Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Paul Konrath

Tracy Kucaba

Jared Herring

A method is provided that includes acquiring positional information regarding a pallet being translated on a conveyance system with an encoding sensor disposed proximate to the conveyance system. The method also includes receiving, with at least one processor, the positional information from the encoding sensor. Further, the method includes determining timing information using the positional information. The timing information corresponds to when a substrate disposed on the pallet will be in a print zone of a print head. The method further includes controlling the print head to print on the substrate when the substrate is in the print zone and passing beneath the print head.

Apparatuses and methods for high-resolution printing

A system is provided that includes a print head, a conveyance system, an encoding sensor, and at least one processor. The print head defines a print zone, and is configured to print on objects within the print zone. The conveyance system passes through the print zone, and is configured to translate a pallet through the print zone. The encoding sensor is disposed proximate to the conveyance system, and is configured to be oriented toward the pallet and to acquire positional information regarding the pallet. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the print head and the encoding sensor, and is configured to: receive the positional information from the encoding sensor; determine timing information corresponding to when a substrate disposed on the pallet will be in the print zone; and control the print head to print on the substrate when the substrate is in the print zone.

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Elmwood Park, IL, United States of America

Paul Konrath