Abstract: An actuator (1) comprising: an actuating element (2); a first mounting (3) and a second mounting (4), configured for allowing the actuating element (2) to be positioned on a reference plane (P); characterized in that: the first mounting (3) is operable to allow the actuating element (2) to move in a direction (X) substantially parallel to the reference plane (P) and to allow a portion of a first end of the actuating element (2) to rotate about a first axis of rotation (T) substantially perpendicular to (X), thereby minimising wear between the actuating element (2) and the first mounting (3) during actuation.

Abstract: An actuator (1), for a printhead, wherein the actuator (1) comprises: an actuating element (2) an obturator assembly (3), engageable with the actuator element (2); wherein the actuating element (2) is operable to assume, depending on a drive signal applied thereto: a rest configuration, in which the obturator assembly (3) is at a first distance (X0) from a reference plane (A); a first deformed configuration, in which the obturator assembly (3) is at a second distance (X1) from the reference plane (A) greater than the first distance (X0), and a second deformed configuration, in which the obturator assembly (3) is in contact with the reference plane (A), wherein: a control module (4) is configured for regulating a drive signal to the actuating element (2) to cause the obturator assembly (3) to move between the rest configuration and the first deformed configuration during a first operating cycle, to reduce the effects of impact on the obturator assembly.

Abstract: An obturator device (1) for a printhead comprising: an obturator assembly (3) having a valve surface (6) movable along at least one direction of displacement (X) between a first position in which the valve surface (6) is at a distance from a reference surface (A) and a second position in which the valve surface (6) is in contact with the reference surface (A); an actuator (2), secured to the obturator assembly (3) and operable to displace the obturator assembly (3) between the first position and second position; characterized in that the obturator assembly (3) comprises: an adjustable coupling (11) configured to allow the valve surface (6) to align its orientation relative to the reference surface (A) thereby ensuring improved engagement between the surfaces.