An ink pressure modulation method is presented in a direct-to-shape printing system for applying images on the exterior of an axially symmetrical media object that has a contoured, varying exterior surface, such as occurs on curved wine bottles and sports equipment like bats. The method varies ink pressures based on the movement positions of each print head as they move over the surface of the media object. A movement-based formula is presented to allow for continuous updating of pressures in ink tank manifolds to allow independent changes in pressure to each inkjet print head during printing.

A recording-head position adjustment mechanism adjusts a position of a recording head. The recording-head position adjustment mechanism includes a first support, a second support, and an adjuster. The first support supports a first end of the recording head in a longitudinal direction of the recording head. The second support supports a second end of the recording head in the longitudinal direction. The adjuster moves the second support with respect to the first support in a transverse direction intersecting the longitudinal direction to adjust an inclination of the recording head.

A recording-head position adjustment mechanism adjusts a position of a recording head. The recording-head position adjustment mechanism includes a first support, a second support, and an adjuster. The first support supports a first end of the recording head in a longitudinal direction of the recording head. The second support supports a second end of the recording head in the longitudinal direction. The adjuster moves the second support with respect to the first support in a transverse direction intersecting the longitudinal direction to adjust an inclination of the recording head.

Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provide a print bar for organic vapor jet (OVJP) deposition is provided that includes a plurality of n print head segments, where each of the plurality of print head segments may have an OVJP print head. The print bar may include a plurality of distance sensors, where each of the plurality of distance sensors may be configured to measure a distance between a substrate disposed below the print bar and a portion of at least one of the print head segments. The print bar may include a plurality of not more than n+1 actuators configured to adjust at least one of a position and an orientation of one or more of the plurality of print head segments based upon one or more distances between the substrate and the print bar measured by one or more of the plurality of distance sensors.

Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provide a print bar for organic vapor jet (OVJP) deposition is provided that includes a plurality of n print head segments, where each of the plurality of print head segments may have an OVJP print head. The print bar may include a plurality of distance sensors, where each of the plurality of distance sensors may be configured to measure a distance between a substrate disposed below the print bar and a portion of at least one of the print head segments. The print bar may include a plurality of not more than n+1 actuators configured to adjust at least one of a position and an orientation of one or more of the plurality of print head segments based upon one or more distances between the substrate and the print bar measured by one or more of the plurality of distance sensors.

An inkjet printing apparatus includes a print head configured to perform print operation, the print head having an ejection opening surface on which a plurality of ejection openings for ejecting ink are arrayed along an array direction, and a moving unit configured to move the print head between a printing position, at which the print operation is performed, and a standby position, at which the print operation is not performed. The moving unit moves the print head between the printing position and the standby position by performing rotational movement, in which the print head is rotated around a rotation axis that is parallel to the array direction, and linear movement, in which the print head is moved linearly.

An inkjet printing apparatus includes a print head configured to perform print operation, the print head having an ejection opening surface on which a plurality of ejection openings for ejecting ink are arrayed along an array direction, and a moving unit configured to move the print head between a printing position, at which the print operation is performed, and a standby position, at which the print operation is not performed. The moving unit moves the print head between the printing position and the standby position by performing rotational movement, in which the print head is rotated around a rotation axis that is parallel to the array direction, and linear movement, in which the print head is moved linearly.

A thermal printer comprises a base part, a holding member, a printing device and a platen roller. When an uneven pressing force is applied to the printing device by the recording paper sheet, the printing device is capable of swinging about the support pin serving as a fulcrum in order to even out the pressing force. The deformable mechanism is capable of being plastically deformed to keep the position of the printing device. An elastic element is disposed between the holding member and the base part, and due to the elastic element, both the printing device and the platen roller are in close contact with the recording paper sheet when the recording paper sheet is clamped between the printing device and the platen roller. The printing force of the printing device acting on the printing paper sheet can be distributed more even to achieve clearer printing.

A printer comprising a printhead configured to selectively cause a mark to be created on a substrate provided adjacent to the printer, the printhead having a first configuration in which the printhead is spaced apart from the printing surface and a second configuration in which the printhead is configured to press the substrate against a printing surface during a printing operation. The printer further comprises a printhead drive assembly configured to cause movement of the printhead towards and away from the printing surface between the first and second configurations, the printhead drive assembly comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. When the electromagnet is in a first condition, an attractive magnetic force is generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet, and when the electromagnet is in a second condition, a repulsive magnetic force is generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet, each of said attractive and repulsive magnetic forces being configured to one of urge the printhead away from and towards the printing surface. The printhead drive assembly is configured such that, when the printhead is in each of the first and second configurations, it is retained in that configuration by the printhead drive assembly when the electromagnet is in the first condition, the printhead being retained in one of the first and second configurations by said attractive magnetic force generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet.

A printer comprising a printhead configured to selectively cause a mark to be created on a substrate provided adjacent to the printer, the printhead having a first configuration in which the printhead is spaced apart from the printing surface and a second configuration in which the printhead is configured to press the substrate against a printing surface during a printing operation. The printer further comprises a printhead drive assembly configured to cause movement of the printhead towards and away from the printing surface between the first and second configurations, the printhead drive assembly comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. When the electromagnet is in a first condition, an attractive magnetic force is generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet, and when the electromagnet is in a second condition, a repulsive magnetic force is generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet, each of said attractive and repulsive magnetic forces being configured to one of urge the printhead away from and towards the printing surface. The printhead drive assembly is configured such that, when the printhead is in each of the first and second configurations, it is retained in that configuration by the printhead drive assembly when the electromagnet is in the first condition, the printhead being retained in one of the first and second configurations by said attractive magnetic force generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet.