Title: Research progress on control mechanisms and strategies in electrohydrodynamic jet printing

Authors: Ziwei Zhao; Wei Chen; Yingjie Zhu; Yuxuan Tang; Ke Wu; Jiankui Chen

Addresses: Research Center for Advanced Electronics Manufacturing, State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China ' Research Center for Advanced Electronics Manufacturing, State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China ' Research Center for Advanced Electronics Manufacturing, State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China ' Research Center for Advanced Electronics Manufacturing, State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China ' Robotics Department, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ' Research Center for Advanced Electronics Manufacturing, State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China

Abstract: Electrohydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing is a high-resolution micro/nanoscale fabrication technique driven by high-voltage electric fields, offering programmable patterning and high material utilisation efficiency. As e-jet printing advances from laboratory studies toward early industrial commercialisation, achieving stable and precise process control has become a critical challenge. This review systematically analyses the influence of process parameters on printing behaviour and summarises empirical forward-control strategies that enable diverse micro/nanoscale structures through predefined parameter selection. In addition, inverse control approaches are reviewed, in which optimal process parameters are derived from target printing outcomes. Key control objectives, including droplet volume, jetting frequency, and landing position, are discussed in detail. Advanced control methodologies, such as machine learning, are also highlighted. Furthermore, open-loop and closed-loop control frameworks, along with representative e-jet printing equipment, are reviewed. This work provides a comprehensive overview of control strategies in e-jet printing, laying a technological foundation for multifunctional device fabrication.

Keywords: electrohydrodynamic jet printing; printing parameter; control strategies; micro/nanoscale manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHM.2026.155985

International Journal of Hydromechatronics, 2026 Vol.9 No.3, pp.337 - 382

Received: 20 Jul 2025
Accepted: 14 Oct 2025
Published online: 28 Aug 2026 *

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