Choosing the Right Filter for Your Printer Ink System
Butterfly Filter
Structural Features
The butterfly filter has a flat and compact outer shell. The filter core is typically stainless-steel mesh or multilayer membranes. It is usually installed before the printhead or between the sub-tank and ink outlet.
Advantages
Compact & Easy Installation: Ideal for devices with limited space (eco-solvent printers, advertising machines, UV roll-to-roll).
Low Fluid Resistance: Short body and smooth internal channels minimize impact on ink pressure.
Economical: Low-cost and practical for scenarios requiring frequent replacement.
Disadvantages
Smaller filtration capacity and shorter replacement cycle; not ideal for high-viscosity inks or long-run industrial workflows.
Applications
Commonly used in eco-solvent systems (XP600, DX5, i3200), small-format UV printers, and devices prioritizing easy, frequent maintenance.
Column Filter
Structural Features
The column filter has a cylindrical body (often PP or PTFE). Filtration precision ranges from 5–20 μm, offering high dirt-holding capacity and excellent pressure resistance.
Advantages
Larger Capacity: Longer replacement cycle for sustained runs.
High Pressure Tolerance: Suitable for high-flow, high-viscosity inks (e.g., UV).
Stable Flow: Design helps reduce bubble formation and ink backflow.
Disadvantages
Bulkier footprint; replacement is more complex—less suited to environments requiring frequent changes.
Applications
Industrial UV printers, textile printers, or high-volume systems; equipment with large ink tanks; lines requiring long-term continuous and stable flow.
Capsule Filter
Structural Features
Also called fully sealed filters, typically PP or PVDF with an integrated leak-proof design. Large filtration area and high flow capacity.
Common filtration levels: 1 / 3 / 5 / 10 μm. Some models use multilayer membranes for precision filtration.
Advantages
High Precision: Efficiently removes fine particles to protect printheads.
Clean & Safe: Fully enclosed structure prevents secondary contamination and leakage.
Long Service Life: Stable operation; disposable and maintenance-free.
Disadvantages
Higher cost; once clogged the whole unit must be replaced (not serviceable).
Applications
Industrial UV printers with Ricoh G5/G6, Kyocera, Seiko heads; high-viscosity / high-purity inks for leather, glass, wood; long-term, high-speed, high-precision production.
Summary
Butterfly Filters — compact and convenient, ideal for frequent ink replacement or short-term printing.
Column Filters — consistent flow and long service intervals for continuous production environments.
Capsule Filters — highest filtration precision for ultra-clean supply and maximum stability on industrial heads.
Choosing the right filter extends printhead life, reduces maintenance, and improves output consistency and productivity.