Ceramic Printing
Application-Related Downloads
Application Summary
Application
Pattern Printing on Ceramic Tiles
Description
Digital Printers are used to print patterns on ceramic tiles and other ceramic objects. The printing operation occurs before the ceramic is fired.
How It’s Used
A gear pump is used to supply ink to the print heads of the printer. The ink is continuously circulated over the inlets of the print heads to keep pigmentation particles in suspension; thus preventing blockage of the inlets.
Key Feature
Abrasion resistant pump materials
End Equipment
Digital ceramic printers
Pump Function
Circulation
Fluids
Pigmented inks
Flow Rate
1 to 5 L/min (16-78 US gph)
Differential Pressure
<60 psi (<4.2 bar)
Applications Overview
The speed and flexibility of today's digital printers have opened up new opportunities for printed ceramic tile applications. These tiles are used for flooring, counter tops, and a broad range of decorative applications.
Micropump pumps are used in digital ceramic tile printers to circulate pigmented ink over the inlets of the print heads. This circulation is important to keep the pigments in suspension and prevent blockage of print head inputs.
Gear or centrifugal pump circulating ink to print heads in digital ceramic tile printer.
PUMPING REQUIREMENTS
MICROPUMP SOLUTIONS
FLOW RATE: 1 to 5L/min (16 to 78 USG/hr)
We have variable speed pumps for this application with gear pump flows from 0.158 to 3.52 L/min (2.5 to 56 USG/hr) and centrifugal pump flows from 4 to 24 L/min (68 to 374 USG/hr)
LONG LIFE WITH ABRASIVE, PIGMENTED INKS
Our pumps were developed specifically to handle abrasive, pigmented inks. We have life test results for abrasive white inks well in excess of 20K hours.
LEAK FREE OPERATION
Our magnetic drives eliminate dynamic shaft seals, keeping fluid securely inside the pump and potential contaminants out.
SMALL PACKAGE SIZE
Our magnetic-drive gear pumps are small. When mounted to a Micropump electromagnetic EagleDrive™, we can offer a very compact pump and drive package.
LOW POWER REQUIREMENTS
With no drag from dynamic seals in the mag-drive gear pump, and no moving parts in our EagleDrive, power requirements are very low.
Performance Summary
These charts indicate optimal operating ranges for recommended products.
Micropump Products Optimized for this Application
Micropump CA Series centrifugal pump and GJR Series gear pumps are most commonly used in this application. They provide reliable, smooth flow for ink circulation.
The Micropump Advantage
The unparalleled quality, performance record, reliability and long operating life of Micropump pumps and our extensive engineering expertise make Micropump a vital partner in this demanding market.
Headquarters
Micropump Inc.
1402 NE 136th Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98684-0818 USA