Abstract: A three dimensional printing system, the system including: a printhead; and a removable tray comprising a reservoir, the tray located in a print bed of the three dimensional printing system such that liquid purged from the printhead is deposited in the reservoir, wherein prior to the system purging liquid from the printhead, the system confirms that the tray is in place using a sensor.

Abstract: A method includes attaching a clip array to opposing edges of a polymer thin film, the clip array having a plurality of first clips slidably disposed on a first track located proximate to a first edge of the polymer thin film and a plurality of second clips slidably disposed on a second track located proximate to a second edge of the polymer thin film, applying a positive in-plane strain to the polymer thin film along a transverse direction by increasing a distance between the first and second clips, and decreasing an inter-clip spacing amongst the first clips and amongst the second clips along a machine direction while applying the in-plane strain to form an optically anisotropic polymer thin film. During stretching, a strain rate of the thin film may be decreased and/or a temperature of the thin film may be increased.

Abstract: A printer and method for ejecting fluid through nozzles of the printer to a surface of a service station of the printer to perform drop detection of the nozzles. A rotation device of the service station turns the surface.

Abstract: In some examples, a service module of a three-dimensional (3D) printer can include a modular web to removably couple to the service module of the 3D printer and when coupled to the service module can clean a print head of the 3D printer and remove a printing agent from the print head.

Abstract: A print head assembly for a printer is described. The print head assembly includes a print die and an offset shim to protect the print die when the print head assembly is disposed on a surface.

Abstract: In some examples, a service module of a three-dimensional (3D) printer can include a housing, a web to clean a print head of the 3D printer, where the web is housed by the housing, and where the service module is removably attached to the 3D printer, and a shield to shield the web.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing system, the system including: a printhead; and a removable tray comprising a reservoir, the tray located in a print bed of the three dimensional printing system such that liquid purged from the printhead is deposited in the reservoir, wherein prior to the system purging liquid from the printhead, the system confirms that the tray is in place using a sensor.

Abstract: A print head cap includes a vent which is opened during storage of the print head against the cap, is closed during priming of fluid through nozzles of the print head and is opened to stop the priming. Pumping of fluid from the cap is started substantially immediately upon opening of the vent to stop priming.

Abstract: A print head cap includes a vent which is opened during storage of the print head against the cap, is closed during priming of fluid through nozzles of the print head and is opened to stop the priming. Pumping of fluid from the cap is started substantially immediately upon opening of the vent to stop priming.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead servicing station for an inkjet printing mechanism includes a translational pallet that carries servicing appliances, like wipers, caps and flaps. A service station frame defines a guide track that supports the pallet for translational movement in a plane substantially parallel with a printhead plane and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the scanning axis of the printhead when transported by a carriage. The frame has adjacent pallet and carriage alignment datums. The pallet has a carriage lock that secures the carriage with or without the inkjet printhead installed therein. The pallet has a rack gear that is driven with a spindle pinion gear. The service station frame has a base and a bonnet cover that define the guide track, with the pallet being sandwiched therebetween. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a service station, and a method of assembling a service station are also provided.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead service station for an inkjet printing mechanism includes a platform that is translationally moveable perpendicular to a scanning axis along which a carriage transports the printhead. The sliding pallet carries servicing appliances, like wipers and caps for servicing the printhead orifice plates, as well as flaps for cleaning cheek regions of the printhead adjacent the orifice plate. The pallet may be moved to expose a spittoon formed thereunder for spitting ink from the printhead. An upper bonnet portion of the service station frame has a scraper bar for removing ink residue from the wipers and flaps. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a service station, and a method of servicing an inkjet printhead are also provided.