Monitoring inkjet printer condition via image analysis of printed patterns

Detailed information on the condition of large-character inkjet printers can be acquired by using inter-mediate results from standardized matrix code grading. This approach allows monitoring each individual printer nozzle which is of high importance if ceramic inks are used for printing. Inks containing ceramic pigments tend to clog printer nozzles more rapidly which may lead to loss of print quality. In several application areas such as hot metal forming code quality must be guaranteed which can be achieved with the approach reported here.