Fabrication of tungsten micro-punch for micro-nozzles

A very thin electrode with a tapered shape and a cylindrical tip, named ult rathin punch, is fabricated by electrochemical etching and by controlling t he vertical position of the electrode during etching. We used electrochemic al etching by which we obtain punches quickly and simply. The fabrication p rocedure 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 immersi on depth. The tip diameter also can be controlled by adjusting current dens ity and etching time. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.