Precision Stages Enable Analytical Measurement of Jet-Able Fluids

Precision X-Y stages were developed for integration into a new analytical measurement tool for use in the development of digital inks or other fluids to be jetted from ink jet print heads. The Drop Watcher III system provides repeatable and exact measurements of drop formation (e.g., distance and time from the start of the drop ejection), drop size, and flight characteristics of opaque or transparent fluid drops. In addition to X-Y stages, the system consists of a monochrome CCD camera with a zoom lens providing magnification from 0.75X to 4X. Magnification from 2.5X to 10X is achievable when using the high-magnification option, yielding fields of view from 640 µm to 2.56 mm.