Title:
METHOD OF ADJUSTING SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/148196
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
Methods for adjusting the topography of a surface, such as for making a support surface substantially flat, e.g. for mitigating variations in a print gap, are described. The topography of the surface is first measured, and then a shim layer is printed to approximate the topography to a reference topography, the thickness of the layer being calculated using the measurements. For example the print gap comprising the distance between the surface of a printer table and printing means, such as a printhead. The print gap is first measured before at least one layer of ink is printed, using the printing means, at a selected position based on the measured print gap. The thickness of the layer of ink is selected to mitigate the variations in the print gap. In some embodiments, a substrate support surface may then be arranged over the printer table, so that the printed layer is disposed between the printer table and the substrate support surface. The apparatus can compensate for variations in the print gap due both to irregularities in the printer table surface and misalignment in mounting of the printing means. Also described is a printer table produced according to the methods described.
Inventors:
HEYLEN PHILIP (GB)
CAMPBELL NICHOLAS (GB)
CAMPBELL NICHOLAS (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2011/051012
Publication Date:
January 19, 2012
Filing Date:
May 27, 2011
Export Citation:
Assignee:
INCA DIGITAL PRINTERS LTD (GB)
HEYLEN PHILIP (GB)
CAMPBELL NICHOLAS (GB)
HEYLEN PHILIP (GB)
CAMPBELL NICHOLAS (GB)
International Classes:
B41J3/407; B05C5/02; B41J11/00; B41J11/06
Foreign References:
| US5147462A | 1992-09-15 |
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
KAZI, Ilya (120 Holborn, London EC1N 2SQ, GB)
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