Precision Stages
Enable Analytical Measurement of Jet-Able Fluids
Precision X-Y stages were developed
for integration into a new analytical measurement tool
for use in the development of digital inks or other
fluids to be jetted from ink jet print heads. The Drop
Watcher III system provides repeatable and exact measurements
of drop formation (e.g., distance and time from the
start of the drop ejection), drop size, and flight characteristics
of opaque or transparent fluid drops. In addition to
X-Y stages, the system consists of a monochrome CCD
camera with a zoom lens providing magnification from
0.75X to 4X. Magnification from 2.5X to 10X is achievable
when using the high-magnification option, yielding fields
of view from 640 µm to 2.56 mm.
Operation
Powered by a five-phase stepper motor, the X-Y stages
perform precise measurements of the fluid-jetting parameters
of ink jet print heads by moving the camera through
micrometer adjustments across the entire print head.
This allows the user to automatically track individual
drops of ink (or other jet-able fluids) at various stages
of formation across all nozzles in a print head. When
c o m b i n e d w i t h micro-stepping controllers,
the motor can also provide submicron step sizes. Typically,
drop volumes can range from 3 to 150 picoliters, depending
on the print head nozzle size and drive waveform used
to drive the print head. The X-Y platforms of the analytical
tool are configured to automatically run all measurements
over a userspecified number of nozzles.
To minimize flexing and twisting, the stages utilize
a Ushaped outer rail and parallel rows of ball bearings,
providing a very rigid platform for accurately moving
high loads. This bearing arrangement also allows flexibility
in mounting the stage. It has the same load capacity
upside down or on its side as it has in the normal,
upright orientation. Designed for long life, the stages
include a grease fitting to allow the bearings to be
lubricated without any disassembly.
More Information For more information on precision
stages, contact Michelle Young, sales and marketing
manager for OptoSigma Corporation, Santa Ana, California,
at (949) 851-5881 or michelle@optosigma.com.
Visit the company online at www.optosigma.com.
Learn more about Drop Watcher III and imaging Technology
international Corporation (iTi), Boulder, Colorado,
online at
www.imagingtechnology-corp.com,
or email cmorgan@inkjetsys.com.
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