In our May 1, 2017 blog post, we introduced the Inkjet Training course and mentioned the camera model DMK 33GP031. This follow-up addresses specific application details based on an interview with The Institute for Printing (iPrint). For more information about the training course, visit iPrint.

Why Choose DMK 33GP031?

The DMK 33GP031 was selected because it meets all critical requirements for inkjet analysis systems:

  • Available drivers: Works primarily with Matlab-compatible drivers.
  • Synchronization capabilities via Gigabit Ethernet interface.
  • High resolution and sufficient color depth (12-bit).
  • High frame rates essential for capturing fast-moving droplets.

Importantly, the camera offers an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. For complex analyses like volume measurements or multi-color channel studies, multiple cameras are often necessary. The Gigabit Ethernet interface allows seamless integration of these setups with minimal effort.

Key Applications: Droplet Analysis

During Inkjet Training, this camera is used for droplet analysis (dropwatching). It works in tandem with a FPGA-based controller to synchronize the camera exposure, droplet generator, and flash diode.

High-Speed Imaging Challenges

  • Inkjet droplets travel at 1–20 m/s, requiring extremely short flash durations (e.g., microseconds) to minimize motion blur.
  • Even at moderate speeds (10 m/s), a microsecond-long flash distorts the image by stretching it to 10 µm—an issue critical for precise measurements.

Advanced Measurement Techniques

By controlling flash timing, multiple droplets can be stacked in a single frame. This allows independent calculation of droplet speed or trajectory angles without interference from background noise (e.g., jitter).

Resolution and Color Capabilities

To analyze droplet formation details, resolutions around 1–2.5 µm/pixel are needed. The DMK 33GP031’s pixel size (2.2 µm) is already small enough to achieve this without costly custom lenses—an affordable solution for high-resolution imaging.

Color Depth and Field of View

  • 12-bit color depth provides sufficient color data for contour interpolation or multi-measurement stacking.
  • The 5 MP resolution balances field-of-view size with detail capture, even at higher magnifications.

Frame Rate Performance

Compared to older models, the DMK 33GP031 supports higher frame rates thanks to its 12-bit color depth and controlled exposure via triggers—simplifying synchronization for real-time analysis. When reducing the region of interest (ROI) size, it achieves up to 500 Hz at standard resolutions or even exceeds 10 kHz when combined with parallel camera setups and layered techniques.

Integration into Quality Control

Captured images enable adjustments to printing systems—improving both quality and efficiency. For instance:

  • Each Piezo printhead requires a specific voltage for consistent droplet velocity.
  • Using custom ink, droplet analysis identifies the optimal voltage setting by testing multiple values until desired print properties are achieved.

Software Ecosystem

The camera integrates seamlessly with Matlab, supported by Imaging Source’s IC-Capture and IC-Measure software tools. These utilities facilitate live previews, image recording, and complex measurements—offering flexibility for various applications (including microscopy).

User Experience

While the driver package ensures reliable performance on most systems, occasional Matlab preview issues occur occasionally on low-end PCs during extended live previews, users can switch to IC-Capture in settings as an alternative interface. This hybrid approach allows balancing ease-of-use and high-performance workflows—ensuring efficient operation for both training setups and microscopy tasks where the camera’s capabilities complement existing tools with notable efficiency gains.

Software Notes

  • IC-Capture handles live previews or testing, while IC-Measure provides specialized measurement features ideal for scientific imaging. Both tools are compatible across setups like inkjet analysis and microscopy—proving to be robust and reliable in demanding workflows.

Conclusion

The DMK 33GP031 demonstrates exceptional reliability and efficient integration capabilities. Its driver suite ensures smooth operation, while software flexibility allows users to tailor performance for live previews or advanced real-time analysis—making it a versatile tool in inkjet research and industrial applications alike.

Last Updated: 2025-09-05 00:49:09