Transient Flow Visualization in a Lexmark Printer

Project Sponsor: Lexmark International Inc.

Matt CasavantNor Izzati Nordin

Wan Afeek Wan AliGuy Davis

Lexmark Corporate Background Information

• Lexmark was launched in 1991 and the company is known for developing manufacturing, and supplying printing solutions.

• Divided into 2 divisions1) Consumer Printer Division (CPD)2) Printing Solutions & Services Division (PS&SD)

• Environmentally Conscious - Actively searches and uses environmental

friendly products.

Problem Statement

1. Print Defect

- Small ink droplets are blown away by the air flow of the print head as it moves left and right.

- The small particle does not hit the target but instead creates “tree veins” (below) on the paper.

Problem Statement Continued

2. Dirty Printer

- Small liquid particles (1.1-1.5 nanograms) mix with air flow due to the print head movement and end up misting the inside surface of the printer.

Empirical Problem Statement• Use the Vanderbilt water tunnel (thus choosing water as the

fluid medium due to the ability to dye flow patterns) to study flow over a container to better understand the flow disturbances it creates.

• This will then allow for inconsistent print patterns such as veins to be corrected.

Needs• Ink particles to hit target

(accuracy)

• Veins to go away

• Clean printer (no small flying ink particles)

Wants• Inexpensive

• Simplicity in solution

• Less mess

• Environmentally friendly

Questions/Comments?