SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING Z-AXIS PRINTHEAD POSITION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT PRINTER

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved system and method for identifying and controlling separation between a printhead and a support member or an object in a three-dimensional object printer.SOLUTION: A method of operating a three-dimensional object printer includes generation of a printed predetermined test pattern on a substrate in a printer with a plurality of ejectors in a printhead. An image sensor generates image data on the printed test pattern, and a controller identifies a z-axis distance between the printhead and the substrate that receives the test pattern with reference to an identified dispersion between cross-process direction distances separating printed marks in the test pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: None