Printer Image Quality Test Systems – Compass Technical Consulting, LLC

Printer Image Quality Testing

We have extensive experience in quantifying the image quality of printing systems. Image quality testing is typically done throughout a development cycle: from early prototypes through shipping approval. Specifying IQ limits in a product requirements document is more complicated than other printer specifications due to the lack of accepted standards in the industry. We understand how to communicate and verify IQ specifications to ensure that products are built to meet customer expectations. Evaluation of printer IQ metrics typically follows the steps below.

Kodak D4600 Thermal Printer

Kodak DL2100 Printer

Kodak Inkjet Printer

Create Test Targets

Square wave MTF
Flat-field
Tonescale curves
Registration
Noise
Smear

Print Targets

Thermal
Inkjet
Electro-photographic
Duplex
Full bleed
Bordered

Measure Targets

Flatbed scanners
Densitometers
Spectrophotometers
Gloss-meters
Visual Evaluations

Calculate IQ Metrics:

Sharpness
Thermal smear
Registration
Banding
Streaks
Noise
Gloss levels
Tonescale
Color balance
Image position & skew

Our engineers designed and installed test systems for evaluating printers at OEM manufacturing facilities. This required training engineers and operators, tool capability evaluations and extensive documentation.