Print Quality Evaluation Research Articles

Print quality evaluation of Drop-on-Demand (DoD) inkjet printer by rear-cut ‘W’ waveform design

Print quality evaluation of Drop-on-Demand (DoD) inkjet printer by rear-cut ‘W’ waveform design

Fast and Massive Pixel-Level Morphology Detection by Imaging Processing for Inkjet Printing.

With the rapid development of the emerging intelligent, flexible, transparent, and wearable electronic devices, such as quantum-dot-based micro light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs), thin-film transistors (TFTs), and flexible sensors, numerous pixel-level printing technologies have emerged. Among them, inkjet printing has proven to be a useful and effective tool for consistently printing micron-level ink droplets, for instance, smaller than 50 µm, onto wearable electronic devices. However, quickly and accurately determining the printing quality, which is significant for the electronic device performance, is challenging due to the large quantity and micron size of ink droplets. Therefore, leveraging existing image processing algorithms, we have developed an effective method and software for quickly detecting the morphology of printed inks served in inkjet printing. This method is based on the edge detection technology. We believe this method can greatly meet the increasing demands for quick evaluation of print quality in inkjet printing.

Box-Behnken modeling to optimize the engineering response and the energy expenditure in material extrusion additive manufacturing of short carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6

The field of production engineering is constantly attempting to be distinguished for promoting sustainability, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and prudent material consumption. In this study, three control parameters (3D printing settings), namely nozzle temperature, travel speed, and layer height (LH) are being investigated on polyamide 6/carbon fiber (15 wt%) tensile specimens. The aim is the optimum combination of energy efficiency and mechanical performance of the specimens. For the analysis of the results, the Box-Behnken design-of-experiment was applied along with the analysis of variance. The statistical analysis conducted based on the experimental results, indicated the importance of the LH control setting, as to affecting the mechanical strength. In particular, the best tensile strength value (σB = 83.52 MPa) came from the 0.1 mm LH. The same LH, whereas caused the highest energy consumption in 3D printing (EPC = 0.252 MJ) and printing time (PT = 2272 s). The lowest energy consumption (EPC = 0.036 MJ) and printing time (PT = 330 s) were found at 0.3 mm LH. Scanning electron microscopy was employed as a part of the manufactured specimens’ 3D printing quality evaluation, while Thermogravimetric analysis was also conducted. The modeling approach led to the formation of equations for the prediction of critical metrics related to energy consumption and the mechanical performance of composite parts built with the MEX 3D printing method. These equations proved their reliability through a confirmation run, which showed that they can safely be applied, within specific boundaries, in real-life applications.Graphical abstract

FDM printing trajectory measurement and quality evaluation method based on infrared imaging

FDM printing trajectory measurement and quality evaluation method based on infrared imaging

Research on Printing Quality Evaluation of Decorative Paper Based on AHPEWM Model

Research on Printing Quality Evaluation of Decorative Paper Based on AHPEWM Model

Fabrication of 3D conductive circuits: print quality evaluation of a direct ink writing process.

The use of conductive inks and direct writing techniques for the fabrication of electronic circuits on complex substrates is attracting ever increasing interest. However, the existing knowledge is only focused on the electrical performances of the produced smart objects with no direct correlation with the conductive paths morphology and printing conditions. In order to evaluate the printing quality of a direct writing process using an eccentric screw dispenser, a printing device for the deposition of silver paste on 3D objects was developed. Lines of different widths were printed on flat PC + ABS substrates by means of the developed printing device and a conventional screen printing process. The developed process permitted printing lines as thin as possible with screen printing but with a better regularity of their edges. However unlike screen printed lines, the thickness of the lines was dependent on their width. Finally, the possibility to print on 3D objects was demonstrated.

Developing the methodology of colour gamut analysis and print quality evaluation for textile ink‐jet printing: Delphi method

This research used the Delphi method to investigate current colour gamut analysis methods, which is a critical component of colour management systems (CMS). Thirteen ink‐jet printing experts were interviewed to understand how they manage colour and their process for analysing and comparing colour gamut. A significant result of this study was the development of a four‐stage process model for colour gamut analysis and print quality evaluation for textile ink‐jet printing. The optimal process model was verified and approved by experts. This study uncovered an industry initiative toward the improvement of CMS for more accurate colour matching, a need to stabilise variables in the manufacturing process, and a need to standardise related tests and evaluations. The study also revealed new CMS software and technologies developed for ink formulation and pre‐/post‐treatment methods to facilitate high quality production in textile ink‐jet printing.

Paper-based 3D printing industrialization for customized wine packaging applications

To take advantages of 3D printing technology in personalized wine packaging production, taking the paper-based 3D printing process as an example, three keynote issues including model designing, manufacturing process and quality evaluation, were analyzed and characterized to explore feasible solutions and specific rules from given cases study. Based on one Chinese wine brand, four original customized wine packaging models with different remarkable features were designed and compared by quantitative tests between the Cutting-Bonding Framework and printing time for each specimen. Considering specific supply chain of printed customized wine packaging models, the principles for marketing quality evaluation were mainly focused on surface color consistence and fragility, and corresponding evaluation frameworks were developed for printed wine packaging models. According to test results of designed cases for paper-based 3D printing, three practical solutions including models design rules, process optimization strategy and printing quality evaluation workflow were offered respectively and illustrated to contribute promising industrialization of the paper-based 3D printing technology in customized wine packaging applications.

Exploration of Factors to Influence Solid Density Based on the Xerographic Toner Digital Printing Field

With the rapid development of the printing industry, relying on its flexibility and advantage for short-run printing, the use of digital printing in various areas of the market becomes more widely. Digital print quality evaluation and control is particularly important. Among them, the solid density is an important indicator of print quality evaluation. Using different digital printing methods, the factors to influence the density is different. In this paper, two factors that affect xerographic toner solid density were discussed base on the principle of electrostatic imaging and toner transfer and fusing process. Experiments analyzed different transfer supply voltage conditions on CMYK four-color solid density; and the fusing temperature on CMYK four-color solid density. The results showed that: transfer supply voltage and fusing temperature are influential factors on the four-color solid density.

Influence of Binders on Inkjet Print Quality

With surface sizing process, the paper surface can be tailored in order to achieve excellent print quality. Present study reports paper surface modifications carried out by surface sizing treatment with formulations composed by different polymer binders systems and subsequent evaluation of inkjet print quality of the produced papers. Binders as cationic starch (used on surface sizing in paper mill) and polyvinyl alcohol (used as binder in coating process) had been used in order to improve the inkjet print quality. These binders systems provide papers with different structure and physical-chemical properties and as consequence differentiated print quality. Parameters, such as, line width, blur, raggedness, inter-color bleed, circularity and dot gain, gamut area and optical printing densities were measured and correlated with the structural and physical-chemistry features of the paper samples. The results revealed higher performance of the paper surface sized with only polyvinyl alcohol. Multivariate analysis demonstrates that hydrophilicity and roughness are properties particularly detrimental for gamut area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.20.1.1998

Research on Applying Fuzzy Theory into Printer Quality Evaluation

From printing technology’s perspective, printing quality is determined by the comprehensive effects of all the printing product appearance features. The factors which dominate to comprehensive effects of all the printing product appearance features include definition of image, tone rendering, color rendering, uneven, and gloss, etc. In the print quality evaluation, this factor is affected by many other factors. Therefore, printing quality evaluations are indeterminate. Most of printing quality evaluations belongs to fuzzy theory, which brings a lot of troubles to the printing quality evaluation. The paper mainly research that the synthesis decision-making method in fuzzy mathematics theory is used to tone reproduction of printing quality, and analyze the feasibility of applying Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Model in printing quality evaluation. The synthesis decision-making method is used to determine the tone indicator system of printing, establish Fuzzy Evaluation Mode, and analyze the influencing factors. Through the evaluation of numerous experts, the weight will be offered for the specified factors. On the basis of weights, printing quality can be evaluated by determining the membership function of all the factors and calculating the score through fuzzy algorithm. The paper studies have shown that the synthesis decision-making method in fuzzy mathematics theory can be used to solve the printer quality evaluation problem and is valid for evaluating the results in actual application.

Research on the Impact of the Contrast between the White Text and Black Background to Visual Sharpness

This research is to find out the relationship between objective measurement contrast and clarity to the human eye perception, via the analysis of different tone background and white text, based on the text contrast properties in ISO 13660 standard, to do some basic research for the black background of print quality evaluation. Experimental results show that perceived sharpness and contrast into positive correlation, the greater the contrast, the sharpness perception will increase accordingly， but it is not linear relation, in contrast, under the condition of smaller contrast, small changes of contrast will cause great changes in the perception of the definition, with the increase of contrast, perceived definition changes tend to be gentle, it is important to note that contrast is of the biggest objective measurement results in background of 100% black tone, whereas the human eye subjective sense of clarity is not the best, it turns out that the best sense of clarity in background tone value is around 90%.

Research on Evaluation and Detection Method of Print Quality Based on the CCD Information

This paper introduces the use of self-made CCD camera system for acquiring the information of self-made controller strip on specific areas of a printed page. Through mask equation and the conversion model, established by three-dimensional cube and the matrix methods, whose data comes from the transformation of RGB information to XYZ tristimulus value, we can gain the data to test the quality of the printed materials, such as the characteristic colors’ Lab values, dot gain, print contrast, trapping rates, and comparing with the standard, we can also acquire the tutorial information of the trend towards the adjustment of the ink amount in ink zone or the comprehensive evaluation report of the quality of the printed materials. This method proves as an effective approach to the integrated quality assessment for a full-page detection system, and has a bright future of wide application.

Printing Quality Evaluation of Inkjet Light-Box Cloth

Ink-jet light-box cloth has been widely used in municipal engineering, supermarket, exhibition, hotel and other places, and played an indispensable role of advertising and decoration. There have been no unified parameters and standards for printing quality evaluation of ink-jet light-box cloth. To solve this problem, a group of researches were carried out according to its printability, which selected light-box cloth printed by inkjet. The parameters such as solid density, dot gain, relative contrast of the light-box cloth were tested and analyzed. Based on the results, the printing quality evaluation parameters were put forward. The purpose was to provide reference data for quality evaluation in light-box cloth printing industry.

Print quality evaluation and applied colour management in coldset offset newspaper print

This article aims to investigate print quality in newspaper print, by considering the appropriate calibration standard and applying colour management. In particular, this article examines the colorimetric properties of eight Norwegian newspaper printing presses, to evaluate the relevant colour separation approach, either by applying custom separation profiles or by using an industry standard profile. The key method underlying the work described here relies on obtaining colour measurements to determine the repeatability of each participant in terms of colour differences. Furthermore, the variation between the eight newspaper printing presses and the variation according to the colorimetric values of the ISO 12647-3 standard are important parts of the quantitative evaluation. Based on the colour measurements two custom ICC profiles were generated and an industry standard profile “ISOnewspaper26v4.icc” was also used. The first custom profile was generated using averaged colour measurement data set from a test print run, and the second using a data set averaged between measured data and the characterization data set “IFRA26.txt” provided by IFRA. These three profiles were applied to four test images, which were then printed by the eight newspaper printing presses. A psychophysical experiment was carried out to determine the “pleasantness” of the reproductions, which were produced using the three profiles. The results of the study show the performance of the appropriate profile, which is applied to the eight newspaper printing presses to obtain significant best print quality. Eventually the results demonstrate the fact that the print variations in colours between the eight printing presses are larger thanthe difference between the custom and the standard profiles. Hence, the print variations and not the profile selection may have determined the visual print quality. Therefore the study reveals the importance of adopting international standards and methods instead of using insufficiently defined house standards to preserve equal results among different newspaper printing presses. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011

Study on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model of Printing Quality Based on AHP Method

A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model of printing quality was established by using the method of fuzzy evaluation and analytical hierarchy process(AHP).The main parameters which influence printing quality were analyzed. The factor set to constitute fuzzy comprehensive evaluation was confirmed. The structure of analytical hierarchy was established by analyzing different plans, which influences printing quality evaluation. Comparison judgment matrixes were constructed by pairwise comparison of each factor using Saaty 1-9 scales. The weights of every factor were determined by calculating the feature vectors of comparison judgment matrixes and the consistency test. Finally the printing quality hierarchy was evaluated by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and according to maximum membership principle. The result indicated that the model objectively determined the weights of parameters which influence printing quality, subjectively evaluated the printing quality hierarchy, and realized the unification of subjective evaluation and objective evaluation.

Study of Evaluation of Print Quality on Ink-Jet Printing

Study of Evaluation of Print Quality on Ink-Jet Printing

Surface Topography of Coated Papers: From the Evaluation Process to the Quality Improvement

This document analyses the importance of topography characterization of coated papers, using precipitated calcium carbonates as pigments, on print quality evaluation. For topographic characterization, a laser profilometry was used as well as scanning electron microscope and a mechanical profilometry. Print quality for inkjet printing was assessed using mottle, gain, optical density and Gamut Area. Surface energy of coated papers and printing inks was evaluated using OWRK method. The results obtained showed that good correlations between print quality characteristics and surface energy as well as topographic properties can be obtained.

The Robust Design of Subjective Quality Evaluation for the Universal Printer Benchmark

This study addresses the importance of the subjective quality evaluation and describes the lists of considerations for print quality evaluation. It demonstrates a practical test method of the subjective quality evaluation regarding test stimuli and psychophysical assessment. For the purpose of printer benchmark, subjective quality evaluation may contribute to two objectives. It provides to detect image quality attributes such as blurriness and raggedness for character and line attributes. Also, it gives the preference measurement which provides information about the overall image quality in a customer-relevant form. Considering two aspects, we represent quantitative ranking of printer performance in terms of image quality. For the universal printer benchmark point of view, it is quite necessary to analyze the printed image quality for developing printing systems, and extract the performance level comparing other competing models. Then, the quantitative ranking is acquired based on both the measurements from quality attribute metrics and the expectation of the preference level.

Impact of Surface Sizing on Inkjet Printing Quality

Printing quality is strongly influenced by the structural and chemical properties of the paper surface and is one of the most important factors concerning costumer's evaluation. Thus, all studies regarding the evaluation of paper surface characteristics, the effects of surface treatments, paper−ink interactions, and the influence of all these parameters on printing quality are of utmost importance. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence on printing quality of different chemical surface treatments used in printing and writing papers and also identify the most relevant parameters for inkjet printing quality evaluation. For that, four paper samples were studied. Differences in the performances of the distinct samples were detected and interpreted in terms of the different treatments. The results also revealed that contact angles measurements are a valuable tool to predict paper's inkjet printing behavior.