Universities and research groups called for better and more affordable deposition methods, for example spin coating, and Stensborg, nanotechnology engineering experts from Roskilde, Denmark, answered with a modified Epson Inkjet Printer. A new way to deposit UV resin for NIL applications.
The engineering team at Stensborg has certainly raised the inkjet technology bar with their new innovative launch. Strategically designed for ‘entry-level’ use to spearhead university and research education/prototyping, an off-the-shelf product, the Epson Inkjet printer, was modified, to enable users to reduce cost, and pave the way for a seamless upscaling transition as they master the art of the trade.
Image credit: Stensborg A/S
The Epson Inkjet Printer Story
Inkjet technology is exceptionally versatile, with a strong variety of resources to select from. However, it was no secret to the Stensborg team that there was a prevalent disparity between inkjet printing and its startup cost. Naturally, higher quality and complex designs/spinners called for higher price tags, which can be a hefty conundrum for entry-level users of nanoimprint lithography.
But one day, while applying thin layers of resin, Stensborg posed the idea of developing a printer that could deliver the best of both worlds for those uprising users – programmable printing to optimise resin deposition without needing to endure the cost for higher-tiered inkjet technology. From there, the round table collaborations on developing a tangible design began in June of 2020, with brief restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. After trial and error, the team, including a Stensborg engineer, Karlis Petersons, discovered a configuration that worked, and it was later picked up by Kevin Jensen, a lab assistant, to continue to develop the idea.
Under the guidance of CTO Leif Yde and Karlis, Kevin successfully took the initial design and integrated more advanced modifications, including software updates. This dedication enabled the project to transform from blueprint to a palpable reality to refer to. This soon became the catalyst for the team to begin performing deposition with inkjet, as they recognised the “entry-level’’ inkjet deposition for technical applications, such as R&D-related printheads, were often prohibitively expensive. During the search for more budget-friendly resin-deposition alternatives, Karlis posed the question of home user commercial inkjet printers instead.
“There are various commercial inkjet printers for a home user. They are significantly more affordable: can we use them?”
