Thread-coating system

A thread-coating system comprising:

• a thread-coating module having a droplet ejector assembly;
• a thread gatherer positioned upstream of the thread-coating module, the thread gatherer being configured for receiving a plurality of threads from a plurality of first spindles and arranging the plurality of threads in a thread wall for feeding through the thread-coating module, the thread wall comprising a plurality of threads stacked in a direction perpendicular to a direction of droplet ejection;
• and
• a thread expander positioned downstream of the thread-coating module for receiving a coated thread wall and expanding the coated thread wall into individual threads for winding onto a plurality of second spindles,
• wherein the thread gatherer comprises:
• a pivotable thread plate having a plane parallel to the thread wall and a pivot axis perpendicular to the thread wall;
• a plurality of primary rollers rotatably mounted on the thread plate, the primary rollers being positioned in a first line extending towards the thread-coating module, each primary roller receiving a respective thread from a respective first spindle and having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the thread wall, whereby pivoting of the thread plate changes an angle of the first line and thereby changes a spacing of threads in the thread wall and an overall height of the thread wall.