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4.4.4 Printhead settings
Press on the “Printhead” icon on the bottom of the window to move to the next step of the process.
This screen enables many of the options and settings for the bioink and print settings.
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1. Bioink: Select the ink type and concentration
from the drop-down menu labeled ‘Bioink’.
This menu has many preset print parameters
for common bioink types used in the
Corning® Matribot® Bioprinter.
2. Enable temperature control of the printhead.
3. Temperature: The temperature of the
printhead. Changing the temperature of
some materials can alter their viscosity, check
which temperature the material prints best
at. Certain materials require a cool printhead
to keep from premature gelation, such as
Corning Matrigel® matrix and Collagen.
4. Extrusion rate: The rate the bioink flows out
from the nozzle. Increasing the extrusion rate
will increase the flow of the bioink from the
nozzle.
5. Extrusion volume: The volume of the bioink
which is extruded when dispensing a droplet.
6. Retract volume: The volume of bioink which
is pulled back up in the nozzle during a non-
print move. Increase the retract volume and
extrusion volume if droplets do not detach in
some wells.
7. Droplet volume: The volume of the droplet.
8. Z-offset: The height the nozzle tip is above
the calibrated point of surface. Increase the
Z-offset if the nozzle is calibrated too close to
the surface.
9. Enable advanced bioprinting parameters.
10. Extra preflow volume: The amount of bioink
that is extruded at the start of the very first
droplet. Increase the extra preflow volume
if the bioink is not extruded at the starting
point, which can happen if the nozzle is
not fully primed. Decrease if there is an
accumulation of bioink in the first droplet.
11. Retract rate: The speed at which the bioink
is retracted back into the nozzle. Increase
the retract rate if experiencing a delay in
movement due to waiting for the retract
move to finish.
12. Postflow stop time: The time the printhead
movement is delayed after each droplet.
13. Z-lift between wells: The lowering of the
printbed when the nozzle moves to the next
well.
For more detailed information on how parameter selection impacts a print, please refer to the Corning Matribot Bioprinter Parameters
(CLS-AN-648).
