Inkjet printer principles In continuous-inkjet style deflection systems, what component deflects the droplets to form characters or images?

Introduction / Context:
Inkjet printers use different mechanisms. Two major categories are continuous inkjet (CIJ) and drop-on-demand (thermal or piezo). CIJ systems charge droplets and steer them electrostatically; drop-on-demand ejects droplets only where needed.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question specifically describes droplet deflection, a hallmark of CIJ technology.
• Consumer printers more often use drop-on-demand, but industrial CIJ remains common for coding/marking.

Concept / Approach:

In CIJ, a continuous stream of ink is broken into droplets by a vibration source. Selected droplets are electrically charged and pass through deflection plates with an applied electric field, steering them onto the substrate while uncharged droplets may be caught and recirculated. Thus, the deflection element is the set of charged plates.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Industrial CIJ manuals describe deflection voltages and charge modulation to position droplets, confirming the mechanism.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Multidirectional nozzles are not how CIJ steers drops. High pressure is used to form the stream but does not by itself provide precise deflection. “All of the above” conflicts with the specific CIJ principle.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing CIJ with thermal/piezo drop-on-demand used in home printers; assuming pressure alone can paint accurate characters at speed without electrostatic steering.

Final Answer:

Electrically charged plates.