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Ceramic Printing
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 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 |
| Micropump Products |
CA, GJR and GJM |
| 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) |
Application 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. |
Micropump Products Optimized for this Application
Micropump CA Series centrifugal pump and GJM and GJR Series gear pumps are most commonly used in this application. They provide reliable, smooth flow for ink circulation.
Series CA CENTRIFUGAL PUMP W/ EAGLEDRIVE
Series CA Pump:
Centrifugal Pump w/ EagleDrive
FLOW RATE: 4.3-23.6 L/min (68 to 374 USG/hr)
MAX HEAD: 7.8 meters (25.6 ft.)
MAX SYSTEM PRESSURE: 13.8 bar (200 psi)
WETTED MATERIALS: 316SS, PTFE
DRIVES: EagleDrive™, and Micropump drive mounts
Series GJR
Series GJR Pump
FLOW RATE: 0.158 to 3.52 L/min (2.5 to 56 USG/hr)
MAX DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE: 4.0 Bar (58 psi)
MAX SYSTEM PRESSURE: 21 Bar (300 psi)
WETTED MATERIALS: 316SS, Carbide/Ceramic, PTFE
DRIVES: EagleDrive™, and Micropump drive mounts
Series GJM
Series GJM Pump
FLOW RATE: 0.25 to 3.5 L/min (4 to 55 USG/hr)
MAX DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE: 4.2 Bar (60 psi)
MAX SYSTEM PRESSURE: 21 Bar (300 psi)
WETTED MATERIALS: 316SS, PEEK/Ceramic, PTFE, EP
DRIVES: EagleDrive™, and Micropump drive mounts
Performance Summary
These charts indicates optimal operating ranges for recommended products.
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.
