More than ‘ink delivery’ – ‘fluid management systems’ for today’s printing and innovative manufacturing applications
You may have noticed that at Megnajet, we refer to our systems as ‘fluid management systems’ rather than ‘ink delivery systems’. That’s not just a branding choice, it’s to reflect a fundamental shift in how inkjet technology is being used and seen across industries today.
Inkjet is no longer confined to traditional printing applications. It has evolved into a powerful tool for additive manufacturing & 3D printing, where it is used to jet a wide range of functional fluids with precision and control. From applying coatings to battery cells, to printing directly onto cars, to depositing phase change materials and conductive inks in electronics, inkjet is now seen as a core part of the production process.
This transformation means the fluids being jetted are no longer just ‘inks’. Thanks to the continuous development of inkjet technologies, they can now include complex materials with unique chemistries, viscosities and behaviours – which means managing these fluids requires more than simple delivery, it demands conditioning, control and optimisation all before output. Indeed, there is no quality without control, and that’s where our fluid management systems come in.
Why ‘fluid management’ matters
Unlike traditional inks, the advanced fluids used in many inkjet applications often have unique requirements. Many of these fluids are sensitive to viscosity and temperature, meaning even slight variations can affect print performance. Some contain reactive or volatile components that require careful handling to maintain stability and safety. Others are high value materials, making precision and waste reduction critical to cost-effective operation.
Managing these fluids is no longer just about moving them from a tank to a printhead. It involves conditioning them to the right temperature, controlling their pressure and flow rate, and optimising their delivery to ensure consistent, high-quality jetting across every inkjet application.
The heart of the inkjet ecosystem
A fluid management system functions as the heart of the inkjet process. It is responsible for pumping, regulating and monitoring the fluid to ensure it reaches the printhead in perfect condition. At Megnajet, our systems are engineered to maintain precise temperature and pressure, deliver reliable and consistent flow rates, and prevent issues such as fluid spills or overflow. They are designed to enable repeatable, high-quality results, even in demanding industrial environments.
This level of control is especially crucial in additive manufacturing and 3D printing, where fluids are jetted layer by layer to build up a final product. A single defect in one layer can compromise the integrity of the entire part. Here, Megnajet’s fluid management systems help ensure that every drop is jetted with precision, supporting the reliability and repeatability that these applications demand.
Tailored for innovation
Every manufacturing application presents its own set of challenges and our fluid management systems are built to meet them. Compact and modular, our systems allow for easy integration into production lines where space and efficiency are key. They are customisable to suit different recirculating printhead types and fluid properties, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of industrial setups. In addition, our systems feature self-monitoring controls and user-friendly software to help simplify operation and enhance performance.
Whether the inkjet application involves jetting UV-curable inks, nanoparticle suspensions or phase change materials, Megnajet’s systems are designed to handle the challenge. As inkjet continues to expand into new worlds, from electronics to automotive to biomedical and everything in between, we are no longer just dealing with ink but managing complex fluids that are central to the manufacturing process – hence our fluid management systems.
At Megnajet, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this shift. Our fluid management systems are not just supporting disruptive innovation in additive and advanced manufacturing; they are enabling it.