PIXMA TECHNOLOGY
PIXMA TECHNOLOGYPIXMA iP4000R 6
FINETechnology:
Beautiful Results Fast
Canon’sexclusive FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) high-
performance printhead differs from competitors’ offerings in both its design and
manufacture to deliver a superior combination ofquality and speed.
High Quality
High qualityink jet photo printing is a function of the size, uniformity and accurate
placementof the ink droplets. The iP4000R uses microscopic droplets of 2 and 5 picoliters
to reduce graininessand provide rich gradation. However reducing the size of ink
dropletsalone is not enough, because smaller droplets require even higher precision in
uniformityand placement. Canon addresses this issue by forming relevant sections of
the printhead in an integrated process, as opposed to bonding together separate parts
(a method used bycompetitors). Moreover, the FINE manufacturing process employs
photolithographyto produce sub-micron level precision in the profile and dimensions of
nozzles, inkejection openings and ink supply ports.
Canon’sprint head manufacturing method helps elimi-
nate even minute minute errorsin ink placement that can
make an image appear unnaturalto the human eye.
Canon’sFINE Technology resolves two additional ejection issues. The firstis that ink
dropletsare ejected only after they have been fully separated from the nozzle head, so
there’sno breakage in the droplet. This helps ensure the consistent ejection of ink
dropletsof the specific prescribed volume. The second is that power is concentrated
efficientlyin ejection. This powerful ejection helps overcome the effect of air resistance,
so dropletsare aimed with greater precision and placed more consistently.
Competitor
2. Expel 3. Pull Back 4. Break Away
1. Pull
Inconsistency In Ink-Droplet Volume
Piezoelectric System
Competitor
2. Pull Back 3. Break Away
1. Expel
Inconsistency In Ink-Droplet Volume
Conventional Ink Ejection Process
Prescribed Ink Droplet Volume
Canon
FINE
2. Separation 3. Ejection
1. Bubble Generation
First droplet
Second droplet
Third droplet
Accurate Placement