Epson has launched the latest addition to its PrecisionCore series, the S3200-S1, which is a new inkjet printhead compatible with strong solvents, and designed for industrial mass production applications.
The S3200-S1 is compatible with a wide range of strong solvents, including NMP, DMSO, DMF, and DMI, making it well-suited for advanced applications such as the formation of multiple functional layers in perovskite solar cells.
Offering a print width of 4.73 inches, which is considerably wider than the 1.33-inch print width of the S800-S1, Epson's current strong solvent-compatible model. The wider width reduces the number of heads required and simplifies device configuration.
The S3200-S1 also delivers exceptionally uniform film thicknesses with high-resolution 600dpi printing, which contributes to stable quality.
In South Korea, Gosan Tech is currently testing the use of S800-S1 printheads in the mass production of perovskite solar cells. The introduction of the S3200-S1 is expected to accelerate the transition to mass production equipment.
“We believe inkjet printing technology will play a central role in the commercialisation of perovskite solar cells,” said Kim Kwangsoo, president of Gosan Tech.
“Epson's PrecisionCore printheads offer excellent durability and stability against solvents and are optimised for uniform and precise thin-film deposition. We will continue to work closely with Epson to lead innovation in the solar cell industry through inkjet technology."
The perovskite solar cell market is expected to grow rapidly from 2025 onward, with forecasts suggesting a global market size of approximately $24.4 billion by 2040.
The company expects both its strong solvent-compatible printheads, the S800-S1 and S3200-S1, will support a wide range of needs – from the R&D of new processes and materials to mass production equipment, and will pave the way for new industrial applications for inkjet technology, such as perovskite solar cell fabrication.