Use of Industrial Ink Jet Printers for Controlled Lubrication of Mill Rolls

摘要

In metal processing there are needs to apply lubricant to mill rolls, as a parting agent, or prior to extruding. This process typically involves air brushes or lube drips with subsequent maintenance needs to absorb and dispose of excess lubricant. There is a desire to increase the process control over the amount of lubricant applied and to minimize the lubricant waste. Ink jet can apply lubricant in picoliter amounts to moving surfaces. Since it is a highly controlled, digital deposition process the lubricant can be applied locally in a desired pattern with almost no waste. The paper will highlight the capabilities of ink jet to provide a uniform patterned coating at high speeds.