Micro electro-discharge machining of ink jet nozzles: optimum selection of material and machining parameters

Abstract A comprehensive examination of ink jet nozzles manufactured by the micro electro-discharge machining (MEDM) process has been conducted as part of a study to develop an understanding of the effects of MEDM on the hole properties, the issuing jet directionality and stability and the subsequent ink jet printer performance. Ink jet orifices were machined into thin foils made of different grades of stainless steel. Optical and scanning electron microscopy of the nozzles were then carried out to assess the effects of the machining variables on the orifice surface integrity. The relationship between the applied energy, the size of the heat affected zone, the foil susceptibility to corrosion and the nozzle stability is discussed.