Patent ID: 6186622
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An apparatus for printing comprising:a nozzle member having a plurality of ink orifices formed therein, said nozzle member being formed of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion;a body having a snout portion, said snout portion having a first end and a second end and including a plurality of tapered walls tapering from the second end to the first end, wherein said nozzle member is fixed to the first end of said snout portion, said body being formed of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion substantially higher than the first coefficient of thermal expansion; andan expander press-fit into the second end of said snout portion to prevent substantial relative displacement therebetween, said expander being formed of a third material having a third coefficient of thermal expansion substantially lower than said second coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein said expander limits contraction of the first end of said snout portion such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first end of said snout portion is substantially less than said second coefficient of thermal expansion, a resulting coefficient of thermal expansion of the first end of said snout portion with said expander inserted therein being closer to, or less than, said first coefficient of thermal expansion of said nozzle member, said expander thereby substantially reducing deformation of said nozzle member due to thermal expansion of said body.