The noncontact nature of printing with ink jets makes the print head a key part of the
process. This chapter has detailed the main types of print heads used for ink jet printing
on textiles. It has considered their internal architecture and overall arrangement in
a print carriage. The variety in types of print head can be bewildering; however, each
has their own strengths and weaknesses, suitable to a variety of processes. Print heads
are complex and delicate systems and problems will arise from ignoring simple maintenance
routines. Understanding the principles and differences behind different
methods of drop formation and delivery allows problems to be avoided, or addressed
through systematic diagnosis. Understanding the differences between these types also