3D Inkjet Printing Firing Time Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for printing raised markings on moving media face a positioning error issue due to the increasing gap between the ink image and the print head as the ink pile height grows, leading to inaccurate drop placement and a distorted final image.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a controller and ink ejecting devices that adjust the firing time based on the thickness of each layer and the number of layers previously applied, using a time advance/delay buffer to compensate for the changing distance between the print head and the substrate, ensuring accurate placement of ink droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple layers of ink are applied to increase ink pile height for three-dimensional structures, then the height of the raised markings is improved, but the position accuracy of ink droplet placement deteriorates due to changing distance between print head and substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the ink pile height before subsequent printing operations. Based on this pre-measured height, the print head positioning or ink ejection parameters are adjusted in advance to compensate for the changed distance, ensuring accurate drop placement despite the increased ink pile height
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the ink pile height during the printing process. This real-time feedback information is used to dynamically adjust printing parameters such as print head position or ejection timing, maintaining drop placement accuracy even as the ink pile height increases through multiple layers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution minimizes position errors in drop placement, resulting in improved imaging quality for three-dimensional structures like Braille and lenticular lenses, and enhances the precision of printing on moving media.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ink ejecting device configured to eject ink onto a surface of a substrate moving at a predetermined velocity, wherein a first layer of ink is formed at a target location on the substrate surface by ink ejected by the ink ejecting device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for forming three-dimensional marking material images on moving substrates include a print head arranged about a media path by which the substrate passes the print head at a predetermined media velocity. The jets marking material at a predetermined velocity onto the substrate surface to form a three-dimensional marking material image. A firing time of forming a first layer of marking material may be different with respect to a print run start time than a firing time for ejecting marking material for forming successive layers. The firing time may be adjusted by advancing or delaying the firing time with respect to an initial firing time for forming the first layer. The advance or delay may be calculated by a processor, and the calculation may be fed to a time advance/delay buffer contained by the print head.