Abstract: An optical light reflectance measurement system above an imaging member surface measures fountain solution surface light reflectance interference on reflective substrate portions of the imaging member surface in real-time during a printing operation. The measured light reflectance interference corresponds to a thickness of the fountain solution layer and may be used in a feedback loop to actively control fountain solution layer thickness by adjusting the volumetric feed rate of fountain solution added onto the imaging member surface during a printing operation to reach a desired uniform thickness for the printing. This fountain solution monitoring system may be fully automated.

Abstract: An optical light reflectance measurement system above an imaging member surface measures fountain solution surface light reflectance interference on reflective substrate portions of the imaging member surface in real-time during a printing operation. The measured light reflectance interference corresponds to a thickness of the fountain solution layer and may be used in a feedback loop to actively control fountain solution layer thickness by adjusting the volumetric feed rate of fountain solution added onto the imaging member surface during a printing operation to reach a desired uniform thickness for the printing. This fountain solution monitoring system may be fully automated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. For example, the method includes receiving, by a processor of a multi-function device (MFD), a scanned image of a print job with a finish option applied to the print job, determining, by the processor, that the finish option requires an adjustment based on an analysis of the scanned image, determining, by the processor, an amount of adjustment to the finish option to apply to subsequent copies of the print job, and performing, by the processor, an adjustment to the MFD to apply the amount of adjustment to the finish option for subsequent copies of the print job.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining an object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a metallic shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object. A plurality of magnetic retainers are each shaped to physically secure the object to the metallic shuttle mount while the object is being moved.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printing system improves the collection of waste materials during object printing. The printing system includes an ejector head configured to eject material, a platform configured to move in a process direction to a position opposite the ejector head to enable the ejector head to eject material onto the platform, and first and second planarizers configured to remove a first portion and a second portion, respectively, of the material ejected onto the platform. The printing system further includes a first housing defining a first chamber in which at least one of the first planarizer and the second planarizer is positioned, and a first vacuum source connected to the first housing, the first vacuum source being configured to produce a first vacuum in the first chamber to pull material removed by the at least one of the first planarizer and the second planarizer from the first chamber.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining an object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject in onto a surface of an object. The mount has a plurality of receptacles, each has a shape for receiving a retainer in one of a plurality of orientations. A head of each retainer is shaped to retain an edge of the object on the mount. A base of each retainer is shaped such that, when the base is pressed into a receptacle, the head assumes a desired orientation. The removable retainers retain the object on the shuttle mount.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer generates image data of an object being formed in the printer with a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical sensor arrays. A controller receives the image data and identifies measurements of the object and of the features of the object. The controller compares the measurements to expected measurements and adds material or removes material from the object in response to the identified measurements being outside a predetermined range about the expected measurements.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining an object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject in onto a surface of an object. The mount has a plurality of receptacles, each has a shape for receiving a retainer in one of a plurality of orientations. A head of each retainer is shaped to retain an edge of the object on the mount. A base of each retainer is shaped such that, when the base is pressed into a receptacle, the head assumes a desired orientation. The removable retainers retain the object on the shuttle mount.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining an object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a metallic shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object. A plurality of magnetic retainers are each shaped to physically secure the object to the metallic shuttle mount while the object is being moved.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer generates image data of an object being formed in the printer with a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical sensor arrays. A controller receives the image data and identifies measurements of the object and of the features of the object. The controller compares the measurements to expected measurements and adds material or removes material from the object in response to the identified measurements being outside a predetermined range about the expected measurements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer generates image data of an object being formed in the printer with a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical sensor arrays. A controller receives the image data and identifies measurements of the object and of the features of the object. The controller compares the measurements to expected measurements and adds material or removes material from the object in response to the identified measurements being outside a predetermined range about the expected measurements.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an object holder for retaining an object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a base plate configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object. A shaft passes through the base plate. A back support is fixed to an end of the base plate. A side plate is slideably attached to the base plate. The back support and side plate collectively provide support to the shaft. A suction cup is connected to one end of the shaft for holding an object to the shaft while the object is being moved.

Abstract: A printing system includes a first member and a second member. The second member is positioned parallel to the first member. The system further includes a first extensible member and a second extensible member. The system further includes a first gripper and a second gripper. One end of the first extensible member is mounted to the first member and the other end of the first extensible member is mounted to the first gripper. One end of the second extensible member is mounted to the second member and the other end is mounted to the second gripper. A controller operates a first actuator operatively connected to the first and second extensible members.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer generates image data of an object being formed in the printer with a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical sensor arrays. A controller receives the image data and identifies measurements of the object and of the features of the object. The controller compares the measurements to expected measurements and adds material or removes material from the object in response to the identified measurements being outside a predetermined range about the expected measurements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printing system improves the collection of waste materials during object printing. The printing system includes an ejector head configured to eject material, a platform configured to move in a process direction to a position opposite the ejector head to enable the ejector head to eject material onto the platform, and first and second planarizers configured to remove a first portion and a second portion, respectively, of the material ejected onto the platform. The printing system further includes a first housing defining a first chamber in which at least one of the first planarizer and the second planarizer is positioned, and a first vacuum source connected to the first housing, the first vacuum source being configured to produce a first vacuum in the first chamber to pull material removed by the at least one of the first planarizer and the second planarizer from the first chamber.