Testing of nozzles used in printing systems

Abstract

A method for testing a nozzle in a nozzle plate includes setting an angle of the nozzle plate with respect to an optical axis of a schlieren optical system to a first angle, jetting gas through the nozzle, forming a first light-intensity representation of the gas stream jetting from the nozzle using the schlieren optical system, and capturing a first image of the first light-intensity representation. The angle of the nozzle plate with respect to the optical axis of the schlieren optical system is then adjusted to a different second angle. A second light-intensity representation of the gas stream jetting from the nozzle is formed using the schlieren optical system and a second image of the second light-intensity representation is then captured. The first and second images can be analyzed to determine whether the nozzle is functioning properly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.