AUTOMATIC PIEZO STROKE ADJUSTMENT

• Main Authors: LEWIS, Alan, R, GORMAN, Michael, CROWELL, Cutler III, BURZO, Christopher
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 11.07.2018
• Subjects: APPARATUS FOR APPLYING LIQUIDS OR OTHER FLUENT MATERIALS TOSURFACES, IN GENERAL; APPLYING LIQUIDS OR OTHER FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL; ATOMISING APPARATUS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ELECTRICITY; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS; NOZZLES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PRINTED CIRCUITS; SPRAYING APPARATUS; SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING

A method of calibrating the jetting profile includes applying voltage to a piezoelectric actuator to move a valve closure structure between non-impact and impact positions, sensing the position of the valve closure structure, establishing a reference point using voltage and position data, and using the reference point to adjust the voltage applied. Another method uses a mechanical stop to calibrate a jetting system. This method includes applying voltage to the piezoelectric actuator to move the valve closure structure between non-impact and impact calibration positions, sensing the position of the valve closure structure, generating voltage and position calibration data, establishing a master reference point using this data, and using the master reference point to determine wear of at least one of: the piezoelectric actuator and the valve closure structure. Another method of operating a jetting system includes the user inputting information into a control component. Another method involves using voltage data and the position data relating to a piezoelectric actuator for preventative maintenance of one or more components of the jetting valve.