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inkjet printing of biosensor panels (Marco S-Jet)

Python / XML / coordinate pipelines
video · 7-marco/jet-run.mp4The S-Jet head printing onto a sensor panel.
The S-Jet head printing onto a sensor panel.
My contribution
Led machine integration as principal engineer, covering fixtures, job-file generation, and printing and curing procedures.
File conversion
Python converter that reads board-design coordinates from CSV files and generates the dispenser's XML job files.
Printing process
Conductive and insulating inks are printed onto the panel. The insulating ink is then cured under ultraviolet light.

The Marco S-Jet prints conductive traces and insulating layers onto boards that already carry the graphene sensing pattern. The conductive ink forms electrical connections, while the insulating ink prevents shorts.

I wrote the software that converts board-design data into dispenser jobs and led the machine’s integration into the lab’s board-production process.

From design CSV to job XML

Board designs provide coordinates in CSV files, while the dispenser requires XML job files. Preparing these jobs manually meant translating hundreds of points between different coordinate systems and units.

I wrote a Python converter to handle the coordinate mapping, unit conversion, and separate instructions for each ink. When a board design changes, the job files can be regenerated from the updated CSVs. Git diffs show which points changed.

Board design (.csv) Layout coordinates CSV-to-XML converter Python Dispenser job (.xml) Marco XML format Marco S-Jet head Conductive + insulating ink Printed sensor panel Traces + insulating layers UV curing Sets the insulating ink Panel transferred to UV station
The Python converter generates dispenser jobs from board-design coordinates. The Marco S-Jet prints the conductive and insulating layers, then the panel moves to the UV station to cure the insulating ink.

Machine integration

As principal engineer for the integration, I worked on fixtures for the lab’s panel geometries, connected the design data to the dispenser’s job format, and established the printing and curing steps.

After printing, the insulating ink is cured in a UV tunnel.

The Marco dispenser with its jet head above the panel stage and the vendor software running on the touchscreen.
photo · 7-marco/machine.jpgThe Marco dispenser with its jet head above the panel stage and the vendor software running on the touchscreen.
The Marco dispenser with its jet head above the panel stage and the vendor software running on the touchscreen.

Related project: Scienion dispense-file generation.