Secondary Fragmentation
Creation of minute liquid particles during the rupture of a larger fluid bridge follows the primary separation of ink or coating. As a filament stretches and eventually snaps, the recoiling ends often leave behind one or more tiny spheres that do not merge with the main volumes. This satellite droplet formation occurs frequently in both inkjet nozzles and the exit of traditional printing nips.
Impact Accuracy
Placement of ink on the substrate is compromised when small, uncontrolled particles land away from the intended image area. In digital printing, satellite droplet formation results from the tail of a jetted drop breaking off and trailing behind the main body. These smaller masses have less momentum and are easily diverted by air currents, leading to a fuzzy appearance or background speckle.
Adjusting the waveform of the printhead or the surface tension of the fluid helps to keep the tail attached to the main drop until it reaches the paper.
Surface Quality
Clarity of fine text and sharp edges depends on the minimization of stray particles. When satellite droplet formation is high, the overall contrast of the print decreases and the white areas of the paper begin to look grey.
