Patent ID: 8012363
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating a printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle chambers filled with a first sacrificial material and a nozzle plate having a relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, said nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face of the printhead; (b) depositing a hydrophobic polymeric layer onto the nozzle surface; (c) depositing a protective metal film onto at least said hydrophobic polymeric layer; (d) depositing a second sacrificial material onto said metal film; (e) patterning said sacrificial material to define a plurality of nozzle opening regions; (f) defining a plurality of nozzle openings through said metal film, said hydrophobic polymeric layer and said nozzle plate; (g) removing all of said first sacrificial material by subjecting said printhead to an oxidizing plasma, wherein said metal film protects said hydrophobic polymeric layer from said oxidizing plasma; and (h) removing said protective metal film after removal of said first sacrificial material, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face.