Skip to content

Using printing solutions

A printing session requires two solutions:

  • chamber solution
  • iontip ink

Each solution should be handled accordingly to local regulations wearing the proper safety equipment.

Solutions described here can be ordered at Exaddon or via your local distributor.

Printing Solutions [Cu]

Prerequisites

  • Use only in a dedicated Cu printing chamber to avoid contamination according to Exaddon’s instructions
  • Use only with Exaddon’s Printing Chamber version 3 or higher
  • Use only in combination with iontip v1 or higher
  • If other printing solutions are used, clean the head nose before starting a new print

Handling

For printing solution standard [Cu]:

  • Fill Exaddon’s printing chamber with 10-12 ml of chamber solution [Cu], as received. The chamber solution should be changed daily or between each printing session, and the spent solution disposed of according to local regulations.
  • Run the printing chamber at a potential between -0.45 V and -0.55 V until the current equilibrates (normally 5 to 15 minutes).
  • To prepare the ink for printing, filter 1 ml of iontip Ink [Cu]. After filtering, the ink can be used for 24 hours. Do not re-filter.
  • Fill the iontip with max 1 μl of iontip ink [Cu].

For printing solution bright [Cu]:

  • Fill Exaddon’s printing chamber with10-12 ml of chamber solution [Cu], as received. The chamber solution should be changed daily or between each printing session, and the spent solution disposed of according to local regulations
  • Run the printing chamber at a potential between -0.45 V and -0.55 V until the current equilibrates (normally 5 to 15 minutes)
  • To prepare the ink for printing, add 20 μl of each iontip ink brightener [Cu] component to 1 ml of iontip ink [Cu]. The mixture has a shelf life of 14 days. After mixing, filter 1 ml of the solution. After filtering, the ink can be used for 24 hours. No re-filtering is possible
  • Alternatively, you can prepare a small stock by mixing 5 ml of iontip ink [Cu] with 100 μl of each iontip ink brightener [Cu], and filter 1 ml of this solution before each print
  • Fill the iontip with max 1 μl of iontip ink [Cu]

Storage of Chemicals

Avoid contamination. Store in the dark in a cool and dry place, at a temperature of 15-25°C.

Safety information

pictogram pictogram

Solution supplies

A step by step guide on how to prepare basic versions of the chamber solution [Cu] and iontip ink [Cu] can be found here

Printing Solutions [Au]

Prerequisites

  • Use only in a dedicated Au printing chamber to avoid contamination according to Exaddon’s instructions
  • Use only with Exaddon’s Printing Chamber version 3.1 or higher
  • Use only in combination with iontip v2 or higher
  • If other printing solutions were used prior, run the nose cleaning workflow before starting a new print

Handling

  • Fill Exaddon’s printing chamber with 10-12 ml of chamber solution [Au], as received. The chamber solution should be changed daily or between each printing session, and the spent solution disposed of according to local regulations
  • Run the printing chamber at a potential between -0.95 V and -0.85 V until the current equilibrates (normally 1 to 4 hours)
  • The iontip ink [Au] can be used right away, without filtering
  • Fill the iontip with max 0.8 μl of iontip ink [Au]

Storage of Chemicals

Never re-filter. Avoid contamination. Store in a well closed vial wrapped in parafilm. Store in the dark in a cool and dry place, at a temperature of 15-25 °C.

Safety information

pictogram pictogram