Abstract: Systems and methods for adjustable interlacing of drying rollers in a print system. One system is an apparatus that includes first rollers that conduct heat from a heat source, and dry a web of print media as the web travels over a front side of the first rollers in a first direction. A last roller of the first rollers turns the web in a second direction. The apparatus also includes second rollers disposed a distance above the first rollers and that transport the web in the second direction. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism that reduces the distance between the second rollers and the first rollers to cause the second rollers to occupy spaces between the first rollers so that the web traveling in the second direction contacts a back side of the first rollers to further dry the web.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjustable interlacing of drying rollers in a print system. One system is an apparatus that includes first rollers that conduct heat from a heat source, and dry a web of print media as the web travels over a front side of the first rollers in a first direction. A last roller of the first rollers turns the web in a second direction. The apparatus also includes second rollers disposed a distance above the first rollers and that transport the web in the second direction. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism that reduces the distance between the second rollers and the first rollers to cause the second rollers to occupy spaces between the first rollers so that the web traveling in the second direction contacts a back side of the first rollers to further dry the web.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjustable interlacing of drying rollers in a print system. One system is an apparatus that includes first rollers that conduct heat from a heat source, and dry a web of print media as the web travels over a front side of the first rollers in a first direction. A last roller of the first rollers turns the web in a second direction. The apparatus also includes second rollers disposed a distance above the first rollers and that transport the web in the second direction. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism that reduces the distance between the second rollers and the first rollers to cause the second rollers to occupy spaces between the first rollers so that the web traveling in the second direction contacts a back side of the first rollers to further dry the web.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjustable interlacing of drying rollers in a print system. One system is an apparatus that includes first rollers that conduct heat from a heat source, and dry a web of print media as the web travels over a front side of the first rollers in a first direction. A last roller of the first rollers turns the web in a second direction. The apparatus also includes second rollers disposed a distance above the first rollers and that transport the web in the second direction. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism that reduces the distance between the second rollers and the first rollers to cause the second rollers to occupy spaces between the first rollers so that the web traveling in the second direction contacts a back side of the first rollers to further dry the web.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjustable interlacing of drying rollers in a print system. One system is an apparatus that includes first rollers that conduct heat from a heat source, and dry a web of print media as the web travels over a front side of the first rollers in a first direction. A last roller of the first rollers turns the web in a second direction. The apparatus also includes second rollers disposed a distance above the first rollers and that transport the web in the second direction. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism that reduces the distance between the second rollers and the first rollers to cause the second rollers to occupy spaces between the first rollers so that the web traveling in the second direction contacts a back side of the first rollers to further dry the web.

Abstract: Fire control and containment for a production printing system that includes a dryer unit, an air intake fan, and an exhaust fan. A fire control and containment system includes an enclosure surrounding the dryer unit. The enclosure includes controllable doors, a temperature sensor, and an air pressure sensor in the enclosure. The fire containment and control system also includes a controller operable to detect a fire event based on changes in air pressure and air temperature in the enclosure detected by the air pressure and air temperature sensors. In response to detecting the fire event, the controller closes the doors of the enclosure to prevent the print medium from entering, controls the air intake fan and the exhaust fan to reduce the air pressure in the enclosure, and controls the dryer unit to reduce temperature in the enclosure to suppress fire.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide ink recirculation capabilities for Drop-On-Demand (DOD) printing systems. One embodiment comprises a system that includes a controller, a DOD print head, an ink tank, an ink pump, and a recirculation cap. The ink pump transports ink from the ink tank to the DOD print head, and the recirculation cap captures ink ejected by the DOD print head. The recirculation cap also transports the capture ink to the ink tank. In response to detecting a start of an ink recirculation cycle, the controller collocates the recirculation cap proximate to nozzles of the DOD print head, and directs the DOD print head to begin ejecting ink through the nozzles into the recirculation cap for transport of the captured ink to the ink tank. The controller detects an end to the ink recirculation cycle, and directs the DOD print head to stop ejecting ink into the recirculation cap.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide enhanced radiant drying capabilities for a printing system utilizing temperature control of a thermally conductive drum. One embodiment comprises a radiant dryer and a control system. The radiant dryer includes a thermally conductive drum and a plurality of radiant energy sources disposed along an outside surface of the drum. The energy sources dry a colorant applied to a print medium in contact with the drum. The radiant dryer further includes a cooling system that applies a coolant to the drum to remove heat from the drum. The control system measures the temperature of the drum, determines a difference between the temperature of the drum and a target temperature, and directs the cooling system to vary an application of the coolant to the drum based on the difference to maintain the drum at the target temperature.

Abstract: Fire control and containment for a production printing system that includes a dryer unit, an air intake fan, and an exhaust fan. A fire control and containment system includes an enclosure surrounding the dryer unit. The enclosure includes controllable doors, a temperature sensor, and an air pressure sensor in the enclosure. The fire containment and control system also includes a controller operable to detect a fire event based on changes in air pressure and air temperature in the enclosure detected by the air pressure and air temperature sensors. In response to detecting the fire event, the controller closes the doors of the enclosure to prevent the print medium from entering, controls the air intake fan and the exhaust fan to reduce the air pressure in the enclosure, and controls the dryer unit to reduce temperature in the enclosure to suppress fire.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide targeted cooling for portions of print media during a radiant drying process. One embodiment comprises a radiant dryer and a control system. The radiant dryer includes a radiant energy source within an interior of the radiant dryer that dries a colorant onto a continuous-form medium. The radiant dryer further includes a plurality of independently actuated cooling jets within the interior that apply a cooling gas to the medium. The control system determines regions on the medium where the colorant is at risk of overheating, and directs the cooling jets to apply the cooling gas to the regions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining an operational range of colorant densities and heating powers that result in successful drying for a print media that is based on a drying quality of test images printed by a printing system. One embodiment comprises a printing system that applies colorant onto a continuous-form medium and applies heat to the medium based on a heating power. The printing system prints a plurality of test images onto the medium, where one or more of a colorant density and a heating power vary for each of the printed test images. The printing system determines a drying quality for the printed test images, and calculates an operational range of colorant densities and heating powers for the medium based on the drying quality of the printed test images.

Abstract: Fire control and containment for a production printing system that includes a dryer unit, an air intake fan, and an exhaust fan. A fire control and containment system includes an enclosure surrounding the dryer unit. The enclosure includes controllable doors, a temperature sensor, and an air pressure sensor in the enclosure. The fire containment and control system also includes a controller operable to detect a fire event based on changes in air pressure and air temperature in the enclosure detected by the air pressure and air temperature sensors. In response to detecting the fire event, the controller closes the doors of the enclosure to prevent the print medium from entering, controls the air intake fan and the exhaust fan to reduce the air pressure in the enclosure, and controls the dryer unit to reduce temperature in the enclosure to suppress fire.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for balancing air flow in dryers of printing systems. The dryer includes a heating element, top flow generator, and bottom flow generator. The heating element is within the dryer, and heats a web of printed media. The top flow generator directly projects a first jet of gas onto a top side of the web. The first jet of gas deflects air proximate to the web. The bottom flow generator directly projects a second jet of gas onto an opposing side of the web. The second jet strikes the web at substantially the same location as the first jet, and compensates orthogonal force applied to the web by the first jet. Furthermore, the top and bottom flow generators are both oriented to project the jets partially in the direction of travel of the web.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining an operational range of colorant densities and heating powers that result in successful drying for a print media that is based on a drying quality of test images printed by a printing system. One embodiment comprises a printing system that applies colorant onto a continuous-form medium and applies heat to the medium based on a heating power. The printing system prints a plurality of test images onto the medium, where one or more of a colorant density and a heating power vary for each of the printed test images. The printing system determines a drying quality for the printed test images, and calculates an operational range of colorant densities and heating powers for the medium based on the drying quality of the printed test images.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining an operational range of colorant densities and heating powers that result in successful drying for a print media that is based on a drying quality of test images printed by a printing system. One embodiment comprises a printing system that applies colorant onto a continuous-form medium and applies heat to the medium based on a heating power. The printing system prints a plurality of test images onto the medium, where one or more of a colorant density and a heating power vary for each of the printed test images. The printing system determines a drying quality for the printed test images, and calculates an operational range of colorant densities and heating powers for the medium based on the drying quality of the printed test images.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aligning printheads of a printing system. One embodiment is a system for aligning printheads of a printing system. The system includes a first sensor configured to detect lateral positions of an upstream printhead relative to sections of a web of print media traveling through the printing system, and a second sensor configured to detect lateral positions of a downstream printhead relative to the sections of the web. The downstream printhead is placed after the upstream printhead in the direction of travel of the web. The system also includes a controller configured to align the downstream printhead with the sections of the web based on the lateral positions of the upstream printhead and the lateral positions of the downstream printhead.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aligning printheads of a printing system. One embodiment is a system for aligning printheads of a printing system. The system includes a first sensor configured to detect lateral positions of an upstream printhead relative to sections of a web of print media traveling through the printing system, and a second sensor configured to detect lateral positions of a downstream printhead relative to the sections of the web. The downstream printhead is placed after the upstream printhead in the direction of travel of the web. The system also includes a controller configured to align the downstream printhead with the sections of the web based on the lateral positions of the upstream printhead and the lateral positions of the downstream printhead.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the quality analysis of printheads that apply transparent or hard-to-detect fluids to a media. The system includes a printhead operable to apply a clear fluid to a print media. The system also includes a controller operable to enter a diagnostic mode for quality analysis of the printhead. The controller initiates a supply of diagnostic fluid to the printhead that includes a colorant. The controller then directs the printhead to apply the diagnostic fluid to the print media. Because the diagnostic fluid includes a colorant, the output of the printhead will be more visible on the media.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dispersing a liquid coolant in a radiant dryer. The system comprises a dryer of a printing system. The dryer includes a heating element within an interior of the dryer that is able to heat a web of printed media as the web travels through the interior. The dryer also includes a liquid dispersal unit within the interior that is able to project liquid droplets of coolant onto the web as the web travels through the interior, in order to control the temperature of the web.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predictively compensating for frequency-based shifts of the position of a web of print media in a continuous-forms printer. The system comprises a sensor and a controller. The sensor is able to detect lateral shifts of the web of print media traveling through the continuous-forms printer. The controller is able to identify a frequency of the lateral shifts of the web, and to steer the web based on the frequency.