INK JET

BASIC INK JET KNOWLEDGE

Edition anglaise IMAJE SA reserves the right to alter the specifications and the design of these products at any time without giving prior notice. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is not allowed.

Imaje S.A.
Head Office 9, rue Gaspard Monge BP 110 26501 Bourg-ls-Valence Cedex France Tel.: (33) 4 75 75 55 00 Fax: (33) 4 75 82 98 10 http:// www.imaje.com

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REVISION

Updating the Basic ink jet knowledge The revision index A corresponds to the first edition of this manual. The revision index changes with every modification. The modified pages are mentioned in the following table. This one indicates all updating since the first edition. Date of edition Document version Modified pages

June 1997 April 2003

A B

First edition All

This document was written by Alain GIRANTHON under the supervision of Gerard TERDJMAN and corrected by Steve MARTIN.

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IMAJE INK JET

BASIC INK JET KNOWLEDGE
1-Matrix printing 1-1- Matrix principles 1-2- Raster principles 1-3- Raster structure 2- Consumable products 2-1- Definition 2-2- Composition 2-3- Comparison of ink bases 2-4- Physical characteristics of an ink 2-4-1- Conductivity 2-4-2- Ink life 2-4-3- Viscosity 2-4-4- Operational pressure 2-4-5- Pigmented inks 3- Controlled VS uncontrolled ink jets 3-1- Uncontrolled jet 3-2- Controlled jet 4- IMAJE deviated continuous ink jet 4-1- Pressure modulation 4-2- Break point 4-3- Factors effecting jet speed and break point Mode 1: Constant viscosity and constant constant pressure Mode 2: Free viscosity; controlled pressure Mode 3: Constant concentration 4-4- Recuperation of non-deflected drops 4-5- Drop charge 4-6- Charge and phase detection 4-7- Drop management 4-8- IMAJE printhead 4-9- Drop trajectory control (management ) 4-9-1- External forces 4-9-2- Aerodynamic forces 4-9-3- Electrostatic forces 4-9-4- Solutions 4-10- Print quality VS print speed in IMAJE ink jet printer 4-11- Printing mode control 4-11-1- Drop charge control process 4-11-2- Data management

Sommaire

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1 MATRIX PRINTING

1-1 Matrix principles Definition: A set of lines and columns. Each square within the matrix can either contain or not contain a dot. A set of dots is called a character or symbol. Example: 7X6 matrix:

Full raster

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Empty raster

1-2 Raster principles Definition: A raster is simply one vertical column of dots. In our example (a 7x6 matrix = 6 rasters of 7 dots ea.), there is a maximum of 2 7 combinations (= 128). We can produce 128 different rasters. An empty raster is used to separate two characters. So, a symbol defined on an x-y grid will be formed by a series of rasters. Ink jet technology can print only one raster at the same time, for printing a full symbol it is necessary to have one of the following motions: - Print head movement (10%) - Product movement (90%)

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1-3 Raster structure Two different technologies are used: A) Deviated continuous ink jet A series of drops coming from one jet are proportionally deflected to create rasters. This technology is called Continuous ink jet (drops printed in series). All rasters have the same number of drops. The figure shows 7 drops. One or several drops are charged and then deflected onto the product. The others are recuperated by a gutter (Recovered with vacuum).

B) Drop on demand 1. Low-resolution type A set of nozzles generates drops. Each nozzle is dedicated to mark one specific drop within the raster. Each nozzle is managed by an electro-valve. This technology is called Drop on demand (drops printed in parallel) and it is usually used to print large characters on porous products (cardboard for example.) 2. Hi-resolution type Utilizes a piezo-electric resonator to create drops.

A P

= Valve with coil or piezo-electrical control.

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Piezo-electric resonator principle: A voltage is applied to a synthetic quartz crystal. The quartz length changes with the voltage applied, the higher the voltage, the shorter the crystal and vice versa. When the quartz length decreases, ink is pulled in. When the quartz length increases, the ink that was pulled in is now pushed out. Thus the resonator acts like a valve. The ink that is pulled in is at a lower temperature and thus a higher viscosity than the ink that is pushed out. IMAJE makes and distributes this type of machine.

C) binary jet It is an expensive technology. Fifty to one hundred nozzles are used (deviated continuous ink jet). Very precise printing is possible.

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2 CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS
2-1 Definition Consumable products are primarily bases (inks) and additives (solvents). Ink is a liquid composed of specific proportions of different components. Additive provides the ability to manage ink viscosity (thickness). 2-2 Composition Base: - Binder: Mostly natural or synthetic resins. The binder provides adhesion and cohesion. The resin(s) bind to the substrate. The binder resists abrasion, solvents, heat, etc. - Modifier: The modifier is used to increase stability, prevent oxidation, provide conductivity, reduce foaming and it is also an anti-fungicide. - Solvent: Dissolves the ink components, dilutes and stabilizes the ink and promotes adhesion by means of superficial attack. Additionally, additive (solvent) provides viscosity management capability. - Colorant: Soluble dye, solid pigment or mineral compound. -Soluble dye is easy to use and to run through the printer but it could migrate into the product. -Solid pigment stays in suspension in the liquid. It provides a solid mark that is resistant to daylight, weak acids or bases and does not migrate. -Mineral compound (pigments such as; talc, kaolin, etc.) are heavier and more irregularly shaped than solid organic pigments. They require a special printer (SI printer) to prevent erosion and sedimentation.

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Additives: Each additive is a special liquid used to dilute one specific ink. This dilution provides: - Ideal conditions for optimum machine (printer) performance - Ideal conditions for optimum printing print quality versatility Additive types: - Base 1 additives (methyl-ethyl-ketone [MEK]): Quick evaporation (drying), many applications, irritant. - Base 2 additives (alcohol): Medium evaporation (drying), used when base 1 is prohibited. - Base 3 additives (water): Minimal to no evaporation, used on porous products. - Base 5 additives (mixed): Specific applications. Some applications may also require: - Special cleaning products - Special rinsing (flushing) products - Anti-clogging products - etc. 2-3 Comparison of ink bases Key : 1= very low...3= correct....5= excellent Base 1 Machine-ability Print-ability 4 4 Any product 3 Non toxic Irritant 3 Base 2 3 3 Porous 4 Base 7 4 3 Porous 5 Print-ability Machine-ability

Toxicology

Ecology

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2-4

Substrate types:

Five main families

Wood, pastes and unbleached cardboards Titan-coated papers Cellulose nitrate Calendered papers Greaseproof treated papers Cellulose acetate Ethylcellulose

1. Pastes and Papers Porous supports :

Non porous supports :

2. Plastic foils Rigid supports : rigid PVC PA polyamid* ** *** PE polyethylen* ** *** PP polypropylen* ** *** PVAC polyvinyl chloracetate, PVOH polyvinyl alcohol PUR polyurethan PC polycarbonat, CAB cellulose acetobutyrate PET, PETP polyethylen terephtalate, PBT polybutylen terephtalate PS polystyren, ABS, SAN... styrenated copolymers Tyvek... non-wovens Flexible supports : plasticized PVC PA polyamid* ** *** PE polyethylen* ** *** PP polypropylen* ** *** PVDC polyvinyliden-chlorid
* hot out of extruder, ** cold after pre-flaming, ***cold after Corona treatment

3. Plastic coatings Paints and varnishes (on metal, on plastics, on wood) : phenolics aminoplastes epoxids unsatured polyesters and polyurethans PVB polyvinylic butyral PTFE, Teflon, Tefzel.... fluorethens 4. Metal bare Aluminium, either fired or not precoated Aluminium Tin plate Alloys Stainless steels

5. Special supports

Glass molded or pressed-blowed Rubber before or after vulcanization Ceramic unbaked or fired Leather Woven material coton or polyester Food and medicines

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2-5 Physical characteristics of Imaje inks 2-5-1 Conductivity The ink is electrically conductive due to its ingredients. To measure conductivity, we use micro siemens (S). Conductivity is the opposite of resistivity. Conductivity changes in relation to temperature and viscosity.

= 1/
T 50 40 30 20

with: = resistivity

1S = s3 x A2/ m3 x kg x 1O-6 S in Siemens; s in seconds A in amperes; m in meters kg in kilogram Ink QA (qualification dept.) verifies that the liquids conductivity is sufficient between -10C and +40C.
1000 1500 2000 S

Conductivity VS temperature curve

2-5-2 Ink life Ink life is limited, shelf life in the original package ranges from 9 to 12 months depending on the ink type. In the machine, the ink is exposed to: Pollution, pressure, filtration, air contact, etc. The physical properties, predominantly electrical ones are altered. It is therefore necessary to drain the ink circuit in accordance with the guidelines and procedures indicated on the ink technical sheets and printer documentation. 2-5-3 Viscosity It is the resistance of a liquid to flow at a given temperature (thickness of the liquid). IMAJE verifies this characteristic in all of our inks. Viscosity is referenced by the fill time for a defined volume through a flow governor at a constant pressure. The unit of measure is centipoise (cPo). Ink viscosity changes with temperature and filtration. Its molecular organization is then modified. As the ink is cycled more and more, the greater the molecular modifications (viscosity changes). Therefore, ink has a limited life. After a specific time of use and depending on the environment, it may necessary to change the ink. Since viscosity and temperature are closely related, a temperature range is associated to each ink. In other words, each ink performs best within a certain temperature range.

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Viscosity VS temperature curve T 50 40 30 20 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 viscosity in

cPo 2-5-4 Operational pressure

For the best results, adjust the printer pressure in accordance with the ink technical sheet and printer documentation. 2-5-5 Inks containing special coloring agents To obtain some opaque colors (white, yellow, etc.) heavy, solid pigments are used.

These types of ink are unstable and their components can separate. The heavy solid pigments are mostly of mineral origins: - Talc - Kaolin - Zinc sulfide - Limestone. Their density is very high (~ 4) and the particle diameter is around 4 to 10 microns. Therefore: - This type of ink must be continuously stirred in order to prevent sedimentation and to insure suspension of the solid particles in the liquid. - Pigments are abrasive and require a special (SI) ink circuit.

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Safety: - Inks and solvents involve four main concerns: Flammability Disposal Cleanliness (housekeeping) Correct handling precautions (Personnel and material) But: IMAJE inks are not toxic The safety instructions provided in the Ink Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS (see example given in appendix) must be observed along with any specific national or local regulations. Applicable shipping and storage regulations must also be complied with. Additional safety information may also be found in the printer documentation.

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3 INK JET TYPES

3-1 The uncontrolled jet Uncontrolled, the jet breaks in the air at an intermittent distance d from the ejection nozzle. This distance depends on: - The ink ejection speed - The jet diameter -The liquid viscosity -The superficial tension *. * Property of the liquid surface in relation with the molecular bonding.

We can see that with this type of jet: - The drop volume is not consistent - The interval(s) between drops arent consistent - The distance d is not consistent - The shape of the drop varies

An uncontrolled jet does not work well for ink jet printing.

3-2 The controlled jet The objective is to obtain drops with: 1 2 3 4 consistent diameter consistent interval(s) consistent break point occurrence consistent distance d

IMAJE has developed a technology that provides controlled drop diameter, regular interval(s) between drops and consistent break-off point position. It is the Deviated continuous ink jet

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4 CONTINUOUS DEVIATED INK JET

4-1 Pressure modulation In order to correctly control the jet and the drops, a pressure variation is added to the fixed pressure, this cyclic jet pressure modulation enables the creation of perfectly calibrated drops. Principle: A piezo-electric resonator R drive (vibrates) a stainless steel bar B which is immersed in the ink.
P B

Fo R

Reminder: The piezo-electric crystal (resonator) is a transducer that changes electrical power into mechanical power. The resonator is supplied with an AC voltage at a fixed frequency (approx. 100 Khz) and an adjustable amplitude. A consistent break-off point is thus obtained with a perfectly controlled distance d.This d is less than that of an uncontrolled jet. Drop formation is stable in time and space: - all the drops have the same diameter - all the drops are separated by the same time (distance) The superficial tension (see page 10) contributes to this stability.

P=C P Modulation Freq.

THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR GOOD PRINT QUALITY ARE

INK & JET SPEED (a function of pressure and viscosity)

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4-2 Break-off point The break-off point must occur exactly in the middle (top to bottom) of the charge electrodes (electrostatic charge). The charged drops will then be deflected by the deflection (EHT) electrodes to obtain a raster.

Break-off point In center of charge electrode center

4-3 Factors that effect the break point and jet speed The break-off point stability in space depends on jet speed stability. - Ink temperature - Ink viscosity - Ink pressure - Nozzle diameter all have an influence on the jet speed. It is difficult to control the temperature (response time is too long). With a fixed nozzle diameter, three working modes are possible: MODE 1 (Series 2 & 3) Viscosity and pressure ranges are regulated, but are independent of each other. MODE 2 (Series 4) Viscosity and pressure ranges are regulated, but are independent of each other. Pressure is controlled by jet speed in a closed loop format. MODE 3 (Series 7) Concentration (ratio of ink to additive) is managed in conjunction with pressure being controlled by jet speed in a closed loop format.

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MODE 1: Viscosity and pressure ranges are regulated, but are independent of each other. Viscosity must be regulated. This regulation can be achieved by addition of base or additive. In mode 1, viscosity is regulated within a certain tolerance and is considered to be constant, in reality it is variable. Pressure is regulated within a tight tolerance and is considered to be a constant, in reality there are small fluctuations. With a constant viscosity and a constant pressure the jet speed would also be constant even though it is not specifically regulated. In reality (Series 3 printer) the jet speed was consistently within a range but not constant.

speed

nominal speed

* = not regulated speed

tolerance*

nominal pressure

viscosity
viscosity tolerance

Note: If temperature changes, resulting in a viscosity change, a correction occurs by addition of additive. Therefore: - Viscosity must be continually measured - Constant pressure must be maintained. This option has some drawbacks: - When viscosity changes, the response time for the correction is relatively slow. This results in an out of tolerance jet speed for the length of the correction time. - Each solvent addition solves the problem but also alters the ink base.

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Block diagram:

CONSTANT PRESSURE (+ / -) THEORETICALLY CONSTANT VISCOSITY

ASSUMED CONSTANT JET SPEED (not measured) VISCOSITY MEASUREMENT

ADDITIVE ADDITION

Long cycle time

This principle was used in the SERIES 1, 2 and 3.

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MODE 2: Viscosity and pressure ranges are regulated, but are independent of each other. Pressure is controlled by jet speed in a closed loop format.

In this application, jet speed measurement is required. Operating mode: - If temperature changes the viscosity changes, creating a jet speed variation. - The viscosity regulation process is a very slow process, so we have to maintain viscosity between acceptable limits to avoid too much pressure variation. Note: 1) Although jet speed can be precisely controlled, viscosity regulation can alter the base (high dilution) if the temperature change is rapid. Evaporation is also a factor. 2) In the case of a rapid change from low to high temperature we may have to change the ink.

PRESSURE PRESSURE SERVO SERVO CONTROL CONTROL PRESSURE GENERATION SERVO-CONTROLLED PRESSURE (within limits) ADDITIVE ADDITION VISCOSITY Measurement

REFERENCE

JET JETSPEED SPEED MEASUREMENT MEASUREMENT

CONSTANT SPEED JET

long cycle

(time)

BASE BASE ADDITION ADDITION

This technology is utilized on the SERIES 4.

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MODE 3: Concentration (ratio of ink to additive) is managed in conjunction with pressure being controlled by jet speed in a closed loop format. Concentration is simply the ratio between elements in a mixture. Here it is the ratio of base to additive. Principal: Temperature measurement is added to the previous parameters in mode 2. A curve; P = f (t) is stored in the printers memory for each type of ink. This curve is calculated by the formula: V = f (t) and provides the right pressure needed for a constant jet speed (~ 20 m/s) regardless of the temperature (within the inks limits). A large pressure range may be obtained.

CONSTANT CONCENTRATION CURVE

Constant viscosity must be maintained. During operation two cases are possible: The reference pressure for a given temperature results in the correct jet speed. Then concentration is optimum.

The reference pressure for a given temperature DOES NOT result in the correct jet speed. Then the concentration is not optimum. - In this case the machine modifies the pressure to obtain the correct jet speed in order to obtain good print quality. - Concentration will then be corrected in order to maintain jet speed at the correct reference pressure value within the curve (P = f (t).

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Block diagram (S7 printer):

P=f(t)

JET JETSPEED SPEED REFERENCE REFERENCE

P=f(t) when dif.

Act. P PRESSURE REGULATION

JET SPEED MEASURMENT ACTUAL PRESSURE

CONSTANT SPEED JET CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION ADJUSTMENT ADJUSTMENT ADDITIVE ADDITION BASE ADDITION CONSTANT CONSTANT INK INK CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION T

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4-4 Recuperation While the jet is running, the machine is not always printing, therefore not all the drops are deflected. The unused drops are recuperated. For this purpose, a recuperation gutter is located at the bottom of the print head. To prevent gutter overflow, the drops are recuperated (recovered) with vacuum.

Charge Detect Deflect Recuperation Gutter Vacuum

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4-5 Drop charge A specific charge value is applied to each drop within the raster. This is accomplished at the charge electrodes. The drops not used for printing are not charged (a test signal is applied). For each position within the raster, there is a corresponding drop charge. A drop can receive from 25 to 270 Volts of charge. There are 24 possible positions (27 for some barcodes).

INK R Vcc = 25 to 270v Break-off point Charge plate C

VOLTAGE GENERATOR

The resistor R is the resistance representing the jet of ink from the nozzle to the break-off point. The capacitor C is created by the surface of the charge plate and the surface of drops still in contact with the jet. The of time delay of the R C circuit must be as short as possible due to the rapid drop formation time. Calculation elements: - Ink conductivity (variable parameter not controlled by the machine). - Drop surface (fixed parameter for each type of ink). - Thickness and nature of the dielectric (fixed by construction).

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QUESTION(s): - How to perfectly charge the drops? - How to be certain that the drop charge is constantly correct? To correctly charge a drop, the voltage must be present during the entire time required for drop formation. Full drop formation is the time from a solid stream, until the drop is separated. The possible charge conditions are as follows: - Only the drop in contact with the jet can be charged. - If charging stops while the drop is still in contact with the jet, the drop is discharged through the jet. - If the drop separates too early (before receiving a complete charge) the charge value will be incorrect. - Only the drops charged when the drop is still in contact with the jet stream and separate just before the voltage switches off, are correctly charged. Drop-charge testing is performed whether the machine is printing or not. Note: The drop charge voltage can be positive or negative. With a one jet printer, charges are positive (drops are negative). With a two jet printer, one jet has positive charges and the other has negative charges (see diagram below). Two identical charges (positive for example) would require larger printhead dimensions.

+v

0v

-v V = HV (very high voltage)

+v

0v

+v

0v

V = 0 volt

V = +v

0v + + + + - - -

0v -

B
-

- - -

A
+

+ + + + + + + +

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4-6 Charge and phase detection In order to find the best Phase to charge drops, the internal computer does a sequential search. Eight different positions of break-off point are tested and the computer selects, from these eight, the best Phase for the greatest charge accuracy. In order to clarify this principle, refer to the diagram(s) below. The numbers are only for example and clarity of understanding.

Charge plate

Detection electrode

To or To+16

To + 2s

To + 4s

To + 6s

To + 8s

To + 10s

To + 12s

To + 14s

Charge plate
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0 0
~1

1 1 1 0 0 Computer interpretation

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The drop ejection frequency is 62,500 Hz or in other words a period time of 16s. The Phase is the drop position within the charge plate when the charge voltage is switched on. On the diagram above, the charge periods are in gray and numbered 1 to 8. Each period is 8s long. The machine starts its test: - The first charge (8s duration) starts at To. On the diagram the drop is already separated. - the 2nd at To + 2s - the 3rd at To + 4s - ................ - the 8th at To + 14s The drop is monitored by the detection electrodes, which measure the drop charge. Each drop is classified: - Good = 1 - Bad = 0 The computer selects the 2nd good drop to determine the right adjustment (Phase) only when there are 3 good drops in succession. When the machine is not printing it constantly tests the charge and phase for each drop. It is not practically possible to check only one drop, one drop generates too low of a voltage in the detection electrodes.

4-7 Drop management When the machine is not printing, it tests drop charge and fine tunes the charge parameters to prevent any parameter drift. The test starts at the end of each printing period and stops at the beginning of the next printing period. It is very difficult to precisely measure a charged drop. The energy is too low (charge of 10 V for the drops not deflected and recuperated by the gutter). Therefore, groups of 7 drops are measured. The 7 drops all have the same charge. We do not increase the phase between each drop, but between each group of drops (+ 2s every time).

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7 drops with the same phase

7 times the same phase

7 times the same phase

7 x 16s ( 7 x 16s ) + 2

7 x 16s

( 7 x 16s) + ( 7 x 16s ) + 4s

We obtain the signal shown below at the detection electrodes (after amplification):

Aplified signal

detection threshold

low signals

8 time (drops) separated by 2s

A group of 7 charged drops is measured and will generate a signal proportional to its charge.

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4-8 Printhead functions

piezo-electric resonator for pressure modulation Pressure P = Constant

Drop charge

Drop detection

Deflection plates Vacuum Recuperation gutter

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4-9- Drop(s) trajectory control 4-9-1 External forces on the drops In reference to the description above we have two internal forces:

Charge plates

Detection plates

F1 = f (Ch)

with Ch = charge

F2 = f (M ; V) with M = drop mass and V = initial speed of drop

Product

External forces: - Aerodynamic drag effect (movement in air). - Electrostatic interaction between charged drops.

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4-9-2- Aerodynamic forces The drops have a very high speed (20ms; ~ 72 km/h {45MPH}). Their drag consumes the stored kinetic energy. The consumption of energy is maximum for the drops at the head of the group and minimum for the drops at the back (like a bicycle). The theoretical drop trajectory is a parabola between the deflection plates and following a straight line (tangent to the parabola). The drops relative position(s) are defined by their charge voltage and charge order.

Drops 2 and 3 are in the wake of drop 1 and they lose less energy than drop one. Distance between drops is not constant and decreases. Drop 4 is less protected than drop 2 and 3 and 5 is still less. These two drops may drift.

5 4 3 2 1

Recuperation gutter

Product

If we do not correct for these forces, the raster will be deformed.

Theory

Reality

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4-9-3 Electrostatic forces Two successive drops can have any charge value. Two drops with the same polarity push each other away. The higher the charge, the higher the repulsion (the same as two magnetic poles) Two drops with a very different charge have virtually no interaction. Therefore, we must never have two successive drops with a high charge.

4-9-4 Solutions - To correct trajectory defects caused by aerodynamic drag: During the printers design, the difference(s) between the real and theoretical trajectories were precisely measured in all possible configurations. The product was at a fixed distance from the head. Corrected charges were calculated for each configuration and stored in the machines. The drawing below presents the theoretical and corrected voltage values that we can observe on an oscilloscope.

Charge voltage

= theoretical charge = corrected charge

Note: The little shifts in the time axis are only for clarity.

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NOTE: J2000, J1000 S1, S2 and S3 use 8 bits encoding to calculate the charge voltage for a drop. In this case the resolution is approximately 1 volt. J1000 S4 and S7 use 12 bits encoding, the resolution is less than 0.1 volt. - To correct electrostatic trajectory defects: Two consecutive highly charged drops push each other away. This problem is solved if we separate the two drops. To accomplish this, we only have to change the charge order and their raster position.
EXAMPLE WITH A 7 DOT RASTER

Charge voltage

110 100 90 80 70 60 50

7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printing sequence

2 Emission sequence

For a 24 dot raster, following the same principle, we obtain the following:

Charge voltage

Printing sequence

Emission sequence

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WARNING: These corrections are only valid for a fixed printing distance, otherwise the drops diverge. 4-10 Speed VS Quality in an IMAJE printer Three possibilities: - Speed is the priority - Quality is the priority - Speed & Quality compromise High speed We are looking for the highest printing speed. High speed High quality Quality

V =

Distance Time

=
density x dots / raster x drop time

With:

Density = number of drops in one mm. Dots / raster = number of dots in each raster Drop time = drop creation time

To increase speed we have to act on one of these three (above) parameters. For a fixed dimension drop it is not possible to act on the drop creation time. Therefore we have to act either on the density or on the number of dots in the raster. V increases when the number of dots in the raster decreases. For example with a G head, we recommend that the customer uses a 5x7 raster with a 2.8 dots / mm density (resolution). Printing distance is fixed at 10mm (head to product.) We apply charge correction and emission sequence principles. When all the drops created are printed, the term high speed is used . In these conditions, the maximum product movement speed is near 3 M/s with 7dots / raster, G head.

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Options: A - To increase speed, we modify the number of drops per raster:

1

V =

Distance Time

density x dots / raster x drop time

We omit one drop in a full raster with a 7x5 matrix. Drop position is slightly modified.
Standard raster

Modified (faster) raster

Speed increase is 17%.

This is the ultra rapid 7 dot font.

- With the same method, we can print 4 dots in a 5 dot raster. Speed increase is 25). This is the ultra rapid 5 dot font.

B - Another possibility: The drop creation time is decreased. Consequently, the drop size decreases. The dots are smaller which makes the print less visible. A special head (M head) is used. This is the Hyper high speed font.

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High quality Speed is sacrificed to gain quality. To control aerodynamic and electrostatic effects a different method is used. One out of 4 drops is charged (average value*) in a 16 dot raster. Non-charged drops are recuperated by the gutter. Therefore, there is a large distance between charged drops and there is neither electrostatic interaction (4 times less distance, 16 time less interaction) or aerodynamic interaction (all drops support the same drag). The printing speed is divided by 4. For a 7 dot raster one out of 3 drops is charged (average value). The printing speed is divided by 3. Drop charge and emission are in the same order. Advantages: Printing is possible from a greater distance (as far as 30mm). Precisely formed, very straight printing. This is the High quality font. A G head with a 7 dot raster has a printing speed limit of just below 1 M / s. * : One drop out of two for low charges, one drop out of 6 for high charges.

- Quality Every other drop is charged (average value). Head to product distance is fixed at 10mm. It is a compromise between high speed & high quality (described above). From the high speed we use the head to product distance (10 mm). From the high quality we use the linear charge mode (every other drop is charged).

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4-11- Printing mode control 4-11-1 Drop charge control process There are three principal memory areas in the printer:
Area 1 100 Kbytes MASTER Corected charge voltage value c
C1 C98 0 180 180 C2 C3 C4 210 ... 0 ... 0 ... ... C 90 ... .... ....

210 210 0 .... 180 ....

210 210 210 0 0 180 145 117 87 0 0

180 180 180 145 0 87 60 145

145 0 0 ....

145 145 .... 117 87 60

Characters in 2 positions: A and for 5, 7, 12 and 16 dots. 3 complete fonts 2 incomplete fonts Logos (up to 80 rasters)

117 117 0 0 .... .... 87 87 60 0 .... 0 87 .... 60

117 117 87 0 0 0

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5

Area 2 20 Kbytes File CGC**

0 25

0 ....

25 ....

25

25

25

25

T1 A B C C4 C4

T2 C2 C7

T3 C2 C7

T4 C2 C7

T5 C4 C5

T1 = T5 T2 =T3 = T4
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5

Area 3 7 Kbytes Messages *

.... ..

(ASCII bytes series)

- 42 - 43 - 45 - 20 - ........... * : To write 41 messages, standard message library.

** : GCG = Graphic character generator.

T2 = T3 = T4

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5

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Stored element access: For S4 and S7 family Standard technology

Calculation rules (algorithm) for high speed, quality and high quality.

Fonts ( or forms of the characters) stored in area 2 (machine memory).

Table of drop charges stored in area 1 (machine memory).

Calculations of the table values are made either by Imaje or sometimes by the customer with special software (graphic editor). This method is used in all the machines except the S7S.

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S7S printer It is a new, real-time technology.

Calculation rules

Fonts (characters)

The S7S calculates the drop charge for each raster (5 times per character with a 7x5 matrix). During raster printing, the microprocessor calculates the next raster. High speed, high quality and quality algorithms are included. There is no master file (area 1). Advantages: Less memory needed greater flexibility. Many fonts are available: Russian Chinese, .........

IMAJE ink jet printer

A 32 bits microprocessor is included. It is a special customized component designed specifically for Imaje.

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