
Modern piezoelectric drop-on-demand inkjet printing relies on precisely tuned drive waveforms to control droplet formation. We present a simple simulation tool that visualizes the pressure wave dynamics inside an inkjet nozzle in response to multi-pulse drive waveforms. Unlike computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models, which require significant computational resources and complex boundary conditions, this simulation is intentionally lightweight. By modeling each voltage pulse as a decaying sinusoidal pressure response, the simulation intuitively demonstrates key waveform design concepts. For example, a primary pulse timed to the nozzle’s acoustic resonance produces maximum pressure, while a well-timed secondary “cancel pulse” effectively dampens residual oscillations. This simplified model qualitatively replicates real-world behaviors observed in high-frequency printing, where without waveform optimization, leftover pressure oscillations from one droplet can interfere with the next. With an appropriately tuned cancel pulse, the simulation shows stabilized pressure and predicts more consistent jetting performance. Simulated high-frequency resonance effects and corresponding measurements are qualitatively consistent across multiple printhead models. This work, though based on known principles, provides an interactive visual approach to waveform design, valuable for both inkjet engineers and educators.
Perritaz Bastien, "Visualizing Inkjet Nozzle Pressure-wave Dynamics with Simple Simulations for Waveform Design" in Advanced Inkjet Technology, 2026, pp 14 - 20, https://doi.org/10.2352/AIT.2026.1.1.5