User Manual

Page 86
(speed of sound x density) to the ink would be preferred. Given several choices, we would evaluate and
select the most favorable.
The wall thickness(es) have already been discussed, but it is also important to have the best possible
parallelism at the sensing area. We appreciate that a finite draw angle is required for the moulding process,
but if this can be minimized in the region of interest, then it makes our job much easier.
Smooth surfaces (outside and inside) work best – a spark-eroded on the outside surface would make
ultrasonic coupling extremely difficult.
Q: I’m interested. How do we proceed?
A: We would split up the development effort into phases. Before commencing, we would seek to
establish performance and economic targets for the solution, including timescales for the various stages of
effort.
As a guideline, MSI would propose the following:
In Phase 1, MSI would build and supply concept demonstration units based on available cartridge
samples, using discrete electronics. These units would not be qualified for temperature dependence or
noise immunity, nor would the transducers or electronics be optimized, but they would serve as a
discussion point when considering future effort. Basic performance would be documented in the form of a
brief engineering report, together with candidate interconnection schemes and their characteristics.
Phase 2 would involve investigations into candidate adhesive systems and processing, study of
temperature and other environmental effects on transducer performance, preparation of budgetary
estimates for production equipment design and procurement, budgetary estimates of unit cost in production
volumes. A series of prototype transducers would be supplied for customer evaluation and qualification.
A separate (perhaps parallel) effort may be required to qualify the selected interconnection scheme. This
is highly dependent upon specific details of the printer design, and it is possible that this effort may best be
performed by the printer manufacturer.
Phase 3 would lead towards product launch, including the design and procurement of production tooling.