Domino- Measurement to evaluate ink designs and print parameters for reliable, fast and high resolution digital printing

A computer model will simulate how ink droplets form and break apart during high-speed digital printing, replacing slow, hands-on trial-and-error testing. The market for printed barcodes and QR-codes has exploded as manufacturers use them for product traceability, anti-counterfeiting, and consumer information. These codes can also reduce packaging waste by printing directly onto cardboard cartons or bottle caps, eliminating labels or plastic sleeves. But the demands on printers and inks are severe: print quality depends on drop formation and breakup, which in turn depends on distance from the print head, firing frequency, and ink composition. Currently, optimising these parameters requires time-consuming and labour-intensive measurements. This project uses computational fluid dynamics to model drop behaviour under a range of printing conditions. If successful, it will replace physical measurements with faster, cheaper simulations. That could accelerate the development of new inks and printing configurations, making it easier to print reliable, high-resolution codes onto diverse surfaces—from corrugated cardboard to curved bottle caps. The result would be more efficient manufacturing and more sustainable packaging, without the need for separate labels or plastic sleeves.