Ink-Jet Tool
From Fab @ Home
Welcome to the Fab@Home Ink-Jet Tool Page
We have begun work on a very simple ink-jet deposition tool, based on the HP51604A Thermal Ink-jet Cartridge and the HPQ7453A Cartridge Holder for HP51604 Inkjet Cartridge. Both of these can be had from Parallax among other places, for about $15 each (or less). We have made a simple modification to the 1-Syringe Tool that adds a retractable arm for positioning the cartridge holder, so that the syringe tool and ink-jet tool can be used together, or alone. The cartridges can be refilled with other materials by prying them open, rinsing them (and the sponge they contain), then refilling them. Not every material works, but we have had success with some researchy materials (to be described more later).
The frequency of drops generated by the tool is controlled by the deposition rate for the tool (just as with a syringe tool), and some simple interface electronics are required to generate the short (~5us) pulses at 24V to drive the jets. We'll describe all of this in more detail later, but for now, here are some photos:
 Wide view of the system |
 Closeup showing the cartridge locked into the carrier and the arm deployed |
 With cartridge removed, and arm retracted |
