The Boeing Company
Robotic 3D geometry direct-to-surface inkjet printing calibration process

Abstract:

Methods of performing a rotational and translational calibrations of a print control system of an inkjet printer system having an inkjet printhead assembly with one or more inkjet printheads are disclosed. Rotational calibration is performed by printing a first rotational calibration pattern from a first standoff distance and a second rotational calibration pattern from a second standoff distance on a first calibration object. The print control system is calibrated until the rotational calibration patterns are within a direction difference tolerance of each other. Translational calibration is performed by printing a first translation calibration pattern on a second calibration object, rotating the inkjet printhead assembly 180.degree., and printing a second translational calibration pattern on the second calibration object. The print control system is calibrated until the translational calibration patterns are within a direction difference tolerance of each other.