Smooth Flow: Pumps With Low Pulsation

KNF pump technology with high efficiency

Diaphragm Liquid Pump Technology for Reliable Ink Supply

At KNF, the development of a new diaphragm liquid pump starts with looking at the end of the value chain. The inkjet market is a good example. What began several decades ago with digitally printing ink on paper, gradually evolved into an innovative and expanding industry. The advantages of digital inkjet printing combined with diaphragm liquid pumps are also being used in different areas of application: textile and packaging industry, printing on ceramics and glass products, electronics industry and, more recently, additive manufacturing.

The KNF FP 150 is part of the smooth flow pump series.

All of these applications have one thing in common: they require fluids such as primers, inks, varnishes, resins, coatings or even electrically conductive liquids to be available at the print head in the right quantity, at the right time - and without compromising the quality of the fluid. KNF diaphragm liquid pumps are ideal for these applications for two reasons: Firstly, they handle fluids very gently, ensuring that their specific characteristics do not change. Secondly, they can handle chemically aggressive or abrasive media such as ink containing particles with ease. This is important in terms of service life and reliability of a printing system using ink pumps.

One of the few arguments which might be used against the typical diaphragm pump is the relatively high pump pulsation due to its mode of operation. This causes resistance in the hoses, some of which are only a few millimeters thick and several meters long - reducing the efficiency of the pumping process of a diaphragm liquid pump. In the worst case, pressure peaks in the ink pump system also affect the quality of the print because they can disrupt the precisely controlled pressure conditions in the print head. In connection with the increasing demand for larger quantities of ink and liquids with higher viscosities, pulsation is becoming increasingly noticeable as an efficiency killer. But KNF has developed a new generation of products to address these inherent issues without compromising the fundamental benefits of the typical KNF diaphragm pump.

Our KNF Smooth Flow Promise

Following the trend towards higher ink volumes, KNF started the development of smooth flow pumps several years ago. Some of these ink pump models, including ink pumps, have been successfully established in the printing markets. Thanks to very low pump pulsation, they enable an efficient and gentle flow of high liquid volumes. Learn more about the KNF smooth flow pumps. The exploded view image shows the features of the KNF FP 150 as part of the smooth flow pump series.

5-diaphragm technology

Wobbling eccentric

Integrated BLDC motor

5-diaphragm technology

By interlacing the flow and the pulses generated by each of the 5 diaphragms, a very high and yet smooth flow is achieved in the diaphragm liquid pump. This helps to efficiently transfer liquids through long tubing with smaller diameters, since smooth flow pumps reduce pressure loss. It also minimizes vibration of the tubes, which can be bothersome to the printing process. (Featured product: KNF FP 150)

Wobbling eccentric

At speeds of up to 4,000 rpm, the wobbling eccentric transforms rotational movement of the motor to linear motion needed to drive the diaphragms. All this with generating almost no vibration and noise, and with only minimal forces acting on the motor hardware. This ensures a long, maintenance-free and highly reliable performance of the diaphragm liquid pump in the customer’s system. (Featured product: KNF FP 150)

Integrated BLDC motor

Supporting the wide flow controllability provided by the smooth flow of the 5 diaphragms, a brushless DC motor integrated in a tight IP65 alloy housing allows for precise adjustment of the flow rate between 0.2 to 1.5 l/min. The advantages of BLDC motors in smooth flow pumps include nearly wear-free drives, a long service life, and quiet operation with minimal vibration. (Featured product: KNF FP 150)

The KNF FP and FK pump series significantly reduce pulsation compared to typical single-headed pumps, making them a valid replacement for gear pumps.

KNF specializes in tailor-made solutions which allows us to focus on the diaphragm liquid pump features and benefits that are most important to you. Contact us today to learn more about all available options.

KNF multi-head and multiple-diaphragm pumps offer high flow rates in a compact size, providing great installation and application flexibility.

FP Series

Our lowest pump pulsation products
Flow rates up to 5 l/min

FK Series

KNF's highest flow products
Liquid flow rates over 12 l/min

Accessories

External pulsation dampeners
Pressure control valves
Filters

Size

Compact
High performance to size ratio

Dependable

Long life
Maintenance-free
Self-priming
Can run dry

Materials

Versions available for agressive media
NSF-certified options for food grade requirements

Other

Excellent flow controllability
Lightweight
High IP protection class options available (up to 65)

Inkjet Printing

UV, water-based, solvent ink recirculation to prevent pigment settling
Ink temperature management
Glaze, varnish, binder and hot-melt recirculation

Analytical Instruments

Precise and flexible transfer of reagents with excellent linearity and turn-down ratio
Delivering of solvents during sample preparation
Dispensing cleaning agents for needle washing

Medical

Patient temperature management
Aesthetic laser cooling systems

Smooth Flow Pumps at a Closer Look

Liquid Transfer With Low Pressure Pulsation

In some applications, flow or pressure pump pulsation may cause serious issues such as ink foaming and ink starvation. Therefore, the new KNF FP series of smooth flow pumps was designed to provide a much smoother flow delivery.

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From Prototyping to Mass Production

Manufacturers of 3D printing hardware can rely on KNF ink pumps as metal binder jetting becomes a ready-for-production process. The newly developed FP and FK series of low pulsation diaphragm liquid pumps are made to meet the requirements of the 3D printing industry.

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Demands for High-Quality Printing

The high-quality standards in inkjet printing require a smooth and reliable ink flow. Low pump pulsation is necessary to avoid undesirable pressure fluctuations. Facing the demand for high-quality results, KNF engineers have closely worked with industry experts to develop low pulsation pumps.

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