Abstract: A printer table for supporting a substrate during a printing operation comprises a substrate support surface comprising a plurality of apertures. The apertures are arranged such that a substrate placed on the printer table covers at least one of the apertures. The printer table comprises a plurality of ball valves arranged in fluidic connection with the apertures, where each of the ball valves has an open configuration and a closed configuration and is biased to the open configuration. The printer table also comprises a negative air pressure source configured to apply a negative air pressure through the plurality of ball valves to the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A printer table for supporting a substrate during a printing operation comprises a substrate support surface comprising a plurality of apertures. The apertures are arranged such that a substrate placed on the printer table covers at least one of the apertures. The printer table comprises a plurality of ball valves arranged in fluidic connection with the apertures, where each of the ball valves has an open configuration and a closed configuration and is biased to the open configuration. The printer table also comprises a negative air pressure source configured to apply a negative air pressure through the plurality of ball valves to the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A table for a flatbed printer comprises an upper plate (4) and a lower plate (6) separated by an intermediate layer (8). The intermediate layer is configured to provide a fluid flow path (34) that promotes a flow of fluid alternating between a position adjacent the upper plate and a position adjacent the lower plate, so as to promote heat transfer between the upper plate and the lower plate. The fluid flow path may be formed using a plurality of holes (26) in the intermediate layer. A method of manufacturing the printer table is also described.

Abstract: A table for a flatbed printer comprises an upper plate (4) and a lower plate (6) separated by an intermediate layer (8). The intermediate layer is configured to provide a fluid flow path (34) that promotes a flow of fluid alternating between a position adjacent the upper plate and a position adjacent the lower plate, so as to promote heat transfer between the upper plate and the lower plate. The fluid flow path may be formed using a plurality of holes (26) in the intermediate layer. A method of manufacturing the printer table is also described.

Abstract: A printer control unit (3) is described for controlling the size of droplets emitted by a nozzle of a printhead (8) in an inkjet printer. The control unit (3) receives information about an image to be printed by the printer, for example from a raster image processor (5), the information including droplet size information regarding the size of droplet required to be emitted by the nozzle to print the image. Print parameter information for printing the image is determined on the basis of the received droplet size information, the print parameter information including information for use in setting the printer such that droplets emitted by the nozzle during the printing of the image have the required droplet size.

Abstract: A printer control unit (3) is described for controlling the size of droplets emitted by a nozzle of a printhead (8) in an inkjet printer. The control unit (3) receives information about an image to be printed by the printer, for example from a raster image processor (5), the information including droplet size information regarding the size of droplet required to be emitted by the nozzle to print the image. Print parameter information for printing the image is determined on the basis of the received droplet size information, the print parameter information including information for use in setting the printer such that droplets emitted by the nozzle during the printing of the image have the required droplet size.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a vial of fluid material to or from a storage plate containing a number of vials is provided. The apparatus comprises a first plunger disposed on one side of a defined storage plate support position and movable axially into engagement with a vial held in use in a storage plate at the support position to move the vial out of the storage plate in the direction away from the support position on the other side of the support position; and a closed path conveyor having one or more slots to receive a vial, selectively alignable with the axis of the first plunger.