Abstract: A 3D printer is configured to print a 3D part. The 3D printer includes a print head carried by a head gantry and configured to operably move the print head along planar tool paths. The 3D printer includes at least one head gantry actuator coupled to the head gantry and configured to move the print head in a plane and a print head actuator coupled to the print head and configured to move the print head in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane. A sensor is fixedly mounted to the print head and configured to output a first signal that is directly or indirectly related to an acceleration of the print head, and a gyroscope is fixedly mounted to the print head and configured to output a second signal related to a rotational position of the print head.

Abstract: A method for producing a component made of fiber-reinforced plastic includes comprises the steps of providing at least one insert part, placing the insert part in a mold and embedding the insert part using a matrix material and at least one fiber mat in the mold. The insert part is provided as a closed capsule.

Abstract: According to one example of the present invention, there is provided a composite material for cold pressing including: carbon fibers that are unidirectional continuous fibers; and a thermoplastic resin, wherein the composite material has a thickness of 0.3 mm or more, when the composite material is observed from a direction perpendicular to a continuous fiber direction, a cross section of the carbon fibers included in the composite material satisfies the following specific Expressions (1), (2) and (3): n1/N?0.1??Expression (1), p<0.01??Expression (2), and 0.001?(1?dc/(dr*(Vr/100)+df*(Vf/100))?0.1??Expression (3).

Abstract: In a device for manufacturing a filament three-dimensional bonded member includes: a molten filament supply device which supplies a plurality of molten filaments; a three-dimensional structure formation device which receives and then cools and solidifies the molten filaments so as to form a filament three-dimensional bonded member; and a controller which controls the molten filament supply device and the three-dimensional structure formation device, a hardness index measurement device is provided which measures the hardness index of the filament three-dimensional bonded member that is brought into a cooled state by the three-dimensional structure formation device, and the controller uses the information of the measurement of the hardness index measurement device that is fed back and thereby performs feedback control on at least one of the molten filament supply device and the three-dimensional structure formation device so as to reduce a variation in the hardness of the formed filament three-dimensional bonde

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of making a composite part. The method comprises covering a mold tool for a composite part with a parting film. The method further comprises laying up at least one layer of pre-preg on the parting film covering the mold tool to form a laid-up composite part and removing the laid-up composite part from the parting film. The parting film comprises a polymer sheet having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a first adhesive disposed on the first major surface of the polymer sheet, the first adhesive adhering the polymer sheet to the mold tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for multi-celled pressurizable air bladders. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a bladder. The bladder includes a casing that encloses an internal volume of the bladder, walls within the bladder that subdivide the internal volume into cells that are airtight with respect to each other, and ducting that couples each of the cells with a source of pressurized gas via a distinct pathway. The apparatus also includes a controller that progressively pressurizes individual cells within the bladder from a first portion of a laminate to a second portion of the laminate by controlling application of gas from the source via the ducting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite material molding, having a step (A) for forming a plurality of partial preforms, each having a partial shape obtained by dividing the three-dimensional shape of a target fiber-reinforced composite material molding, by cutting a prepreg sheet containing reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin composition, and by preshaping the cut prepreg pieces; a step (B) for forming a preform having the three-dimensional shape of the target fiber-reinforced composite material molding by combining and integrating the plurality of partial preforms; and a step (C) for producing a fiber-reinforced composite material molding by compression-molding the preform, wherein the step (B) includes arranging a foamable material between the plurality of partial preforms when they are combined.

Abstract: A method to design the kits and layup the reinforcement layers and core using projection system, comprising a mold having a contoured surface; a layup projection generator which: defines a plurality of mold sections; identifies the dimensions and location for a plurality of layup segments. A model-based calibration method for alignment of laser projection system is provided in which mold features are drawn digitally, incorporated into the plug(s) which form the wind turbine blade mold, and transferred into the mold. The mold also includes reflective targets which are keyed to the molded geometry wherein their position is calculated from the 3D model. This method ensures the precision level required from projection system to effectively assist with fabrication of wind turbine blades. In this method, digital location of reflectors is utilized to compensate for the mold deformations.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber-reinforced resin shaped product, by clamping and press-molding a molding material containing reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin as a matrix in molds having an upper mold and a lower mold. The method includes: disposing the molding material heated in a plastic state, between the upper mold and the lower mold; initiating the clamping to apply a force in a substantially clamping direction to a certain site of the molding material; starting deformation of the molding material in the substantially clamping direction; applying a force in the substantially clamping direction to a fixing site which is at least a part of a substantially outer peripheral end portion of the molding material but is different from the certain site; pressing and fixing the fixing site, and completing the clamping to obtain a fiber-reinforced resin shaped product having an edge portion.

Abstract: A die for casting junctions of a coating of a pipeline is configured to be coupled to the pipeline to form an annular shaped closed compartment about a tubular joint portion comprising a tubular wall, which extends about a designated axis; a plurality of centering devices configured to align the axis of the tubular wall with a longitudinal axis of the pipeline; two annular walls arranged respectively at the opposite ends of the tubular wall; and two pluralities of vent openings arranged along the tubular wall respectively at each of the annular walls; and at least one feeding port configured to supply polymer material into the closed compartment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical spacer includes dispensing thermal glue within a mold; pressing the thermal glue using an optical spacer substrate to generate an optical spacer including an aperture; and, releasing the mold from the optical spacer. The thermal glue may be cured prior to releasing the mold from the optical spacer.

Abstract: A pre-punched material sheet for constructing a packaging trough, the material sheet includes a sub-area that has been punched out incompletely so that the sub-area is connected to a residual area of the material sheet through a plurality of retaining lugs. The material sheet is positioned on top of a female die part of a forming tool and the sub-area at least partially covers an opening of a forming cavity of the female die part. The residual area of the material sheet may be clamped in position against the female die part. The sub-area of the material sheet is sucked onto an insert in the forming cavity using a vacuum. The insert is vertically movable in the forming cavity from a first position to a second position to draw the sheet into the forming cavity and thereby form the packaging trough.

Abstract: A foldable container moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration defining an interior area for holding bulk material is provided. The container includes opposed side panels and a bottom flap extending from a bottom edge of each side panel. A tab member extends from a distal end of each bottom flap and a tab finger extends from each tab member so as to define a hook at a distal end of each bottom flap. The hooks are interconnected so as to hingedly connect the distal ends of the bottom flaps together, thereby causing the bottom flaps to rotate between their respective stowed and deployed configuration positions as the end panels are translated between their respective stowed and deployed configuration positions. Locking tabs extending from distal ends of end flaps extend into the interior area of the container to secure the container in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A multi-layered pipe comprising a wall having a polyolefin inner layer and a barrier layer being an outer layer relative to the polyolefin inner layer, the barrier layer being formed of a non-metallic barrier material, which barrier material has relative to polyolefin an enhanced resistance to permeation therethrough of hydrocarbon molecules, the pipe further comprising a protective layer being an outer layer relative to the barrier layer, the pipe further comprising a peelable layer between the polyolefin inner layer and the barrier layer, the peelable layer being formable around the polyolefin inner layer by means of extrusion. The protective layer and the barrier layer may together be incorporated in a single layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laminated structure including a first layer covering a substrate and a raised portion existing on the substrate, and a second layer covering the first layer, in which a first seam is formed inside the first layer, starting from a part at which the raised portion rises from the substrate or a vicinity of the rising part as a start point, a second seam is formed inside the second layer, starting from a part at which the first layer positioned above the substrate rises or a part of the second layer corresponding to a vicinity of the rising part as a start point, and the first seam and the second seam are discontinuous.

Abstract: Described herein is form assembly having a removable and synthetic peel out identification card and a method of making the same. The assembly is generally comprised of a laminate of a first planar form layer having an at least one aperture, a first planar layer of synthetic material, and a second planar layer of synthetic material forming the identification card. The first planar layer of synthetic material is applied to a second side of the first planar form layer across the width and over the at least one aperture forming a backer. The second planar layer of the synthetic material is placed within the at least one aperture and secured to the first planar layer of synthetic material. A controlled depth cut is then made to a second side of the first planar layer of synthetic material within a perimeter of the second planar layer of synthetic material to allow for the selective release of the second planar layer of synthetic material from the form.

Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a first portion having a first material and a first interface surface. A second portion having a second material that is different than the first material is included. The second portion has a second interface surface that is connected to the first interface surface of the first portion. A method of manufacturing an apparatus is described. The method includes adhering a first portion of the apparatus to a second portion of the apparatus to create a combined portion. After adhering the first portion of the apparatus to the second portion of the apparatus to create the combined portion, the combined portion of the apparatus is treated.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a vehicle component comprises a thermoplastic element having a thermoplastic element first surface and a thermoplastic element second surface; a structural element defining an opening, wherein the structural element has a structural element first surface and a structural element second surface, wherein the thermoplastic element is in the opening; and an elastic anisotropic bonding element between the thermoplastic element second surface and the structural element first surface.

Abstract: A resin film according to one aspect of the present invention is a resin film having polyimide as a main component, the resin film including a modified layer formed in a depth direction from at least one side of the resin film; and a non-modified layer other than the modified layer, wherein a ring-opening rate of an imide ring of the polyimide in the modified layer is higher than a ring-opening rate of an imide ring of the polyimide in the non-modified layer, and an average thickness of the modified layer from the one side of the resin film is greater than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm.

Abstract: A polyvinyl acetal poly(vinyl acetal), such as polyvinyl butyral, resin formulation, a method of extruding poly(vinyl acetal) resins, and related materials and products that provide for monolithic poly(vinyl acetal) sheets and glass panes having high Tg of at least 50° C. and high modulus at acceptable rates as indicated by their high melt flow index. This is made possible by a reduction in the amount of plasticizer while using a low molecular weight resin not to exceed 160,000 to obtain a thermoplastic resin having a high melt flow index and high Tg. The articles made with these monolithic interlayer sheets can be used in applications that require good modulus at outdoor temperatures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The flexible sensor comprises: a substrate layer formed of flexible and plastic rubber; a conductive layer located on the substrate layer; a conductive contact and a passivation layer located on the conductive layer; and a wire which is connected to the conductive layer via the conductive contact and is used for conducting induced current.

Abstract: Provided is a stretchable film that can prevent a delivery failure when delivered from a winding body. Also provided is a stretchable laminate including such stretchable film. Still also provided is an article including such stretchable laminate. The stretchable film of the present invention includes a laminated film of a plurality of elastomer layers, wherein the stretchable film includes an elastomer layer (A1), an elastomer layer (B), and an elastomer layer (A2) in the stated order, wherein the elastomer layer (A1) and the elastomer layer (A2) are provided as outer layers, and wherein each of the elastomer layer (A1) and the elastomer layer (A2) contains a fatty acid amide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigmented aqueous basecoat material comprising a polyether-based reaction product which is preparable by reaction of (a) at least one cyclic carboxylic anhydride comprising a free carboxylic acid group and/or the halide of a carboxylic acid group with (b) at least one polyether of the general structural formula (I) in which R is a C3 to C6 alkylene radical and n is selected accordingly such that the polyether (b) possesses a number-average molecular weight of 800 to 4000 g/mol, the components (a) and (b) being used in the reaction in a molar ratio of 0.7/2.3 to 1.6/1.7 and the resulting reaction product possessing an acid number of 10 to 50 mg KOH/g.

Abstract: The present invention is a laminated glass which is prepared by inserting a resin intermediate film between glass plates and adhering the glass plates to integrate them, having a bending deflection at 90° C. is 7.3 N/mm2 or higher, a weight per unit area is 7.5 kg/m2 or less, wherein the resin intermediate film contains a modified hydrogenated block copolymer [E] obtained by introducing an alkoxysilyl group into a hydrogenated block copolymer [D], storage elastic moduli in the dynamic viscoelastic properties of the resin intermediate film are 5×108 Pa or lower at a temperature of ?20° C. and 2×107 Pa or higher at a temperature of 90° C., and the hydrogenated block copolymer [D] is obtained by hydrogenating 90% or more of carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds on a main chain and side chains and carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds on an aromatic ring in a specific block copolymer [C].

Abstract: Laminated barrier films that include a PECVD barrier coating of diamond-like carbon are disclosed, along with a method of manufacturing such films, and edge-covering strips made from such films, in particular intended for liquid carton packaging are disclosed. Packaging containers that include the edge-covering strip and in particular to a packaging container intended for liquid food packaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a sheet comprising: a multi-layer structure comprising: a plurality of layers including an uppermost layer and a lowermost layer, each of the plurality of layers having a molecular orientation that results in a stress value for each layer; wherein the stress value of at least two of the plurality of layers are non-zero and different from one another; and wherein the multi-layer structure has a net stress value that is less than the greater stress value of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A method for making a thin padding from stabilized fibers, for clothing articles, quilts and sleeping bags, having the steps of: providing a synthetic fiber lap; processing the synthetic fiber lap by spreading thermoplastic resins on a surface of the synthetic fiber lap; recovering excess thermoplastic resins from the processing step where thermoplastic resins are spread, recycling the excess thermoplastic resin in another processing step where thermoplastic resins are spread; heating said thermoplastic resins and said lap synthetic fibers; and reducing a thickness of said lap and smoothing the synthetic resin lap to provide a thin padding.

Abstract: Metal plates are placed on opposed surfaces of two heating plates, the metal plates are heated. Then, a hollow plate is placed between the two heating plates, and the two heating plates are moved toward each other. The metal plates, which are heated to a high temperature, are bonded to the outer surfaces of the hollow plate by thermal fusion caused by the heat of the metal plates. After the metal plates are brought into planar contact with the hollow plate, the heating plates are moved away from each other. The heating plates sandwich the hollow plate only for a very short time. Thus, the heat of the heating plates is not transferred excessively to the hollow plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a facer used as protective covering for an insulation product. The facer may include a metallic foil layer, a scrim layer, and a paper layer positioned adjacent the scrim layer. The facer may also include a polypropylene material forming a polypropylene layer positioned adjacent the paper layer and heat bonded to an exposed major surface of the paper layer such that a portion of the polypropylene extends into pores of the paper layer to assist in coupling the polypropylene material to the paper layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a debonding apparatus. In some embodiments, the debonding apparatus comprises a wafer chuck configured to hold a pair of bonded substrates on a chuck top surface. The debonding apparatus further comprises a pair of separating blades including a first separating blade and a second separating blade placed at edges of the pair of bonded substrates. The first separating blade has a first thickness that is smaller than a second thickness of the second separating blade. The debonding apparatus further comprises a flex wafer assembly configured to pull the pair of bonded substrates upwardly to separate a second substrate from a first substrate of the pair of bonded substrate. By providing unbalanced initial torques on opposite sides of the bonded substrate pair, edge defects and wafer breakage are reduced.

Abstract: A method for generating control data is a method for generating control data for manufacturing a product having a designated shape using an additive manufacturing technology. The control data includes a path of a nozzle for supplying a material. The method for generating the control data includes: determining a cutting path for cutting the designated shape by a tool; and determining the path of the nozzle by reproducing the cutting path temporally reversely.

Abstract: The automatic support device generation method includes: receiving a virtual part; determining a retention direction for the virtual part; determining a retention rotation for the virtual part; and constructing a support device based on the part, the retention rotation, and the retention direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for producing an image structure (12) according to an image specification (20), in particular for a letterpress process and/or intaglio printing process, characterized in that the following steps are carried out: a) providing a base (10) for receiving the image structure (12), b) producing an image structure (12) on the base (10) so that an image layer (11) is formed on the base (10) by means of the image structure (12).

Abstract: A screen printer including a squeegee device to spread from above solder paste on a stencil; a clamp device to grip a board conveyed to a position below the stencil by a board conveyance member that is flat and provided with a board holding portion in a central opening portion, the clamp device gripping the board via the board conveyance member; a board supporting device to support the board from below and move the board in a vertical direction inside the clamp device; and a raising and lowering device to move the board supported inside the clamp device in the vertical direction and position the board at a printing position, and the clamp device is provided with a board printing guide member to be removably attached to an upper end of a pair of clamp members to sandwich the board conveyance member in a widthwise direction.

Abstract: A workpiece referencing system and method, the system having a workpiece support assembly for supporting a plurality of workpieces, wherein the support assembly includes a support platform and a plurality of support members which are disposed to the support platform, each support member being configured to support an individual workpiece; and a workpiece referencing assembly for referencing the workpieces, as supported by the support assembly, to predetermined positions; wherein the support members each includes a body which includes a support surface which supports a workpiece and a resilient coupling which resiliently couples at least an upper part of the body relative to the support platform, such that the at least part of the body is displaceable relative to the support platform from a first, unbiased position to a second, biased reference position by operation of the referencing assembly, and, when released, the at least part of the body returns to the first, unbiased position.

Abstract: Screen printer 10 is for screen printing solder paste 13 loaded on an upper surface of stencil 12 onto board S using one of first and second squeegees 71 and 72. Screen printer 10 is provided with a stencil frame holding rail that holds stencil frame 12a of stencil 12, pair of board holding members 36 and 38 that hold board S, raising and lowering table 16 that raises and lowers board holding members 36 and 38, and pair of stencil supporting members 50 and 52 that support stencil 12 from below at a portion outside a printing region of stencil 12 used for screen printing. Stencil supporting members 50 and 52 are provided independently from raising and lowering table 16. Therefore, the load applied to raising and lowering table 16 is reduced. Also, there is increased design freedom with respect to members and the like loaded on raising and lowering table 16.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed can lid (1) of a can with a digital printing method; comprising at least the following steps: a) making available a shell (2) with an outer face (3) and an inner face (4); b) making available a control unit (9) and a printed image (8), wherein the printed image (8) can be processed in the control unit (9); c) making available at least a first digital printing unit (10) with at least one printing head (11); wherein the printed image (8) which is made available by the control unit (9) can be printed onto the outer face (3) with the printing head (11); and d) printing the printed image (8) which is made available by the control unit (9) onto the outer face (3) with the printing head (11).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for preparing a flexographic printing sleeve (3) comprises a support structure (21), comprising first support mechanism (2) which defines a workstation for rotatably supporting a first flexographic printing sleeve (3) such that it can rotate about a preset axis (K-K), a roll (11) of double-sided adhesive tape rotatably supported by a second support mechanism (10), and a first feeding and guiding mechanism (13) for unwinding the double-sided adhesive tape (12) from the roll (11) and directing the double-sided adhesive tape (12) to the surface of the first sleeve (3).

Abstract: A method of forming an image and a crease on media by an image forming system includes forming a crease formation pattern on an impression media received by an impression member. The method also includes forming the image on an image forming blanket of an intermediate transfer member by a print unit. The method also includes pressing the media against the impression member by the image forming blanket to transfer the image onto the media and to establish contact with the crease formation pattern to form the corresponding crease on the media.

Abstract: A printing system capable of accurately positioning a lenticular array in registration with a rectilinear raster includes a printer that is capable of printing onto a printable surface. The printer has a main support surface on which the printable surface rests. The system further includes a series of raised parallel relief features being spatially formed along a printable substrate that is supported by the main support surface. The raised parallel relief features are raised to a sufficient height above the printable substrate such that when the lenticular array is disposed upon the raised parallel relief features, each raised parallel relief feature fits and is disposed within a valley formed between two respective adjoining lenticules of the lenticular array.

Abstract: A print head includes a first piezoelectric element that includes a first electrode supplied with a drive signal and a second electrode supplied with a reference voltage signal, a second piezoelectric element that includes a third electrode supplied with the drive signal and a fourth electrode supplied with the reference voltage signal, a first switch circuit that switches between supplying and not supplying the drive signal to the first electrode, a second switch circuit that switches between supplying and not supplying the drive signal to the third electrode, and a third switch circuit that switches between electrically connecting and not electrically connecting the first electrode and the third electrode.

Abstract: Devices and method for performing temperature measurements in a printhead. In one embodiment, a printhead includes at least one row of jetting channels configured to jet droplets of a print fluid using piezoelectric actuators. A drive circuit includes an input voltage generator that applies a step voltage to a piezoelectric actuator of a jetting channel, and an output voltage detector that detects an output voltage across the piezoelectric actuator over time in response to the step voltage. The drive circuit also includes a temperature detector that determines a voltage response to the step voltage at the piezoelectric actuator based on the output voltage over time, and determines a temperature measurement for the piezoelectric actuator based on the voltage response of the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A method for depositing droplets onto a medium, utilising a droplet deposition head is provided. The head used in the method includes: an array of fluid chambers separated by interspersed walls, each fluid chamber communicating with an aperture for the release of fluid droplets and each wall separating two neighbouring chambers. Each wall is actuable such that, in response to a first voltage, it will deform so as to decrease the volume of one chamber and increase the volume of the other chamber, and, in response to a second voltage, it will deform so as to cause the opposite effect on the volumes of its neighbouring chambers.

Abstract: An inkjet printer having at least one print head in which at least one edge region nozzle at the edge of the print head is not activated for the printing of a print image, but nevertheless is activated at least temporarily with non-ejection pulses without ink ejection. Intensity fluctuations of the dots of a print image that are printed by the remaining nozzles of the print head may be reduced via the activation of an edge region nozzle with non-ejection pulses.

Abstract: The liquid ejection head includes a plurality of element substrates including first and second element substrates and an electrical wiring substrate. The first and second element substrates each has a heating element array in which a plurality of heating elements producing heat energy for liquid ejection is arrayed, an electrically conductive protection layer covering the plurality of heating elements, an insulating layer arranged between the plurality of heating elements and the electrically conductive protection layer, and a connecting terminal for connecting to the outside. The electrical wiring substrate is electrically connected with the first and second element substrates via the connecting terminal.

Abstract: A recording element board has a plurality of heat-generating resistor elements arranged in a row and each of the plurality of heat-generating resistor elements comprises a heat-generating resistor layer and first and second pairs of electrodes connected to the heat-generating resistor layer. The first and second pairs of electrodes contact the heat-generating resistor layer at the opposite surfaces thereof to each other. The first pair of electrodes is formed as vias, while each surface of the second pair of electrodes is inclined so as to gradually reduce the thickness thereof toward the end thereof.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting unit including at least one pressure chamber filled with a reactive ink, at least one nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber, a supply channel through which the reactive ink is supplied to the pressure chamber, and an elastic compliance film forming a portion of the supply channel; a piezoelectric element that changes a capacity of the pressure chamber when an electric signal is supplied to the piezoelectric element; and a flexible wiring substrate at which a signal wire for supplying the electric signal to a connection terminal of the piezoelectric element is formed. The elastic compliance film is formed of a para-aramid resin. The connection terminal and the signal wire are electrically connected to each other by solder.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid discharge head including a first wiring through which a drive signal is input to a wiring substrate, in which the wiring substrate has a substrate having a first surface and a second surface that opposes the first surface, a second wiring formed on the first surface, a third wiring formed on the second surface, a fourth wiring and a fifth wiring that pass through the substrate and electrically couples the second wiring with the third wiring, and an electrode provided on the second wiring and electrically couples the second wiring with the first wiring, and the electrode is positioned between a first coupling point at which the fourth wiring is electrically coupled to the second wiring and a second coupling point at which the fifth wiring is electrically coupled to the second wiring, in the second wiring.

Abstract: An image printing method includes the step of applying at least two inks that contain a color pigment, resin particles, and water onto a printing medium by ejecting the inks using an inkjet printing apparatus. The inkjet printing apparatus includes at least two printing heads sequentially arranged in a printing medium conveying direction, the printing medium is normal paper or a high-absorbency printing medium, a rub fastness additive is contained in a first ink ejected from at least a first printing head that is located at an uppermost-stream position in the printing medium conveying direction of the at least two printing heads, and the content of the rub fastness additive in an ink ejected from a printing head that is located at a position downstream of the first printing head in the printing medium conveying direction is less than the content of the rub fastness additive in the first ink.

Abstract: A capping station is configured for storing printheads during printer inactivity to preserve the viscosity of the ink in the nozzles of the printheads. Each capping station has a receptacle, a vacuum source, a transducer, and a valve in an opening in a floor of the receptacle. A controller is operatively connected to actuators to move the receptacle so a seal on an upper wall of the receptacle engages a printhead housing. The controller also operates the valve to close the opening in the receptacle floor and then operates the vacuum source to establish a negative pressure in the volume within the receptacle. The transducer is then operated by the controller to fluctuate ink menisci in the nozzles of the printheads to prevent the ink from drying in the nozzles.