Abstract The drop-on-demand inkjet is considered an important device for micro-electro-mechanical system production. Difficulties in understanding the fluid dynamic behavior of inks during drop ejection have led to the use of numerical simulations to predict drop formation. In this study, simulations were performed to predict and understand the jetting evolution of a nanocopper ink and a nanosilver ink. In order to predict the inkjettability of these inks, the Z number (the reciprocal of the Ohnesorge number) for different temperatures was determined. The results from the simulation studies were compared to experimental results obtained using a Dimatix inkjet printer.