Drop Formation Options

 
The Benefits of Variable Drop Printing are:

1. High quality combined with high productivity: image quality is improved even at low native nozzle pitches. For example 360 dpi appears like 1000+ dpi from a binary printhead ('apparent resolution') when using 8 greyscale levels at normal viewing distances.
   
2. Image resolution and quality required by industrial print markets
   >  Smooth gradation and tonal range: Smoother screening with linear drop volume increments
   >  Sharp text and lines produced by the range of drop sizes
   >  Larger (40+pl) drops to ensure excellent image saturation and coverage
   >  Allows fine tuning to accommodate media dot gain characteristics.
   
3. Reduced cost per copy & reduced over-wetting of the substrate by minimising ink usage.
    
4. Fast drying: the minimum amount of fluid is used when using multiple drop sizes. This minimises excess solvent or carrier which in turn means minimal drying time and cuts solvent use.
    
5. 6-level greyscale (0-5 dpd) is equivalent to five densities of each colour (CMYK).
    
6. Eliminates the need for Light Cyan, Light Magenta and Light Black (grey): a full size drop of light ink can effectively be replaced with a smaller full-strength drop. The resolution (determined by the smallest drop size) is enhanced as the smallest drop is now effectively 30-40% of the original drop size.