KR20000023390A - Ballistic aerosol marking apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A trajectory aerosol marking device is provided to apply a marking material to a PCB by employing the marking material such as ink and toner in a propeller stream of a high speed. CONSTITUTION: A marker(10) is composed of more than one sprayer(12) of which a propeller(14) is supplied, and a marking material(16) carried by a transmission unit(18) based on a control action of a control unit(20) is employed into the sprayer. Herein, the marking material is supplied into the sprayer while it is measured by a measuring device(21) based on the control action of the control unit. The marker is used in a printer, a facsimile, a document duplicator, a label device and so on, attached to a computer network or a personal computer. Herein, the device is consisted of a body formed with plural cavities for accepting the material, and the body is contacted with a print head, a PCB and a channel layer.

Description

Ballistic aerosol marking apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to the field of marking devices, and more particularly to parts of devices in which the marking material can be applied to a substrate by introducing the marking material into the high velocity propellant stream.

Ink jets are currently common printing technologies, and there are several types of ink jet printing technologies including thermal ink jets (TIJ), piezoelectric ink jets, and the like. Generally, liquid ink droplets are ejected from an orifice located at one end of the channel. In a TIJ printer, for example, ink droplets are ejected by explosive vapor bubbles in the ink delivery channel. Steam bubbles are formed by a resistor-type heater located on one surface of the channel.

Applicants were aware of several shortcomings in TIJ (or other ink jet) systems known in the art. For a 300-inch-per-inch TIJ system, the exit orifice from which the ink droplets are ejected has a width of about 64 μm and a channel-to-channel spacing of about 84 μm, and about 600 dpi systems. It is about 35 μm and the pitch is about 42 μm. The viscosity of the fluid ink used in the system limits the size of the outlet orifice. Ink viscosity can be lowered by dilution with a large amount of liquid for the purpose of reducing the width of the outlet orifice. However, increasing the amount of liquid in the ink causes wicking, paper wrinkling, and a slow drying time of the ejected ink droplets, resulting in resolution, image quality (i.e. minimum spot size, color interaction). Mixing, spot shape), and the like. Since the spot size is a function of the exit orifice width and the resolution is a function of the spot size, limiting the orifice width limits the resolution of the TIJ print to less than 900 spi, for example.

Another disadvantage of the known ink jet technology is that it is difficult to produce grayscale printing. That is, the ink jet system is very difficult to change the size of the spot in the printed board. If, in an attempt to make the dot smaller, lower the propulsion (heat of the TIJ system) to eject the ink smaller, or increase the propulsion to increase the dot by spraying more ink, the trajectory of the jetted droplets will affect. This makes it difficult or impossible to locate the correct dot and causes problems with monochrome grayscale print jobs, making multicolor grayscale ink jet printing impracticable. Further, good grayscale printing is not performed by changing the dot size as in the case of TIJ, but by changing the dot density while maintaining a constant dot size.

Another disadvantage of conventional ink jet systems is the marking ratio. Approximately 80% of the time required to print the spot is spent waiting to refill the ink due to the capillary action of the ink jet channel. To some extent, the more the ink dilutes, the faster it flows, but causes problems such as wicking, wrinkling of the substrate, drying time and the like described above.

A common problem with jet print systems is that the channels may be blocked. Systems such as TIJ using water-based ink dyes are often sensitive to the problem and regularly use non-print cycles for the channel during operation, which is placed on the injector while waiting for the ejection process while the ink normally operates. This is necessary, and it begins to dry up and become clogged while being placed. Other techniques that may be suitable for the background of the present invention include electrostatic grids and sprays such as electrostatic spraying (so-called ton jets), acoustic ink printing, and certain aerosols and dye sublimation. It includes a system.

1 is a schematic representation of a system for marking a substrate according to the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of a marking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is another cross-sectional view of a marking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a plan view of one channel with a nozzle of the marking device shown in FIG.

5A-5C and 6A-6C are cross-sectional views showing longitudinally various views of a channel according to the invention.

7 is another plan view of one channel of the marking device without a nozzle according to the invention.

8a to 8d are cross sectional views along the longitudinal axis of another example of a channel according to the invention;

9A and 9B are cross-sectional views illustrating a staggered array of channels and a two-dimensional staggered array in accordance with the present invention.

10 is a plan view of a channel array of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

11A and 11B are top views of the channel array portion shown in FIG. 9, showing two embodiments of ports in accordance with the present invention.

12A and 12B are cross-sectional views of a marking device having a removable body in accordance with two other embodiments of the present invention.

13 is a process flow diagram for marking a substrate according to the present invention.

14A is a side view of a cross section of a marking material measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention using an annular electrode, and FIG. 14B is a top view of a marking material measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention using an annular electrode.

15 is a side view of a cross section of a marking material measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention using an annular electrode.

16 is a cross-sectional side view of a marking material measuring apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention using an acoustic ink ejector.

17 is a cross-sectional side view of a marking material measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention using a TIJ injector.

18 is a cross-sectional side view of a marking material metrology device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention using a piezoelectric transducer / plate.

19 is a schematic representation of an array of marking material metrology devices connected for matrix addressing.

20 is another schematic diagram of an array of marking material metrology devices coupled for matrix addressing.

21 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment for generating a fluidized bed of marking material in a cavity.

22 is a graph of pressure versus time for a pressure balancing cavity embodiment.

23 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention using another marking material delivery system.

24 is a cross-sectional side view of a marking material transfer device according to one embodiment of the present invention using an electrode grid and an electrostatic traveling wave.

25 is a cross-sectional view of a combined marking material transfer and metrology assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

26A and 26B illustrate one embodiment of filling a fluidized bed of marking material in accordance with the present invention.

27 is a plan view of an array of channel and addressing circuits in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a graph showing the distribution of color or (spot density) with respect to the spot size obtained by one embodiment of the ballistic aerosol marking apparatus of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 29 shows an example of a propellant stream pattern upon connection with a substrate, as viewed perpendicular to the substrate. FIG.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the propellant stream pattern of FIG. 29 and illustrates the distribution of marking material particulates as a function of position within the propellant stream. FIG.

FIG. 31 shows a model used for worst case deviation for marking material deflected laterally from the spot center.

FIG. 32 shows a model used to derive an example of the laser output required for changing a laser enabled post injection marking material, such as using fusion.

FIG. 33 shows a ballistic aerosol marking device having electrostatically used marking material extraction and / or preliminary fusion retention.

34 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention using solid marking material particulate suspended in a liquid delivery medium.

FIG. 35 is a graph depicting particle number versus kinetic energy, showing the dynamic fusion threshold for one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 36 is a graph showing propulsion velocity at the exit orifice versus propellant pressure for channels with or without convergence / diverging regions in accordance with the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 37 is a cut away top view of the light beam and channels arranged to provide a light utilizing post injection marking material change;

FIG. 38 is a graph plotting light source output against marking material particulate size, indicating the possibility of using a light utilizing post injection marking material change. FIG.

FIG. 39 illustrates a ballistic aerosol marking device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, using a hermetic structure to reduce or prevent failure due to dust, humidity effects, and the like.

40 illustrates a channel closure structure obtained by moving a platen and contacting an outlet orifice in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

41A-41C and 42A-42C illustrate one process of manufacturing a print head according to the present invention.

Figure 43 illustrates a selection of another embodiment of the ballistic aerosol marking device according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

12. Injector 14. Propellant

16. Marking material 18. Transport

20. Control part 22. Control part

21. Measuring section 34. Printhead

286. Marking Material Particulates

The present invention is a component for a novel system for applying the marking material directly or indirectly to a substrate, which component overcomes the disadvantages described in this section and in the foregoing sections. In particular, since it includes a propellant moving through the channel and a marking material controllably introduced or measured into the channel, energy from the propellant propels the marking material onto the substrate. The propellant is generally a dry gas that can flow continuously from the channel while the marking device is in an operating state (ie, powered or similar state that is ready for marking). The system is described as " ballistic aerosol marking " in the sense that it is obtained by firing a marking material towards the substrate, which is essentially a colloidal solid or semisolid particulate or otherwise liquid. The shape of the channel can converge suspended propellant and marking material onto the substrate.

The summary and detailed description of the invention described below describe many common forms of ballistic aerosol marking apparatus and methods of using the apparatus. However, the invention is part of the entire description set forth herein, as will be apparent from the claims.

In this system, the propellant can be introduced into the channel at the propellant port to form the propellant stream. The marking material can then be introduced into the propellant stream from one or more marking material inlet ports, and the propellant can enter the channel at high speed. Alternatively, the propellant may be introduced into the channel at high pressure, and the channel may comprise a compression structure (ie, a de Laval or similar converging / diffusing type nozzle) that converts the high pressure of the propellant to high speed. . In this case, the propellant is introduced at a port located at the proximal end of the channel and the marking material is provided near the distal end of the channel (either in the diverging region or in the lower stream of the diverging region) so that the marking material can be introduced into the propellant stream.

If multiple ports are provided, each port may be of a different color (ie, cyan, magenta, yellow and black), pre-marked material (such as adhesive marking material), and post-marked material (such as substrate surface). Fine materials, i.e. matte or glossy coatings), and marking materials invisible to the naked eye (such as magnetic particulate retaining materials, ultra violet-fluorescent materials, etc.) or other marking materials to be applied to the substrate. Is provided. The marking material receives kinetic energy from the propellant stream and is injected from the channel towards the substrate at an outlet orifice located at the distal end of the channel.

In one embodiment, the structure described as a print head may be provided with one or more channels. The width of the outlet (or injection) orifice of the channel is generally in the range of 250 μm or less, preferably in the range of 100 μm or less. Where one or more channels are provided, the edge to edge spacing between pitch or adjacent channels may be 250 μm or less, preferably in the range of 100 μm or less. Alternatively, the channel can be zigzag to reduce the edge to edge spacing. The outlet orifice and / or some each channel or all each channel may have a circular, semicircular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular or other cross section when viewed in the flow direction of the propellant stream (the longitudinal axis of the channel).

The material applied to the substrate may be transferred to the port in one or more of a variety of ways, including simple gravity, hydrodynamics, electrostatic or ultrasonic waves, and the like. The material entering the propellant stream from the port can be measured by any of a variety of methods, including control of the transport mechanism or control of individual systems such as pressure balancing, static electricity, acoustic energy, ink jet, and the like.

The material applied to the substrate may be a solid or semi-solid particulate material such as toners of different colors or various toners, a suspension of the marking material in the carrier, a suspension of the marking material of the carrier with a charge collimator, a phase change material and the like. One preferred embodiment uses a marking material that is particulate, solid or semisolid and particulate suspended in a liquid carrier, which is described herein as a liquid marking material, a dissolving marking material, a sprayed marking material, and generally a liquid marking material. One similar non-particulate. However, the present invention may use the liquid marking materials described above in certain applications, as described herein.

In addition, due to the ability to use various marking materials, the present invention can mark various substrates. For example, the present invention can directly mark non-porous substrates such as polymers, plastics, metals, glass, treated and polished surfaces, and the like. Reduction of wicking materials and reduction of drying time can provide improved printing operations for porous substrates such as paper, textiles, ceramics and the like. In addition, the present invention may be configured to mark indirect markings, for example on intermediate transfer rollers or belts, and on viscous binder films and nip transfer systems.

The material deposited on the substrate may, for example, undergo post injection control such as fusion or drying, overcoating, curing, or the like. In the case of the fusion process, the kinetic energy of the deposited material is sufficient to effectively dissolve and fuse the marking material upon collision with the substrate. The substrate can be heated to enhance this process. The pressure roller can be used to cold-fuse the marking material to the substrate. The phase change of solids (solid-liquid-solid) can be used in other ways. Alternatively, the propellant temperature can reach this result. In one embodiment, the laser can be used to heat and dissolve the particulate material in suspension to achieve the initial phase change. The dissolution and fusion process may utilize static electricity (ie, keep the particulate material from the desired location to the final desired location where it may spend a lot of time to dissolve and fuse). The type of particulate defines post injection control. For example, the UV curable material can be cured by applying UV radiation when placed in a suspended or material retaining substrate.

Since the propellant can flow continuously through the channel, material accumulates and the blockage of the channel is reduced or eliminated (the propellant effectively and continuously cleans the channel). It is also possible to provide a closure structure that isolates the channel from the environment when the system is not in use. Alternatively, the print head and the substrate support (ie, the platen) may be brought into physical contact to obtain the effect of closing the channel. The initial and final wash cycles are designed to operate the print system to optimize the washout of the channel. Waste material cleaned from the system may be deposited at the cleaning station. However, the port can be cleaned by engaging the seal against the orifice and directing the propellant stream through the port back into the reservoir.

Thus, the present invention and its various embodiments provide many of the advantages described above, as well as the additional advantages described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention and its advantages can be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the like elements in various drawings are designated and like reference.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a ballistic aerosol marking apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the marking device 10 consists of one or more injectors 12 to which the propellant 14 is supplied. In accordance with the control operation of the control unit 20, the marking material 16 carried by the transport unit 18 is introduced into the injector 12. (Selective elements are indicated by dashed lines.) The marking material is supplied (ie introduced under control) while being measured by the measuring means 21 into the injector in accordance with the control operation of the control unit 22. The marking material sprayed by the injector 12 may depend on the post injection control 23, which is an optional component of the marking device 10, each of which is described in more detail below. Note that the marking device 10 can form parts of a printer, facsimile, document copying machine, labeling device or other various marking devices of the type commonly attached to, for example, a computer network, a personal computer or the like. I can understand.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be realized by a ballistic aerosol marking device 24 of the type shown in the cut side view of FIG. 2. The deposition material according to the embodiment is, for example, color toners of the additionally described types of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), which can be deposited simultaneously, It can be mixed or unmixed continuously or in other ways. Based on the description with respect to FIG. 2, a marking device having four colors (one color or a mixture of colors at a time), a marking device having fewer or more colors, and a surface to which the marking material particles are fixed Other or additional materials (or other substrate surface pretreatment), such as the materials that make them, and certain substrate finishing qualities (such as matte, satin or polished finishes or other substrate surface post treatments), and are visible to the naked eye. Missing materials (magnetic particulates, ultraviolet fluorescent particulates, etc.) or other materials associated with the marked substrate may be explicitly contemplated herein.

The device 24 includes a plurality of cavities [28C, 28M, 28Y, 28K; Collectively described as cavity 28], a propellant cavity 30 may also be formed in the body 26. Apparatus 32 may be provided to connect propellant cavity 30 to propellant source 33, such as a compressor, propellant reservoir, or the like. The body 26 may be connected to the print head 34 composed of other layers, the substrate 36 and the channel layer 37.

3 shows a partial cut away surface of the marking device 24. Each cavity 28 has a circular, elliptical square or other cut-away port [42C, 42M, 42Y, 42K] that provides a means of transportation between the body 26 and the adjacent channel 46 and the cavity; Collectively described as port 42]. The port 42 shown has a longitudinal axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel 46. However, the angle between the port 42 and the longitudinal axis of the channel 46 may not be 90 degrees as appropriate for the particular application of the system of the present invention.

Likewise, the propellant cavity 30 comprises a port 44 of circular, elliptical, rectangular or other cross section between the cavity and the channel 46 through which the propellant can move. Alternatively, the print head 34 may have a port 44 'of the channel layer 37 or a port 44' of the substrate 36 for the purpose of introducing the propellant into the channel 46 or The association can be provided. As described in more detail below, the marking material is caused to flow from the cavity 28 through the port 42 into the propellant stream flowing through the channel 46. The marking material and the propellant are guided in the direction of the arrow towards the substrate 38, for example paper, supported by the platen 40, as shown in FIG. 2.

Applicant shows a propellant marking material flow pattern from a print head using a plurality of forms described herein, the plurality of forms for an interval of up to 10 millimeters, with an optimal print spacing between one millimeter and several millimeters in turn. It is relatively parallel. For example, the print head produces a marking material stream without deviation from the width of the outlet orifice, preferably by more than 10 percent and 20 percent, for at least four times the interval of the outlet orifice width. However, the proper spacing between the print head and the substrate is a function of many parameters and does not in itself form part of the invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the print head 34 is comprised of a substrate 36 and a channel layer 37 formed from the channel 46. Other layers, such as insulating layers, capping layers, etc., may also form part of the print head 34. Substrate 36 is formed of a suitable material, such as glass, ceramic, etc., on top of this material (directly or indirectly), such as a thick and permanent photoresist (i.e., liquid photosensitive epoxy) and / or photoresist based on a dry film. A relatively thick material is formed, the photoresists can be etched and processed, and alternatively a channel having the shapes described below can be formed.

In FIG. 4, which is a cut plan view of the print head 34 in one embodiment, the channel 46 has a propellant receiving area 47, an adjacent converging area 48, a diverging area 50 and a first base end. It is formed to have a marking material spraying region 52. The point of change between the converging region 48 and the diverging region 50 belongs to the neck portion 53, the converging region 48 and the diverging region 50, and the neck portion 53 collectively belongs to the nozzle. The general form of such a channel is sometimes described as a de Laval expansion pipe. The outlet orifice 56 is located at the distal end of the channel 46.

In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, region 48 converges in the plane of FIG. 4 but does not converge in the plane of FIG. 3, and likewise, region 50 diverges in the plane of FIG. 4. However, it does not diverge in the plane of FIG. 3, which typically determines the cross sectional shape of the exit orifice 56. For example, the shape of the orifice 56 shown in FIG. 5A corresponds to the device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. However, the channel does not converge or diverge in the plane of FIG. 4 (shown in FIG. 5B), although the regions converge / diverge in FIG. 3, as may be determined by the method and manufacture of the present invention. It can be made to converge / diffuse in both planes (shown in FIG. 5C) of FIGS. 3 and 4, or in any other plane or set plane, or in all planes (view shown in FIGS. 6A-6C).

In another embodiment, the channel 46 shown in FIG. 7 does not have a converging region and a diverging region, but has a uniform cross section along its axis, which can be determined by the method of manufacture and application of the present invention. As can be rectangular, rectangular (shown in FIG. 8A), elliptical or circular (shown in FIG. 8B) or other cross section (shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D).

In FIG. 3, the propellant enters channel 46 through port 44 from propellant cavity 30 approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of channel 46. According to another embodiment, the propellant enters the channel parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel 46, for example, by a port 44 'or 44 "or other method not shown. The propellant is operated by the marking device. Can flow continuously through the channel while in the state (ie, "output" or similar state ready to mark), or only when the marking material is sprayed, as indicated by the particular application of the present invention. The control of such a propellant may be controlled, for example, by operating and deactivating the compressor, or by selectively initiating a chemical reaction designed to generate the propellant, or not shown. By means of controlling the generation of the propellant and by means of a valve 31 placed between the propellant source 33 and the channel 46.

The marking material can be controllably entered into the channel through one or more ports 42 located in the marking material spraying area 52. That is, during use, the amount of marking material introduced into the propellant stream can be adjusted from " 0 " to the maximum value for the spot. The propellant and marking material travel from the proximal end of the channel 46 to the distal end of the channel 46 where the outlet orifice 56 is located.

The print head 34 may be formed by one of a wide variety of methods. As an example, in FIGS. 41A-41C and 42A-42C, the print head 34 can be manufactured as follows. Initially, for example, an insulating substrate such as glass or a semi-insulating substrate such as silicon or another way coated with an insulating layer is cleaned and prepared for lithography. One or more metal electrodes 54 may be formed and applied to the first side of the substrate 38 to form the bottom of the channel 46, which process is shown in FIG. 41A.

Next, although layer 310 may be deposited in other ways, thick photoresists are typically coated over almost the entire substrate by a spin-on process. Layer 310 is relatively significantly thick, for example 100 μm or thicker, which is shown in FIG. 41B. Well known processes, such as lithography, ion milling, etc., form the channel 46 in a layer 310, preferably with a converging region 48, a diverging region 50, and a neck 53. Used to. The structure of this point is shown in plan view in FIG. 41C.

At this point, another alternative is to machine the inlet 44 '(shown in FIG. 3) for the propellant passing through the substrate in the propellant receiving region 47, which is a diamond drill, an ultrasonic drill, or selected substrate material. It can be achieved by other techniques well known in the art as a function of. Alternatively, propellant inlet 44 "(shown in Figure 3) may be formed in layer 310. However, propellant inlet 44 may be formed in a later applied layer, as described below.

Another relatively thick layer or similar material of photoresist 312 is applied directly on top of layer 310. Layer 312 is preferably 100 μm thick or thicker, and is preferably applied in a stack, although alternatively it may be spun or otherwise deposited. Layer 312 may alternatively be glass or other suitable material bonded to layer 310. The structure at this point is shown in FIG. 42A.

Layer 312 is then patterned, eg, by photolithography, ion milling, or the like, to form ports 42 and 44. In addition, layer 312 may be processed or otherwise patterned by methods known in the art. The structure of this point is shown in FIG. 42B.

Another alternative of the above arrangement is to form the channel 46 directly on the substrate, for example by photolithography, ion milling, or the like. Layer 312 may be applied as described above. Another approach is to form the print head with channels 46 cast or processed therein with acrylic or similar castable and / or processable materials. In addition, layer 312 may be a similar material bonded to the rest of the structure by suitable means in this embodiment.

A supplement to this configuration is to preform electrodes 314 and 315 which may be rectangular, annular (shown) or other shapes in a planar configuration over layer 312 before applying another layer 312 to layer 310. will be. In this embodiment, the port 42 and possible ports 44 are preformed prior to applying the layer 312. Electrode 314 may be formed by sputtering, lift-off, or other techniques, and may be any suitable metal, such as aluminum or the like. Dielectric layer 316 may be applied to protect electrode 314 to provide flat top surface 318. A second dielectric layer (not shown) may be applied in a similar manner to the bottom surface 319 of the layer 312 to protect the electrode 315 in a similar manner to provide a flat bottom surface. The structure of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 42C.

4 to 8 show a print head 34 having one channel therein, the print head according to the present invention may have any number of channels, from several hundred micrometers to several thousand to one or several channels. It can be appreciated that the range can be up to page-width with channels (ie, 8.5 inches or more). The width W of each outlet orifice 56 may range from 250 μm or less, preferably 100 μm or less. The pitch P or the edge to edge spacing between adjacent outlet orifices 56 is 250 μm or less, preferably 100 μm or less in the non-staggered array shown in the end view of FIG. 9A. It may be in the range below. In the two-dimensional wavy arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 9B, the pitch can be further reduced. For example, Table 1 shows typical pitch and width magnitudes for different resolutions of non-waveform batch arrays.

As shown in FIG. 10, a wide array of channels in the print head may have marking material next to the continuous cavity 28 and ports 42 associated with each channel 46. Likewise, continuous propellant cavity 30 may assist each channel 46 through associated port 44. Port 42 may be a discontinuous opening in the cavity, as shown in FIG. 11A, or as shown in FIG. 11B, a continuous opening 43 (one opening 43C) extending across the entire array. It can be formed by the.

In an array of channels 46, each channel may have a similar size and cross-sectional profile to achieve the same or nearly the same propellant velocity. Alternatively, the selected one or more channels 46 may have different sizes and / or different cross-sectional profiles (or by other means such as optionally applied coatings or the like) to provide channels with different propellant velocities. It can be produced, which is advantageous when attempting to use different marking materials with significantly different masses and when trying to achieve different marking effects in co-applications of marking materials and other substrate treatments. It can be proved, or proved to be advantageous in the particular application of the present invention.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the device 24 is held in the device 24 by operable means such as clips, clamps, catches or other retaining means well known in the art. A replaceable removable body 60 is included. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the body 60 can be removed from the print head 34 and other components of the device 24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, the body 60 and the print head 34 form a unit that is replaceably removable from the installation area 64 of the device 24. In either embodiment of FIG. 12A or 12B, an electrical contact point may be provided between the body 60 and the device 24 to control other devices and electrodes carried by or into the associated body 60. have.

In each case, the body 60 may be a deployable cartridge transport marking material and a propellant. Alternatively, the marking material and / or propellant cavities 28 and 30 may be refilled. For example, openings 29C, 29M, 29Y, and 29K may be provided to introduce marking material into each cavity, and cavity 30 may be permanently replaceable to body 60 or Or propellant source 62, such as rechargeable solid carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), compressed gas cartridge (such as CO ₂ ), chemical reactants, and the like. Alternatively, the cavity 30 may maintain a compact compressor or similar means for generating a pressurized propellant. Alternatively, the propellant source can be replaced independently and individually removable from the body 60. In addition, the device 24 may be used as a compressor, chemical reaction chamber, or the like, when the body 60 only retains the cavity 28 and associated components. Propellant generating means may be provided.

The process 70 involved in the marking of a substrate with a marking material according to the invention follows the steps shown in FIG. According to step 72, the propellant is supplied to the channel. The marking material is metered into the channel in the next step 74. If the channel provides a plurality of marking materials to the substrate, the marking materials may be mixed in the channel at step 76 to supply the marking material mixture to the substrate. By this process, one-pass color marking can be obtained without the need for color registration. Another approach to one-pass color marking is to introduce multiple marking materials in series while maintaining a constant print registration between the print head 34 and the substrate 38. Since not all marking operations consist of multiple marking materials, this step is optional, as indicated by dashed arrows 78. In step 80, the marking material is injected towards the substrate with sufficient energy from the exit orifice at the distal end of the channel to reach the substrate. The process may be repeated by reregistering the print head, as indicated by arrow 83. In step 82, an appropriate post injection process, such as fusing, drying, etc. of marking material, is optionally performed, as indicated by dashed arrows 84. Each step will be described in more detail below.

As described above, the role of the propellant is to give the marking material kinetic energy such that the marking material can at least impinge on the substrate. The propellant is separated from or associated with the print head, cartridge, or other element of the marking device 24, a compressor, a chargeable or non-fillable reservoir, a phase change of material (ie, CO ₂ in solid to gaseous state). Can be supplied by chemical reaction. In some cases, the propellant should, in principle, be dried to remove the contaminants so that the marking of the substrate is not disturbed by the marking material and does not cause or cause clogging of the channels. Thus, a suitable dryer and / or filter (not shown) may be provided between the propellant source and the channel.

In one embodiment, the propellant is supplied by a compressor of a well known type, which is ideally operated quickly to provide a steady state pressure or propellant. However, it is advantageous to use a valve between the compressor and the channel so that only the propellant enters the channel 46 at the operating pressure and speed.

This embodiment contemplates connecting the channel to an external compressor or similar external propellant source, but there may be a need for the propellant to be generated by the device 24 itself. In fact, a compact propellant source must be used for a compact desk-top type device, and one approach uses a replaceable CO ₂ cartridge commonly available in the device. However, such a cartridge requires supplying a relatively small volume of propellant and replacing it frequently. Although a more pressurized propellant vessel can be provided, the size of the device limits the size of the propellant vessel. Thus, a physically small propellant generating unit of self-storage type is used. According to this embodiment, a replaceable combined propellant and marking material cartridge can then be provided.

In another embodiment, the propellant is supplied by reaction. One goal of this embodiment is to provide a compact propellant source of the type that can be included, for example, within the propellant cavity 30. There are many autogenous or non-autonomous reactions of liquid or solid chemicals or composites, and thus become relatively compact to produce a gas. In the simplest configuration, the reactants are heated above the break point to produce a gaseous material. When a reaction or change occurs in a defined volume, a pressure change occurs in the volume. For the closed volume, the reactants are as follows:

Where R is the reactant, P1 and P2 are pressures, and P2 is greater than P1. To accomplish this, the heating element 87 (such as the filament shown in FIG. 3) may have a propellant cavity 30 (or a volume for receiving other reactants).

A variation of this is a non-live, multiple reaction system that can be heated and activated as follows:

Where R ₁ to R... Is a reactant, again P2 is much larger than P1.

However, in order to avoid the effect of providing a heated propellant on the marking material (i.e. fusion in the channel causing the blockage of the channel), a reaction that depends less on the increased heat as follows (total It may be more desirable to use non-pyrogenic):

This reaction can occur at a phase change at room temperature (ie, CO ₂ in the solid to gaseous state), or

There are many reactants known in the art that can be used to produce gaseous propellants.

In general, the reaction can be controlled in that it can start and end the reaction at any time as a way to allow the device to turn on and off. Alternatively, a reaction may occur in the propellant cavity in communication with the channel 46 through a valve that regulates the flow of the propellant. In general, in this embodiment, there is a need to provide a valve to regulate the propellant to the selected operating pressure.

The speed and pressure at which the propellant should be provided depend on the embodiment of the marking device, as described below. In general, examples of suitable propellants include CO ₂ , clean dry air, N ₂ , gaseous reaction products, and the like. Preferably, the propellant must be non-toxic (though in some embodiments a wider range of propellant may be acceptable, such as a device enclosed in a special chamber or the like). Preferably, the propellant should be gaseous at room temperature, but gas at high temperatures may be used in suitable embodiments.

However, the generated or provided propellant enters channel 46 and moves the channel longitudinally out of exit orifice 56. Channel 46 is directed such that the propellant stream exiting exit orifice 56 is directed towards the substrate.

Solid, particulate marking materials according to one embodiment of the invention are used to mark a substrate. Marking material particulates range from 0.5 to 10.0 μm, preferably in the range from 1 to 5 μm, but the outer diameter size in this range can play a role in certain applications (ie, the particles are larger or smaller). Must go through ports and channels).

The use of a solid, particulate marking material has several advantages. First, for example, the blockage of the channel is reduced to a minimum when compared to liquid ink. Second, the wicking and movement of the marking material in the substrate as well as the marking material / substrate interaction can be reduced or eliminated. Third, spot location problems encountered with the liquid marking material caused by surface tension effects at the exit orifice are eliminated. Fourth, the blocked channel is removed by the gas bubbles held by the surface tension. Fifth, multiple marking materials (ie, toners of different colors) can be mixed and introduced into the channel for single pass multi-material marking without fear of contaminating the channel for later marking. Thereby, the registration registration overhead is eliminated. Sixth, the channel recharge of the duty circle (up to 80% of the TIJ duty circle) is removed. Seventh, there is no need to limit the substrate yield based on the need for the liquid marking material to dry.

However, despite the advantages of dried particulate marking materials, there may be certain applications where it is advantageous to use liquid marking materials or to mix liquid and dry marking materials. In that example, the present invention can be used by simply replacing the liquid marking material with a solid marking material and it is understood that a suitable method and apparatus can be replaced by, for example, a metering device. As is apparent from the description herein.

In certain applications of the invention, it may be desirable to apply a premarking treatment of the substrate surface. For example, to aid in the fusion process of the particulate marking material at the desired spot location, it may be desirable to first coat the substrate surface with a fixation layer configured to hold the particulate marking material. Examples of such materials are clear and / or colorless polymeric materials such as block copolymers applied to the substrate, such as homopolymers, random copolymers or polymer solutions in which the polymer is dissolved in low boiling point solvents. It includes. The fixation layer is applied to the substrate in the thickness range of 1 to 10 microns or preferably in the thickness range of 5 to 10 microns. Examples of such materials include linear or branched polyester resins, poly (styrene) homopolymers, poly (acrylate) and poly (methacrylate) homopolymers and mixtures thereof, or acrylate, methacrylate or butadiene monomers ( Monomers; monomers) and random copolymers of styrene monomer having a mixture thereof, polyvinyl acetal, poly (vinyl alcohol), vinyl alcohol-vinyl acetal copolymer, polycarbonate, and mixtures thereof. This surface pretreatment is located at the leading edge of the print head and can be applied from a channel of the type described herein, thereby applying both pretreatment and marking material in a single pass. Alternatively, the entire substrate may be coated with the pretreatment material and then marked as described elsewhere herein. It may also be desirable to simultaneously apply the marking material and the pretreatment material, such as mixing the material in a suspended state, as described herein in certain applications.

Similarly, in some applications of the present invention, it may be desirable to apply a post-marking treatment to the surface of a substrate. For example, it may be desirable to perform a gloss finish on some marked substrates or all marked substrates. In one example, it may be desirable for the substrate to have a marking operation included in both text and urban areas, as described elsewhere herein, and to selectively apply a gloss finish to the urban area of the marked substrate, This can be achieved by applying post-marking processing from the channel at the trailing edge of the print head, thereby enabling one-pass marking and post-marking processing. Alternatively, the entire substrate may be suitably marked and then passed through the marking apparatus according to the invention to apply a post-marking process. In addition, in certain applications, the marking material and the post-treatment material may be applied simultaneously by mixing the material in a suspended state, as further described herein. Examples of materials for obtaining the desired surface finish include linear or branched polyester resins, poly (styrene) homopolymers, poly (acrylate) and poly (methacrylate) homopolymers and mixtures thereof, or acrylates, methacrylates Or a random copolymer of butadiene monomer (monomer) and styrene monomer having a mixture thereof, polyvinyl acetal, poly (vinyl alcohol), vinyl alcohol-vinyl acetal copolymer, polycarbonate and mixtures thereof and the like.

Other pre-marking and post-marking treatments include substrate or surface tissue coating (ie, creating an embossing effect to simulate any rough or smooth substrate), and to have a physical or chemical reaction on the substrate. Designed materials (ie, two materials that cure or react when bonded to the substrate to attach the marking material to the substrate), and the like. Unless otherwise noted or as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, references to devices and methods for transferring, measuring, and storing marking materials may be referred to as premarked and postmarked materials (generally other non-marked materials). It should be noted that it can be applied to).

As mentioned, the marking material may be a solid particulate material or a liquid particulate material. However, there are many different ways within this set. For example, apart from a simple collection of solid particulates, the solid marking material can be suspended in a gas or liquid carrier. Another example includes multiple phase materials. In FIG. 34, solid marking material particulate 286 in such a material may be suspended in a separate mass of liquid carrier medium 288. The combined medium and enveloping carrier may be located in a pool of carrier media. The carrier medium may be a colorless dielectric that imparts liquid flowability to the marking material, and the solid marking material fines 286 may be 1 to 2 μm and have net charge. Through the process described below, charged marking material particulates 286 may be generated by suitable electrodes 292 located at adjacent ports 294 and attracted to the magnetic field guided into the channel 296. Auxiliary electrode 298 may assist in the extraction of marking material particulates 286, with meniscus 300 formed at the channel side of the port. As the particulate 286 / carrier 288 bond is pulled through the meniscus 300, the surface tension causes the particulate 286 to be pulled from the carrier medium 288 spaced apart from the thin film of carrier medium on the particulate surface. do. This thin film can be advantageously used in that it allows the particulate 286 to adhere to most substrates, especially at low speeds, while allowing it to be held at the particulate position prior to post-injection control (ie fusion).

The next step in the marking process is to measure the marking material entering the propellant stream. While the following techniques are considering measuring marking materials, it is understood that steps can be taken to measure other materials, such as pre-marked and post-marked materials, for your reference. It is merely for the sake of brevity of the review. The measuring step can be performed according to one of various embodiments of the present invention.

According to the first embodiment for measuring the marking material, the marking material comprises a material imparted with an electrostatic charge. For example, the marking material may comprise a pigment suspended in a binder with a charge director. The charge collimator can be charged through, for example, the coronas shown in FIG. 3 (66C, 66M, 66Y and 66K; collectively described as corona 66). Another approach is to initially charge the propellant gas through the corona 45 (or other suitable location, such as port 44) of the cavity 30. The filled propellant generates a fluidized bed [86C, 86M, 86Y, 86K; collectively described as fluidized bed 86, discussed in more detail below] and a port 42 for the dual purpose of charging the marking material. It can be configured to enter into the cavity 28 through). Another approach involves tribocharging by other means or other mechanisms outside the cavity 28.

In FIG. 3, electrodes [54C, 54M, 54Y, 54K; collectively described as electrode 54] are formed on one surface of the channel 46 opposite each port 42, and the corresponding counter electrode. 55C, 55M, 55Y, 55K; collectively described as counter electrode 55, is formed in cavity 28 (or at port 44 or at another location within port 44). When generated by this electrode 54 and the opposite electrode 55, the charged marking material is pulled into the electric field and opens the cavity 28 through the port 42 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the propellant stream in the channel 46. The shape and location of the electrodes and charges applied there determine the strength of the electric field and thus the force that the marking material is injected into the propellant stream in. In general, the force that is injected into the propellant stream is the marking material Provided propulsion with the power of the propellant stream in the Is adapted to overcome the blowing force, it enters into the propellant stream in the channel where the marking material out from the outlet orifice 56 and move the substrate along with the propellant stream in a direction toward.

As an alternative or supplement to the electrode 54 and the opposite electrode 55, each port 42 may have an electrostatic gate. In FIGS. 14A and 14B, the gates of the two-part ring or band electrodes 90a and 90b at the inner diameter of the port 42 connected to the power supply, which can be switched switchably through the contact layers 91a and 91b. Take form. The electric field generated by the ring electrode can pull or push the charged marking material. Layers 91a and 91b may be photolithographically or mechanically or otherwise patterned to allow matrix addressing of individual electrodes 90a and 90b.

Another embodiment that provides for measuring the marking material is shown in FIG. 15, which consists of one or more pass regions 136 extending approximately parallel to the direction of propellant flow of the channel 46. Each pass region 136 is formed with a layer 140 acting as a spacing layer between the body 26 (or a suitable top layer) and the layer 138. Each layer may be an etched photoresist, mechanical plastic or metal or other material having a suitable thickness, as defined in the specific application of the present invention. Pass region 136 may be 100 μm or more in length (in the direction of marking material movement). Approximately parallel plate electrodes 142 and 144 are formed in the pass region 136 on the surface of the body 26 and the layer 138 while facing each other.

In the case of an array of such openings, it is addressed by either row or column lines, allowing the matrix addressing configuration to be used. The electrode forms one embodiment of an electrostatic gate to measure the marking material.

In general, the case of such parallel plate electrodes is shown in FIG. 15, and the marking material used can be discharged or charged. In the case of discharged marking material, the marking material must have a significantly higher tolerance than air and propellant, in which case the electrode pairs have opposite charges (+/−). The discharged marking material is essentially polarized by the electric field between the parallel plate electrodes working together to form a capacitor. The marking material stays well in the electric field established between the electrodes (ie, at a location where there is more energy between the electrodes). The marking material does not thereby move through the port. When no charge is applied to the electrodes, the marking material may migrate into the propellant stream through the port, typically by back pressure, pressure bursts, or the like. An alternating current can be applied to the electrode to avoid the accumulation of marking material.

In the case of filled marking material, when one of the electrodes is in the "on" state, the marking material is attracted to prevent the marking material from entering the propellant stream. When in the " off " state, the electrode passes through a third electrode, such as electrode 54, having a charge polarity opposite the polarity of the marking material, or a back pressure, pressure explosion, through which the marking material passes and into the propellant stream. Allow to enter It can accept polar charges (positive or negative) of the marking material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the liquid marking material is injected from the source, for example into the propellant stream while being measured by an acoustic ink sprayer. FIG. 16 shows a simplified view of an embodiment, and according to the embodiment 154 shown in FIG. 16, the channel 46 is the top top surface of the marking material 156, for example a liquid marking material such as liquid ink. It is located above. Embodiment 154 includes a planar piezoelectric transducer 158, such as a thin film ZnO transducer, which is deposited or adhered to the back surface of a suitable acoustic conducting substrate, such as a flat acoustic plate of quartz, glass, silicon, or the like. . An opposing surface or anterior surface of the substrate 160 forms the central phase profile of the Fresnel lens, spherical acoustic lens or other focal lens 162 on or within it. By applying an rf voltage across the transducer 158, an acoustic beam is generated and collected at the surface of the pool 156, thereby spraying droplets 164 from the pool into the propellant stream. For the purpose of greyscale control, the amount of marking material injected into the propellant stream can be controlled by adjusting the size and number of droplets 164 sprayed in short succession (by adjusting the intensity of the acoustic beam).

In another embodiment 166 for measuring the liquid marking material entering the propellant stream, an ink jet device such as TIJ device 168 is used. 17 shows a simplified diagram of this embodiment. TIJ injector 168, according to embodiment 166, is located in adjacent channel 46 such that the injection of marking material from this injector 168 aligns with port 172 located in channel 46. The marking material 170 is a liquid material such as liquid ink stored in the cavity 174, which is in contact with the heating element 176. When heated, the heating element generates bubbles 177 that are pushed out of the channel 179 located within the TIJ device 168. The operation of the bubble 177 is performed such that the controlled amount of marking material is pushed from the channel into the propellant stream in the form of droplets 181 of marking material (as otherwise well known). Such a plurality of TIJ injectors can be used in combination with a single ballistic aerosol marking channel according to the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for marking a substrate with improved speed over other prior art and other advantages over grayscale.

While there are many other possible embodiments for the spraying of the liquid marking material, it should be understood that the above described embodiment can perform well its function on the marking material described above. For example, the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 may perform its function well with the sized port 42 as a function of the viscosity of the marking material, such that the liquid meniscus forms the port 42. This meniscus and corresponding electrode 54 form a plate of parallel capacitors. Given the proper charge to the electrode 54, droplets from the meniscus can enter the channel 46, and this access means serves to deliver liquids such as ink, pretreatment material of the substrate, post-treatment material. Works well for It is also similar to the technique known as the tone jet which can use the technique with the measuring device and method of the present invention.

As an advanced solution of the embodiments described herein, it may be desirable to provide a pressure explosion in order to propel the marking material from the cavity 28 into the propellant stream, which pressure explosion may be as shown in FIG. It may be provided by one of several devices, such as piezoelectric transducers / diaphragms [68C, 68M, 68Y, 68K; collectively described as transducers / diaphragms 68] located within each cavity 28. One or more transducers / diaphragms 68 may be individually addressed by addressing means [69C, 69M, 69Y, 69K; collectively described as addressing means 69], or in combination with an auxiliary metrology device. . Various methods can be used, including gate pressure from a propellant source or the like.

Other mechanisms may be used to measure the marking material entering the propellant stream in accordance with the present invention. For example, a technique referred to as toner jet can be used, such as the technique described in published patent application WO 97 27 058, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, micromist devices can be used.

In many embodiments for measuring the marking material according to the invention, no moving parts are included. The metrology operation can operate at very high conversion rates, for example, greater than 10 kHz. In addition, the metrology system can be manufactured more reliably by avoiding mechanical moving parts.

To control the optional metrology system, one of many simple addressing configurations can be used. One such configuration is shown in FIG. 19 and according to this configuration of metrology devices (202C, 202M, 202Y, 202K, etc .; collectively described as metrology device 202) for measuring marking material entering channel 46. Each row of array 200 is interconnected via, for example, a grounded common line 206. Each column includes a metering device 202, which controls the introduction of marking material into the single channel 46. Each measurement device in each column is individually addressed via a line 208 that connects the associated measurement device to a control mechanism such as, for example, the multiplexer 210. Each “column” may be in the range of 84 μm, providing a large area to form a line 208 which may be, for example, in the range of 5 μm. Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 20, in which the common line 206 individually addresses each “side row” of the metrology device 202 to allow simple matrix addressing of the metrology device, for example. Can be replaced by the multiplexer 212.

It may be demonstrated that various mechanisms may be necessary or advantageous for realizing certain embodiments of the present invention. For example, in FIG. 3, it is necessary to provide a smooth flow of marking material from the cavity 28 into the channel 46 and to prevent the port 42 from clogging. This need can be addressed by diverting a small amount of propellant into the cavity 28, which can be achieved by balancing the pressure in the cavity with the pressure in the cavity such that the pressure in the cavity is less than the channel pressure. 21 illustrates one apparatus for achieving pressure balance. One embodiment 214 of the cavity 28 is shown in FIG. 21, in order to allow the marking material stored in the cavity 214 to enter the channel 46 (in a control operation of the metrology device, not shown). It has an associated port 42 located on one wall in communication with 46. On one wall of the cavity 214, the opening has a filter 220 that has sufficient roughness to penetrate itself and prevent the marking material from passing therethrough. This filter 220 is connected through a pipe 222 to a valve 224 controlled by the circuit 226. For example, the pressure sensor 230 located in the channel 46 just in front of the convergence region and the pressure sensor 228 located in the cavity 214 are connected to the circuit 226. The pressure in the cavity 214 is monitored by the pressure sensor 228 and compared with the pressure of the channel monitored by the pressure sensor 230. When the system is started, the valve 224 is closed while the pressure in the channel 46 increases. When the steady state operating pressure is reached, the valve 224 is then controllably opened. The circuit 226 maintains the pressure of the cavity 214 below the pressure of the channel 46 by controllably adjusting the valve 224, which results in the propellant being diverted from the channel into the cavity.

In FIG. 3, as described above, the propellant entering the cavity 28 through the port 42 locally mills the marking material near the port 42. When using particulate marking materials having adequate plasticity, packing density and magnetization properties, and having the appropriate size and shape, the frictional forces and other bonding forces between the particulates may cause the marking material to undergo certain fluid properties in the cleavage area. By means of a propellant passing past the marking material. Under these conditions, regions of fluidized marking material [86C, 86M, 86Y, 86K; Collectively described as fluidized bed 86). By providing the fluidized bed 86 in the manner described herein, both are manufactured to flow smoothly, thereby producing a fluidized material with reduced viscosity and continuously flushing the port 42 while bypassing the propellant, whereby Get spot size, location, color and more.

In FIG. 22, line 240 shows a plot of pressure over time at the point in channel 46 adjacent to port 42 of FIG. 21. [P _230; that is, a nozzle portion in front of the pressure in the channel (46) line 242 is the pressure at the sensor 230 of Figure 21 represents the line 244 is set to be the pressure in the cavity 214, keeping Represents a point (P _set ). Since a certain period of time is spent in reaching a steady pressure in the channel and thus reaching the desired pressure balance between the channel 46 and the cavity 214, the marking material is clogged, the pressure balance is prevented to prevent leakage, etc. It may be desirable to accelerate, which may, for example, force a propellant from the propellant source into the cavity (or pressurized cavity 214) via an opening 232 located in the cavity 214 shown in FIG. 21. By introducing, it can be achieved.

Another apparatus 260 for providing a fluidized bed is shown in FIG. 23, in this embodiment using a system of electrodes and voltages to provide metrology as well as a fluidized bed. Conceptually, this embodiment can be divided into three separate and supplementary functions: marking material "bouncing", marking material metrology, and marking material "spinning". Marking material carriers 262, such as donor rolls, belts, drums or the like (which supply the marking material with conventional magnetic brushes 283), are one embodiment of a cavity 28 formed in the body 266. It is maintained at small intervals from the example 264. The port 268 is formed at the base of the body 266, for example, as a cylindrical opening for communicatively connecting the cavity 264 and the channel 46. Body 266 may be, for example, a laminated structure or a single structure formed of semiconductor layer 272 (such as silicon) and insulating layer 274 (such as plastic glass). The walls of the cavity 264 may optionally be coated with a dielectric (such as teflon) to provide a reasonably smooth insulating boundary. This coating can also be applied to other embodiments described herein.

A first electrode 276 is formed on the cavity side of the port 268 that can be a continuous metal layer deposited within the structure or patterned to correspond to each port 268 of the port array. A second electrode, typically patterned into an annular planar figure concentric with port 268, is formed at the channel side of port 268. An optional auxiliary electrode 54 is formed in the channel to assist in extracting the marking material from the cavity 264.

By properly selecting the voltage at each of the various points of the device 260, three desirable actions can be obtained. For example, Table 2 shows one possible selection voltage.

In the apparatus 260, the marking material 282 is charged by, for example, trib-charging or ion charging and thereby maintained as the carrier 262. The AC voltage in the cavity 264 causes the charged toner to bounce between the carrier and the first electrode 276. The DC bias is the voltage difference held between the marking material transfer roll 284 and the carrier 262 to continue to maintain the supply of marking material from the marking material sump 287. For marking materials with small size and charge-diameter ratio (Q / d) distribution, the bounce is synchronized with the AC frequency. The optimal AC frequency is determined by the passage time of the marking material between the carrier 262 and the first electrode 276. In particular, the period T should be twice the pass time τ.

The gate voltage operates to open (turn on) and close (turn off) port 268. In the " on " condition, the polarity of the voltage is the opposite of the polarity of the charged marking material, thus attracting the marking material to the magnetic field between the first and second electrodes 276,278. Eventually, the emission voltage is established by the auxiliary electrode 54 to pull the charged marking material particulates further into the channel 46, in which the propellant stream moves the marking material towards the substrate.

In moving the marking material towards the port 42, it is particularly desirable to controllably move it with speed, accuracy, and precise timing, which method is referred to as the marking material conveying process, which can be achieved by one of several techniques. Can be.

One such technique uses electrostatic transfer propagation to move individual marking material particulates. In Figure 24, a DC high voltage waveform tuned in accordance with this technique is applied to the grid 148 of electrodes 88 formed adjacent each port 42 and spaced apart at equal intervals. The grid 148 may be formed as a photolithography aluminum inside the cavity or in a lift-off carrier that may be applied within the cavity.

25 illustrates an embodiment in which electrodes 88 for electrostatic transfer propagation are provided in combination with electrodes 142 and 144 to measure marking material. However, it should be understood that various other transfer means and metrology means may be combined within the scope of the present invention.

A protective and relaxed layer may be deposited on the electrode 88 to protect the surface and quickly dissipate the charge at a known time constant to move the marking material along the grid 148. In addition, by controlling the direction of the marking material movement, it aids in proper coating operation, reduces the marking material trapped between the electrodes, minimizes the oxidization and corrosion of the electrodes, and reduces the arcs that occur between the electrodes.

It should be understood that the transfer and metrology functions described herein may be implemented in a single device and may be incorporated in a single process. However, the conveying and metrology functions of the marking material according to the invention, individually or incorporating, solve many of the problems recognized in the prior art. For example, the marking material can be used to spray into the propellant stream at about the same time, which solves the problem of the need to wait for channels to recharge in common in the ink jet system. In addition, the rate at which the marking material moves into the propellant stream and then is deposited on the substrate is greatly improved than that used in the prior art; In fact, in some embodiments it may be provided continuously.

By way of example, consider a page-width (21.6 cm) array print head with channels spaced at 600 spi and assume that the spot size is equal to 1.5 times the diameter of the exit orifice (the outlet orifice simply has a round cross section). Assume). Thus, the spot area is 2.25 times the orifice area. In addition, the Applicant assumes that the marking material is monochrome and is a solid particulate toner of 1 μm at a diameter desired to be deposited on a paper substrate having a total coverage of 5 particulate thickness, which is 2.25 × 10 particles × 1 μm or 22.5 μm feed length. Means that it needs to be fed to the propellant stream. To be careful, Applicants will assume a length of 15 μm.

To prevent clogging, it is also assumed that the marking material feed rate is greater than the rating range below the propellant speed. With a propellant speed of about 300 meters / second (m / s), Applicant assumes a marking material feed rate of 1 m / s (10 m / s is approximately the TIJ droplet injection speed). At 1 m / s, it takes 25 kW to feed the 15 μm long marking material. In other words, the spot deposition time is about 25 ms for the spot.

For this array, 27.94 cm x 600 spi x 25 ms or 165 milliseconds is required for the spot to make the entire 8.5 x 27.94 cm paper page. Absolutely, this corresponds to about 360 pages per minute, which should be compared to a maximum of about 20 pages per minute from the TIJ system. One reason for the increased production is the ability to provide a continuous supply of marking material. That is, the percentage of print cycles in the duty cycle is nearly 100% when compared to TIJ systems where the print time is exactly 20% of the duty cycle (up to 80% of the TIJ duty cycle is used to wait for the channel to refill the ink). ).

In some embodiments, despite generating a fluidized bed in the cavity, the marking material converges in the stagnant region within the cavity, such as a commer, debilitating the fluidized bed and adversely affecting the operation of the marking material being injected into the channel. Can be. This example is shown in FIG. 26A. To address this problem and to assist in the work of the marking material in the cavity, the volume in the cavity can be disturbed. FIG. 26B shows one embodiment 250 that causes such disturbances. At least one wall 254 forming cavity 28 has a piezoelectric electrical material 256 which causes an instrument or pressure disturbance within cavity 28, which disturbs the marking material located in cavity 28. In this state, the stagnation point in the cavity 252 is avoided.

As with all color printers, in a plurality of marking materials, two or more marking materials may be mixed in the channel before being deposited on the substrate (again, the following techniques are suitable for other materials such as pre and post marking material processing). In such a case, each marking material is individually metered and entered, which requires independent control of each marking material and limits the yield ratio by the required addressing and other forms of metrology. For example, FIG. 27 shows a multicolor marking system in which each channel 46 can be provided with a marking material having one or more colors. In order to control the flow of marking material entering the channel 46, for example, the measuring device 104 of the type described above is provided in the manner described above via the column address leads 106 and the row address leads 108. Addressed in a matrix manner. The RC time constant associated with the 820.3 cm long set of passively addressed column address leads 106 limits the minimum obtainable signal rise time on this line to a few microseconds and the applicant takes 2 ms at 500 kHz. The "on" time of the minimum measuring device is about 5 ms. For n-bit grayscale prints, the overall coverage for each color takes 2 × 5 ⁿ for the spot. Thus, it takes 27.9 cm × 600 spi × (2 × 5 ⁿ ) μs / spot, or about 33 × 2 ⁿ ms, to print the entire coverage 600 spi page, which corresponds to about 1800 × 2 ⁻ⁿ pages per minute. . For 5-bit grayscale (n = 5) proportional to the channel, the system handles up to 56 full color pages per minute, and can use full color (when using CMYK spectrum) for each spot in a single pass. Note that a form of the present invention is to provide a relatively high spot density, i.e., 300 spi or more at two or more bits of grayscale, and that several levels of grayscale can be obtained without significantly changing the spot diameter. Should be. That is, while the density of the marking material changes to different levels of gray or color for the spot, the spot size remains constant, i.e., 120 mu m.]

Other addressing schemes are known which allow for faster addressing and thus allow for faster printing. For example, by using parallel addressing schemes, signal rise time can be shortened by rating. A system with a minimum measuring instrument "on" time of 1 ms can achieve full color grayscale marking at about 280 pages per minute.

Since there is a trade-off between yield and color depth / grayscale, the system can be tailored to the purpose in order to optimize for either or both features. Table 3 summarizes the yield and color depth / grayscale matrix based on these assumptions and the feed rate of the marking material required.

Note that color depth and yield need not be fixed for the system. These values can be adjusted by the user during the setup process for the marking device.

It should be noted that the marking that increases the number of colors is distributed in a roughly Gaussian function distribution for the spot size / density, which is shown in FIG. 28 for a system with four colors and two bit grayscale.

The ability to precisely control the spot position of the marking material is partly a function of the propeller speed, and the spot size and shape are also a function of this speed. On the other hand, the choice of propellant velocity is partly a function of the size and mass of the marking material particulate, and also the spot position, size and shape is a function of how well the sufficiently expanded propellant stays and is aimed at. FIG. 29 illustrates the case of realized propellant / substrate interaction when viewed approximately perpendicular to the substrate. Streamline 110 shows the fact that the cylindrical propellant stream forms a flow pattern at the substrate surface spaced from the circular disk of marking material spot 112.

Typically, the marking material particulates are deposited on the substrate due to the inertia imparted by the propellant. However, the position of the marking material fine particles in the substrate is changed from the center by the lateral hydrodynamic elements occurring at the propellant / substrate interface shown in FIG. 30. The smaller the mass of particulates and such particulates from the center of the propellant stream, the more particulates of the marking material are converted from the spot center. The result is that the spot has a Gaussian function density distribution 114, shown in FIG.

In FIG. 31, as a worst-case evaluation example of marking material particulate variation due to propellant / substrate interface effect (i.e., lateral drag on the substrate surface), the particulate 116 having a density ρ _p has a width (L / 2). Suppose that it is guided to a completely flat substrate 38 at a velocity v perpendicular to the substrate in the propellant stream of (). It is assumed that the surface of the substrate has a lateral propellant flow 120 of thickness L with a velocity v induced by the propellant colliding with the substrate. That is, assume the worst case where the propeller velocity is converted to lateral flow as a whole when interacting with the substrate.

The lateral deviation x of the marking material particulate 116 due to the lateral attraction is calculated for the other particulate diameter D. In Reynolds number 1,

Where ρ _p = 1.3 kg / m ³ and μ _g = 1.7 × 10 ⁻⁵ kg-s / m ² . For a particle size of 3 μm and a speed of v = 300 m / s, the Reynolds number is 70, which corresponds to a drag coefficient (CD) of 2.8. The attractive force FD is given by Equation 2.

The lateral attraction also deflects the normal incidence trajectory of the microparticles 116 and also transports the trajectory with the radius of curvature R determined from Equation 3 with respect to the inertial centripetal force F _i .

Here, the speed V is as shown in Equation 4 below.

R is given by Equation 5 below.

Here, the cross-sectional area A is as shown in Equation 6 below.

The resulting deviation x is given by equation (7).

Or, if the vertical propellant stream diameter (L / 2) is adopted with a half array pitch, then the deviation x is equal to (8).

For the flow rate v, the particle size D, the predetermined array density, and the particle density of 1000 kg / m ³ , the resulting deviation x is shown in Table 4 for various conditions.

Thus, for the worst case of 300 m / s flow rate, the marking material particulate size of 1 μm, the 600spi resolution, the propellant stream of 21 μm (ie the outlet orifice size) determine the spot size according to equation (9) below. .

The expansion of the spot size is due to the lateral attraction at the propellant stream / substrate interface, which means that all conditions are: (1) the point of stagnation and the fully developed crossflow, (2) the crossflow equal to the overall propellant stream velocity, and Due to negligible frictional losses and substrate form, (3) the worst case for conditions where the entire attraction force is applied suddenly and the two injection diameters are spaced away from the substrate. Note that the Reynolds number is very low due to the grade of the characteristic length and that turbulence cannot develop in proportion to the theory of microfluidic flow. As a result, when the particulate size decreases, it should be noted that at some point R increases so as to approach the lateral propellant flow of thickness 2L. When this occurs, the marking material particles are highly deflected from the spot center and extremely do not contact the substrate. It can be seen from the above description that this occurs for the marking material particulate size in the range of 100 nm or less (based on the assumptions estimated here).

This not only represents acceptable spot size and position control but also accounts for it under assumed conditions, and no special mechanism is required to extract the marking material particulates from the propellant stream and deposits the marking material on the substrate.

However, where it is desirable to further enhance the extraction of marking material particulates from the propellant stream at the substrate surface (ie, low flow rate / particulate size, etc.), electrostatically enhanced particulate extraction procedures may be used. By filling the substrate or platen with the opposite charge of the marking material particulates, the attraction between the particulates and the substrate / platen enhances the extraction process. Such an embodiment 178 is shown in FIG. 33, where the body 26 is located adjacent to the platen 180, which can receive and retain pure charge. The charge on platen 180 may be applied by belt 184 or other means or by donor roller 182 moving with platen 180 in a manner known in the art (such as friction brushes, piezoelectric coatings, etc.).

In one example, the platen 180 is provided with pure positive charge by the donor roller 182 and the marking material particulate 188 is provided with pure negative charge by, for example, corona or other means as shown in FIG. Can be. The marking receiving substrate (ie paper) is disposed adjacent the platen between the marking material source and the platen. The attraction between the marking material 188 and the platen accelerates the marking material toward the platen, and if such attraction is particularly strong enough in embodiments with relatively low propellant speeds, the propellant is spotted by lateral drag of the propellant. Overcome the bias from the center. In addition, this attraction forces the marking material to bounce off of the substrate and to settle in an unintended position on the substrate, fusion by the heating and / or pressure rollers 186 to rest outside the position of the substrate prior to post injection control. ] Can help to solve problems and bouncing problems, etc., which is particularly advantageous when dynamic fusion is not available.

Once the marking material is transferred to the substrate, it must adhere or fuse to the substrate. While there are several approaches to the fusion process according to the invention, one simple approach is to use the kinetic energy of the marking material particulates. For this approach, the marking material particulates have a speed sufficient to dynamically dissolve the particulates upon collision with the substrate (assuming the substrate is infinitely rigid) with plastic deformation due to the collision with the substrate ( v _c ) After the dissolution process (complete transition to the liquid or glass state, or similar reversible temporary state transition), the particulates solidify (or return to their original state) and fuse to the substrate.

In order to achieve a dynamic fusion process, the following facts: (1) the kinetic energy of the particulates must be sufficient for the particles to exceed their elastic limits; (2) It is required that the kinetic energy be greater than the heat necessary for the particulates to exceed their softening temperatures and cause a phase change. 35 is a plot 190 of the number of marking material particulates versus kinetic energy for a typical embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the general conditions under which the dynamic fusion process occurs. Above a certain kinetic energy value, the particulates have sufficient energy to fuse the substrate, but below the specific kinetic energy value, the particulates have insufficient energy to fuse the substrate. That particular kinetic energy value is described as the dynamic fusion energy threshold and is indicated by the boundary 192 shown in FIG. 35. In essence, the particles whose kinetic energy is applied to region 194 are not fused due to insufficient heating, while the particles with energy in region 196 are fused. In essence, there are two ways to increase the percentage of fused marking material particulates. First, the dynamic fusion energy threshold can be varied, which is essentially a function of the quality of the marking material. Second, the overall dynamic energy curve can be changed, for example by increasing the propellant speed.

The kinetic energy of the spherical fine particles having the velocity v, the density ρ, and the diameter d is given by the following equation (10).

The energy E _m required to heat spherical particulates having a diameter d, a thermal volume C _p and a density ρ at room temperature T _o beyond the softening temperature T _s is given by Obtained by 11.

The energy E _p required to transform a particle having a diameter d and a Young's modulus E beyond its elastic limit σ _e into a plastic deformation scheme is given by Equation 12.

The critical velocity v _cp for obtaining plastic deformation is given by equation (13).

Finally, the critical velocity (v _cm ) for obtaining the dynamic dissolution process is given by equation (14).

For thermoplastics with C _p = 1000 l / kgK, T _s = 60 ° C. and T _o = 20 ° C., the critical velocity required to obtain dynamic dissolution is 280 m / s, which is consistent with the above assumption, which results in particulate Note that it is not related to size and density.

The process of reaching propellant speeds above 280 m / s can be achieved in several ways. One method involves the so-called Laval nozzle shown in Fig. 4, which converts the pressure of the propellant to speed, for example, at a relatively high pressure, depending on the geometry of the device (in one example, in the order of the various atmospheres). In other words, it serves as a convergence region of a channel having a convergence region 48 and a diverging region 50. In one example, the propellant is at or below the speed of sound (i.e., 331 m / s) in all regions of the channel, and in another example, the propellant is supersonic in the diverging region 50, subsonic in the converging region 48, converging region and diverging In the neck portion 53 between the regions, the speed of sound or near sound speed is close.

FIG. 36 shows the propellant velocity v of the outlet orifice 56 against the propellant pressure of the channel 46 of square cross section 84 μm on each side (corresponding to about 300 spots for 2.54 cm). As is known, 280 m / s can immediately reach a suitable pressure for the channel with the nozzle and the channel without the nozzle.

This assumes that the substrate is infinitely rigid, which in most cases is not. The elastic effect of the substrate reduces the E-coefficient of the material without reducing its yield strength (ie, the more energy is required to reach the yield stress of the material, the more energy is required to obtain plastic deformation). V _cp increases). That is, although the kinetic energy may be greater than the energy required to dissolve the particulates, the collision process becomes elastic, causing the particulates to bounce and potentially insufficient heat. Thus, in some systems, marking material particulates must reach higher preliminary impact rates or fusion aids must be provided by the system.

If convergence assistance is needed, several approaches can be used. For example, one or more heating filaments 122 may be provided adjacent to the injection port 56 (shown in FIG. 4), which may reduce the kinetic energy required to dissolve the marking material particulates. Partially dissolved or suspended marking material particulates. Alternatively, or in addition to the filament 122, a heated filament 124 can be placed adjacent to the substrate 38 (shown in FIG. 4) to achieve a similar effect.

Another approach to aid in the fusion process is to pass the marking material particles through the strong beam of the aimed light, such as a laser beam, thereby reducing the kinetic energy required to dissolve the marking material particles or at least partially freeing the suspended particles. Enough energy is given to the microparticles for dissolution. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 37, in which a stream 130 of marking material particulate passes through and is aimed at a strong aimed light source 132, such as a laser beam generated by laser 134. Facing the substrate 38. In addition, a light source other than the laser 134 may obtain a similar effect.

Particles having a density (ρ), a mass (m), a diameter (d), a thermal volume (C _p ), and a softening temperature (T _s ) are represented by a width (L ₁ ) and , Assume that it travels at a speed v through a laser beam of size L ₂ . The temperature change ΔT for the fine particles of the heat input ΔQ is given by equation (15).

Here, m = ρ · volume = ρ · πd ^3/6

The laser power density p is given by the laser power P divided by the elliptic area as in equation (16).

Absorbed by the fine particles with respect to the time unit of energy absorption; given by the projected area of times the laser power density (α absorption fraction) times the particle (πd ^2/4).

The energy absorbed by the particulates while traveling through the beam is given by equations (18) and (19).

The temperature change is given by equation (20).

When the initial temperature of the particulate is T _o , the laser power required to heat the particulate to exceed its glass transition temperature is given by equation (21).

As an example, the applicant takes the following values:

Thus, the laser power required to dissolve the marking material particulates of the above example is 1.9 watts, which is within the range of commercially available laser systems, such as continuous beam, fiber coupled laser diodes.

FIG. 38 shows a plot of the light source output required for particulate dissolution against particulate size at various particulate velocities, indicating that it should be appropriate for particulate size and velocity in dissolving suspended matter with a laser diode. The advantage with suspended melt is that the bulky material is heated (the bulky marking material or substrate is not heated). Thus, the suspended melt can accommodate a variety of marking material delivery packages (i.e., stationary and movable marking material reservoirs) and vary due to the low heat capacity of the marking material despite the relatively high particulate temperatures (i.e. low calories). The substrate can be handled.

Consequently, depending on the particular application of the invention, other systems may be used to assist the fusion process. For example, the propellant itself may be heated. This may be undesirable when the propellant heat dissolves the marking material particulates, which will contaminate and block the channels, which will give sufficient thermal energy to the particulates that are insufficient to dissolve to reduce the kinetic energy required for impact fusion. Can be. The substrate (or substrate carrier, such as a platen) may be sufficiently heated to aid in the dynamic fusion process or may be sufficiently heated to dissolve the marking material particulates. Alternatively, the fusing process may occur at individual stations of the device, with heat, pressure or both couplings, similar to the fusing process used in modern dry printing equipment. The UV curable material used as the marking material can be fused or cured by applying UV radiation to be suspended or cured to the material receiving substrate.

However, it should be understood that an important aspect of the present invention is the ability to provide phase change and fusion processes on a pixel-by-pixel basis. That is, many prior arts have been limited to bulky printing materials in the liquid state, such as toners in liquid inks or liquid carriers. Therefore, the present invention can greatly improve the resolution and perform single pass marking of various materials or colors at the pixel level.

During operation of one embodiment of the marking apparatus of the present invention, the propellant may flow continuously through the channel (s), which is to maximize the speed at which the system can mark the substrate, namely, It is possible to achieve the purpose of continuously washing the channel in which the marking material has accumulated, preventing the introduction of contaminants (paper fibers, dust, moisture from the surroundings, etc.) into the channel, and the like.

In the inactive state, with the system output off, the propellant does not flow through the channel. In order to prevent contaminants from entering in this state, the sealing structure 146 shown in FIG. 39 may contact the face of the print head 34, in particular the outlet orifice 56. The closure structure 146 may be a rubber plate or other material capable of impermeable sealing the channel from the surrounding environment. Alternatively, if the print head 34 can move within the marking system, it can move to the holding station within the marking system when used in common in the TIJ and other print systems. As another alternative, when the marking system is designed to mark sheet media supported by platens, rollers or the like, and also when the platens, rollers or the like are formed of a suitable material such as rubber, the print head 34 In order to seal the channel, it can be moved in contact with platens, rollers and the like. Alternatively, the platens, rollers, etc. can move to contact the print head 34, as shown in FIG.

The cleaning of the port 42 and any associated openings 136 and electrodes 142 may be carried out by the propellant flow used to establish the fluidized bed described above or when no marking material is injected into the channel, such as the port or the like. By adjusting the pressure balance between the channel and the marking material cavity so that the propellant flows through.

Another embodiment 320 is shown in FIG. 43, and in embodiment 320, the print head 322 is necessarily reversed. The above description applies equally to this embodiment except that the fluidized bed 324 is established by a suitable gas, such as the propellant from the propellant source 33 by adjusting the valve 326 or similar means. The aerosol zone 328 is established over the fluidized bed 324, which is in turn established by the gas or other means generating this fluidized bed 324. The marking material from the aerosol zone 328 is then metered and into the propellant stream.

To date, various embodiments of the ballistic aerosol marking device and components thereof described herein can be understood. This embodiment provides a high speed for dynamic fusion, with a compressor providing an integrated reservoir and a compressed propellant, a rechargeable or remote marking material reservoir, very high yield or a very large marking area for marking on one or more various substrates. Small systems with replaceable cartridges holding marking material and propellant, designed for the purpose of improving print volume (color or monochromatic) and quality on paper in large-scale systems that may include the propellant speed of [desk-top, home office (home office), etc.]. The embodiments described and described herein provide a single marking material and one pass with the ability to substantially mix any marking material within the channel of the device prior to applying the marking material to or on the substrate without reprint registration. It is possible to apply marking materials of all colors, materials that are not visible to the naked eye, preliminary marking materials, post-marking materials and the like. It should be understood, however, that the description set forth herein is illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope and claims of the invention.

Claims (12)

A structure having two or more adjacent internal channels having an outlet orifice having a width of 250 μm or less, A marking material reservoir connected to communicate with the channel; A particulate marking material comprising a metrology device disposed between the at least one channel and the marking material reservoir and connected in communication with the at least one channel to selectively inject particulate marking material from the reservoir into the at least one channel Spraying device. A structure having an internal channel having an outlet orifice that receives a propellant stream and to which the propellant stream can move; A reservoir of particulate marking material connected in communication with the channel; And a metering device disposed between the channel and the reservoir of marking material, the metering device capable of selectively injecting the particulate marking material from the reservoir into the propellant stream. A print head having at least two adjacent inner channels each having an outlet orifice having a width of 250 μm or less, A propellant source connected to said each channel for guiding said propellant stream through said outlet orifice toward said substrate such that a propellant provided as a propellant source flows through said channel to form a propellant stream with kinetic energy inside said channel; Particulate marking material from the reservoir is controllably injected into the propellant stream in each of the channels such that the kinetic energy of the propellant stream is able to communicate to each of the channels to effect the particulate marking material to impinge against the substrate. An apparatus for depositing particulate marking material on a substrate, comprising a connected marking material reservoir. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of the at least two adjacent channels is configured to be spaced 250 micrometers or less from other adjacent channels. 5. The particulate of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of marking material reservoirs connected to each in communication with at least one of the channels such that marking material from each reservoir can be controllably injected into the propellant stream. Apparatus for depositing marking material onto a substrate. A propellant stream having kinetic energy by flowing through the channel in a head structure having an outlet orifice having a width of 250 μm or less through which the propellant can flow and having an inner channel for directing the propellant stream towards the substrate Providing the propellant to form a; Controllably injecting particulate marking material into the propellant stream in the channel; Performing kinetic energy of the propellant stream to cause the particulate marking material to collide with the substrate. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising continuously flowing the propellant stream through the channel while the marking device is in operation. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the controllable introduction of several other marking materials into the propellant stream, wherein at least one marking material is a particulate marking material, causes the different kinetic energies of the propellant stream to collide with the substrate. Further comprising the step of depositing a marking material on the substrate. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising mixing the various marking materials in the channel prior to impingement with the substrate. Providing a head structure having a channel having an outlet orifice therein, the propellant forming a propellant stream having kinetic energy by flowing through the channel; Controllably introducing marking material particulates into the propellant stream of the channel, causing the kinetic energy of the propellant stream to cause the marking material particulates to exit the outlet orifice and collide with the substrate at a speed v _c ; Fusing the marking material to the substrate by solidifying the marking material particulate, The channel directs the propellant stream through the outlet orifice in the direction towards the substrate, And said velocity v _c is a velocity sufficient to dynamically dissolve the marking material particulates by plastic deformation from collision of the substrate and marking material particulates. The method of claim 10, wherein the collision between the marking material fine particles and the substrate exceeds the elastic limit value of the marking material fine particles, And the propellant imparts to the marking material fine particles kinetic energy which can cause a phase change by causing the collision between the marking material fine particles and the substrate to heat the marking material fine particles above their softening temperature. One or more reservoirs that carry the marking material and comprise ports through which the marking material stored in the reservoir can move; A channel region having a marking material receiving region therein and extending into at least one channel extending from the propellant receiving region to the outlet orifice and connecting the port to be in communication with the reservoir and the marking material receiving region; Acting on the marking material stored in the one or more reservoirs and disposed adjacent to the one or more ports and acting on the marking material, thereby controlling the marking material entering the marking material receiving area from the reservoir. A cartridge removably attachable to the print head, the cartridge including one or more electrostatic measuring devices that can be calibrated.