SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

GRADUATE SEMINAR

INK-JET: NON-TRADITIONAL APPLICATIONS

Speaker: Dr. Bogdan Antohe MicroFab Technologies

ABSTRACT: In the last decade, ink jet has come to be viewed as a precision microfluidics tool in addition to its use in traditional printing. The general advantages of this form of microdispensing derive from the incorporation of data-driven, non-contact processes which enable precise, picoliter- level volumes of material to be deposited with high accuracy and speed at target sites, even on non- planar surfaces. The inherently “data-driven” nature of ink jet makes it attractive as a flexible manufacturing tool in applications ranging from medical diagnostics to optical communications. Ink-jet printing does not require application-specific tooling such as photomasks or screens, and, as an additive process with no chemical waste, it is environmentally friendly. The advantages obtainable with incorporation of micro-jet printing technology in many fabrication applications range from increased process capability, integration and automation to reduced manufacturing costs by minimizing the use of expensive materials such as DNA, light-emitting polymers and precious metal inks. This seminar will provide background information of the various methods of ink-jet printing and their operational principle. Piezoelectric, ink-jet demand mode technology will be emphasized. MicroFab Technologies has been a pioneer in developing industrial applications of ink-jet printing technology, in areas as diverse as medical diagnostics, medical devices, electronics manufacturing, optics and displays among others. Representative ink-jet applications developed at MicroFab Technologies will be presented at the seminar.

Short Biographical Sketc: Dr. Bogdan Antohe graduated with a MS in Shipbuilding from University of Galati, Romania in 1991. He had started his graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Southern Methodist University in 1992 and received his PhD. in 1996. While at SMU, his main field of interest was in natural and forced convection flows in clear fluid and porous media. Dr Antohe joined MicroFab technologies in 1996. At MicroFab, he contributed in the development of the piezoelectric dispensers for ink, SolderJet, and bio applications by modeling and numerical simulations of the structural deformation, acoustic and drop formation processes within the micro- dispensers. Dr. Antohe has been Principal Investigator for several Phase I and Phase II grants with NIH, NIST and US Navy. Dr. Antohe is an ASME member and in 1999 he was selected the ASME North Texas Section Young Engineer of the Year. Currently, he is the Honors and Awards Chair for North Texas Section.

Date: Friday , October 15, 2004 Location: Room 229, Caruth Hall

Lecture will begin promptly at 2:00 PM

NOTE: On-campus ME Graduate students are required to attend.