ink chamber The ink chamber links the ink store with the drop formation and its controlled
dispersal onto the textile substrate; however, it acts as more than a reservoir. As
the ink drop leaves the nozzle, fresh ink is drawn into the ink chamber to fill this vacant
space. In print heads using a thermal activator or “actuator,” the chamber is where the
heating element sits, bringing the ink up to the appropriate temperature. The ink chamber
may also include sensors that monitor and control ink levels, temperature, and
pressure as well as filters to remove air bubbles and debris carried by the ink. Removing
undesirable air bubbles is sometimes known as “degassing.” Agitators may also be
incorporated as well as elsewhere in the ink jet system to “stir” the ink to mix the component
chemicals, particularly pigments. Different types of thermal or piezoelectric
print heads may or may not be compatible with different ink jet types and even different
manufacturers’ formulations within these types. Incompatible combinations
might damage the costly print heads themselves as well as ruin a print run. This is
one significant reason why many ink jet printer manufacturers often recommend particular
brands of ink to be used in conjunction with their brand of printer.