DropWatcher

Easy to use
The ability to annotate drops in flight with associated setup parameters

Real-Time Analysis
Live editing of waveform shape, voltage and grey level

Cost Effective
Interchangeable printhead mounts and drive electronics
Meteor DropWatchers evaluate and optimise printhead and ink combinations using production-ready electronics that can be transferred straight to manufacturing.
Allowing visualisation and characterisation of drops in flight while adjusting waveform parameters using live feedback, Meteor DropWatching Systems are:
- from the leading supplier of industrial inkjet printhead driving solutions
- essential tools for waveform characterisation and development
- available for all major industrial inkjet printheads, including Dimatix, Epson, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Ricoh, SII, Toshiba and Xaar


Printhead Evaluation Kit contains*:
- 2064 x 1544 GigE camera, 3-axes mount, optics and high power LED strobe
- Live waveform editing and drop visualisation software
- DropWatcher Control Unit (DCU)
- DropWatcher Interface Unit (DIU)
- Printhead-specific Head Driver Unit (HDU)
- Printhead-specific head mount
- Detachable waste fluid reservoir
- Power supplies and cables
Optional extras:
- Drive electronics and mounts for additional printheads
- Ink supplies (from simple syringe to sophisticated recirculating)
* Printheads available directly from printhead manufacturers. Contact Meteor for referral. Excludes Windows 10 PC, ink, printhead and vacuum extraction.

General Specifications
Dimensions |
DropWatcher |
DropWatcher Control Unit (DCU) |
DropWatcher Interface Unit (DIU) |
Footprint (WxD) | 675 x 281mm | 370 x 320mm | 250 x 250mm |
Height (excluding accessories) | 575mm – 730mm | 145mm | 55mm |
Weight (excluding accessories) | 15.00kg | 6.00kg | 2.30kg |
Printheads supported* |
|
Dimatix | Open waveform model |
Epson | Open waveform model |
Konica Minolta | Open waveform model |
Kyocera | Closed waveform model** |
Ricoh | Open waveform model |
Seiko Instruments | Open waveform model |
Toshiba | Closed waveform model** |
Xaar | Closed waveform model** |
* Ideally, due to subtle differences in waveforms produced by different vendors of printhead drive electronics, waveforms should be evaluated and optimised with the same brand of electronics used in the printer. In cases where this is not feasible, the highly accurate waveforms generated by Meteor drive electronics are the most reliable substitute and formatted for use in all datapaths. |
Power supply |
DCU |
DIU |
Supply voltage | 95 – 264V | 95 – 264V |
Power consumption | 210 – 360W printhead dependent | 26 – 180W dependent on ink supply load |
Frequency | 50/60Hz | 50/60Hz |
Ink and mist catcher |
Included as standard (local extraction source needed) |
Interface |
||
PC Windows 7/10 (64bit OS) | Camera | Meteor datapath (DCU) |
Gigabit Ethernet (cat5 shielded) | Gigabit Ethernet (cat5 shielded) |
Ink supply system support |
|
Power | 24V 2.5A power supply inside DIU |
Communications | RS422 to USB inside DIU |
Integration | Mounting plates for Megnajet or other ink delivery systems can be supplied to fit Meteor DropWatcher gantry |