger area. Once cured, adhesive can cause blockages or wear, affecting subsequent use. It is recommended to gently wipe with a suitable cleaning solvent, taking care not to damage the seals. Regularly inspect sealing components—seals and other parts will naturally degrade over time during prolonged operation. We recommend checking their condition periodically based on usage frequency. If you notice signs of hardening or wear, replace these components promptly to prevent adhesive from seeping into the valve body and causing more serious damage.
The stringing issue during the dispensing process is often closely related to fluid properties, equipment parameters, and process settings. Drawing on years of industry experience, SZLKTE has compiled and optimized key points for you: Fluid temperature control is crucial. Proper heating can reduce the viscosity of the adhesive, improve its flowability, and minimize stringing and trailing. SZLKTE’s dispensing valves can be equipped with precision temperature-control modules to ensure that the fluid remains in a consistently stable working state. The back-suction parameters must be finely adjusted. The negative-pressure back-suction applied at the moment the glue dispensing stops can effectively cut off the adhesive flow, preventing dripping and stringing. We recommend gradually adjusting the amount and speed of back-suction according to the adhesive’s viscosity until you find the ideal balance.
SZLKTE takes a multi-dimensional approach to ensure zero errors and long service life for its products even under high-speed, continuous operation. The piezoelectric valve series employs piezoceramic actuation technology; its non-contact drive design eliminates mechanical wear common in traditional solenoid valves, enabling a service life of over one billion cycles. At the same time, these valves deliver millisecond-level response times, completely eliminating trailing and stringing issues. The needle valve KC-9870, on the other hand, features a specially engineered, wear-resistant material for its needle component, offering exceptional resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Even in industrial environments with prolonged operation, this valve maintains outstanding stability. Moreover, its components can be quickly disassembled and maintained, significantly reducing production downtime.
Contact Dispensing vs. Non-Contact Jetting Valves: How Should You Choose for Micron-Level Processes?
Contact dispensing involves the needle making physical contact with the substrate surface to apply the fluid. Its main advantage lies in its strong adaptability to high-viscosity fluids and relatively controllable dispensing process. However, since it requires coordinated movement along the Z-axis, the dispensing speed is limited. Additionally, there is a risk of the needle colliding with and damaging the workpiece or deforming the needle itself. Therefore, careful evaluation is necessary when applying this method in miniaturized packaging scenarios. In contrast, non-contact jetting valves use a driving mechanism to rapidly spray adhesive onto the workpiece surface without any physical contact between the needle and the substrate. This feature makes them ideally suited for substrates with uneven surfaces or those that are fragile. They excel in micron-scale processes such as bottom-fill applications for chips and precision coating. The jetting method eliminates the need for Z-axis movement, significantly boosting production efficiency while also avoiding common issues associated with contact dispensing, such as stringing and trailing.
The stability of the piezoelectric valve dispensing process directly determines product quality. Common issues such as uneven dispensing, stringing, and glue leakage can be effectively addressed through parameter adjustments and optimized matching. Laike’s piezoelectric valves support multi-level parameter adjustments, enabling precise matching of pressure, injection frequency, and nozzle aperture according to the specific characteristics of different fluids.
Blocking the hole is Piezoelectric valve The most common failures in dispensing operations are often caused by fluid solidification, residual impurities, and nozzle wear, which directly affect dispensing accuracy and efficiency. Given the structural characteristics of piezoelectric valves, these issues can be addressed in three steps: “diagnosis—cleaning—inspection.” First, stop the machine and visually inspect the nozzle for obvious glue deposits or foreign objects, determining whether the blockage is temporary or a persistent issue caused by nozzle wear.