TRANSFORMING PRODUCTION WITH QUANTICA’S DIGITAL-MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Inkjet printing is known for its precision and productivity, making it a trusted solution for industries demanding high accuracy and automation. However, its adoption in industrial manufacturing has been hindered by a key limitation – the reliance on low-viscosity materials. This restriction has traditionally confined inkjet technology to a narrower set of applications, leaving traditional analogue methods – such as dispensing and screen printing – to dominate the majority of industrial use cases.

At the heart of Quantica’s breakthrough is NovoJet™

At the heart of Quantica’s breakthrough is NovoJet™ – a printhead engineered to jet materials traditionally unsuitable for inkjet systems. Unlike conventional printheads, limited by low-viscosity materials, NovoJet™ excels with challenging materials.

NovoJet™ can jet materials with viscosities as high as 250mPas at jetting temperature and manage particle sizes of up to five µm D90. This technical capability transforms how challenging materials – such as adhesives, functional coatings and speciality paints – are applied in manufacturing. These materials were previously reliant on contact-heavy analogue processes. Now they can be deposited with precise, contact-free automation.

Quantica’s mission is more than just delivering hardware. The company aims to solve manufacturing challenges through technology, application development and industry collaboration.

The company’s application-development services work hand-in-hand with manufacturers to deliver customised solutions. This ensures seamless integration and scalable implementation of NovoJet™ technology. To enhance these offerings, Quantica collaborates with renowned research institutions, such as Fraunhofer IPA and iPrint. In combination with these institutions, driving advancements in industries, such as automotive, aerospace, decorative surfaces and sustainable energy, are possible.

One of the most promising applications for NovoJet™ technology is in fuel-cell production, specifically around adhesive deposition. Traditional manufacturing methods for fuel cells – such as dispensing and screen printing – are effective, but come with significant limitations. Dispensing is a slow, space-intensive process that struggles with complex geometries. Screen printing relies on intricate tooling and direct contact with substrates, making it inflexible and unsuitable for certain applications.

NovoJet™ offers a precise, efficient and contact-free solution for fuel-cell manufacturing. Recently, an automotive customer reached out to Quantica to explore jetting an industrial Henkel Loctite adhesive onto substrates that mimic fuel-cell layers. This adhesive, with a viscosity of 13,000mPas at room temperature, is commonly used in industrial applications. By applying heat and using shear thinning, the company made jetting the adhesive possible.

This proof-of-concept highlights the potential for NovoJet™ to replace traditional methods with a faster, more flexible and precise process. Beyond adhesives, Quantica is also looking to tackle other critical steps in fuel-cell production. For example, digitally printing the platinum catalyst layer within the membrane electrode assembly. This would enable manufacturers to control material application with greater precision while reducing waste, particularly of high-value materials.

NovoJet™ offers a precise, efficient and contact-free solution for fuel-cell manufacturing

Quantica’s NovoJet™ technology is transforming the future of manufacturing, with fuel-cell production serving as just one powerful example. From automotive and aerospace, to decorative surfaces and energy, NovoJet™ is opening the door to new possibilities. The technology is driving innovation, by enabling more efficient, adaptable and sustainable manufacturing methods.

The company is excited to drive this transformation and invite industry leaders to discover the possibilities of NovoJet™. Together, processes can be developed for a more effective and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem.