Digital Inkjet: OEM Pumps & Compressors

In large-format and industrial continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers, the fluidics system is the heart of the machine. Pumps are responsible for supplying ink to the printhead, maintaining the correct pressure for jetting, recirculating unused ink, and performing critical maintenance functions like purging and cleaning to prevent nozzle clogs. 

The Engineering Challenge 

Inkjet pumps must provide extremely precise and stable, low-pulsation flow to the printhead; pressure fluctuations can cause inconsistent drop formation and banding defects in the print. They must be highly compatible with a wide range of aggressive solvent- and UV-based inks without degrading or leaching contaminants. The pump must also be able to handle the varying viscosities of different inks. Reliability is paramount, as pump failure or inconsistent performance leads to nozzle dropouts, poor print quality, and costly downtime for cleaning and repairs. 

The Thomas Solution 

 Thomas offers a range of pump technologies engineered for the precision and chemical compatibility that digital inkjet systems require. Our Liquid Diaphragm Pumps can be configured with chemically resistant wetted paths (FKM, PTFE) to reliably handle aggressive inks and solvents. For applications demanding the highest precision and lowest shear, our Peristaltic Pumps provide accurate, low-pulsation flow while ensuring the ink only contacts the compatible tubing. Gas Diaphragm Pumps are also available for efficient degassing of inks, which is crucial for maintaining print quality. The reliability and precision of Thomas pumps help OEMs build printers that deliver consistent, high-quality output with maximum uptime.