Fabrication of tungsten micro-punch for micro-nozzles

Abstract

A very thin electrode with a tapered shape and a cylindrical tip, named ultrathin punch, is fabricated by electrochemical etching and by controlling the vertical position of the electrode during etching. We used electrochemical etching by which we obtain punches quickly and simply. The fabrication procedure and its results are presented in this article. With this punch, we can get holes or nozzles for ink-jet printers, textile machines, and other uses. Various angles of the taper can be obtained by adjusting the immersion depth. The tip diameter also can be controlled by adjusting current density and etching time. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.