Print Station Operator's Guide - Kodak

Chapter 1. Overview
Print Station Functions
The typical printing system requires a system controller, which may
accept input data in various formats from a variety of inputs, including but
not limited to a Local Area Network (LAN) connection and/or computer
disks. A typical format is Ink-Jet Printer Data Stream (IJPDS). The
controller uses controls in the IJPDS data according to job setup
instructions and operator commands. The controller sends the data and
controls to a data station.
Figure 1.2
Typical ink-jet printing system
Controller
Source
of data
IJPDS
Controls
and status
Data
station
Bit-mapped
data
Fiberoptic
Controls
and status
Fluid
cabinet
Umbilical
Printhead
Print Station
In printing systems without a system controller, the IJPDS data goes
directly to a data station. The data station changes the IJPDS data into
bitmap format and sends the bit-mapped data to the printhead at the print
station. A printing system can have more than one print station and,
therefore, more than one printhead. The data station determines which
part of the bit-mapped data goes to a specific printhead.
Print Station Functions
The print station responds to the control signals from the data station with
a series of operations. As part of the work of printing images, the print
station performs the following functions:
• Monitors the amount of ink stored in the fluid cabinet and withdraws
ink and replenisher from external containers when needed.
• Monitors ink concentration and adds ink or replenisher fluid when
needed.
• Heats the ink while starting the printhead, which controls
condensation on the charge plate.
• Supplies a controlled pressure to the ink, which forces the ink through
the umbilical to the resonator in the printhead.
• Supplies a controlled voltage for charging the ink drops in the
printhead.
• Supplies a controlled vacuum to the ink, which draws the ink from the
catcher to the ink reservoir in the fluid cabinet.
• Controls the stimulator amplitude, which determines the size of drops
and exactly when the drops are formed.
• Controls the timing of the charge voltage in relationship to the drop
formation.
• Orders the sequence and times of the states used to bring up, shut
down, and clean the printhead.
1 - 2 DT2 Print Station