Patent ID: 7938974
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
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 and a nozzle plate having relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, said nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face of the printhead; (b) defining a plurality of nozzle openings in at least said nozzle plate; (c) depositing a hydrophobic polymeric layer onto the nozzle surface; (d) depositing a protective metal film onto at least said polymeric layer; (e) subjecting said printhead to an oxidizing plasma; and (f) removing said protective metal film, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face, wherein step (b) is performed immediately after any of steps (a), (c) or (d), and wherein no plasma oxidizing steps are performed after removing said protective metal film in step (f).