Patent ID: 7866795
Filing Date: 2011-01-11
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an electrical connection between an electrode and an actuator in an inkjet nozzle assembly, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having a layer of drive circuitry, said drive circuitry including the electrode for connection to the actuator, said actuator being a thermal bend actuator comprising a planar active beam member mechanically cooperating with a planar passive beam member; (b) forming a wall of insulating material over said electrode; (c) defining a via in at least said wall, said via revealing said electrode; (d) filling said via with a conductive material using electroless plating to provide a connector post; (e) depositing an active beam material onto a passive beam material such that said active beam material extends from said connector post in a plane perpendicular to said post thereby providing electrical connection between the actuator and the electrode; (f) depositing a catalyst layer on a base of said via prior to said electroless plating; and, (g) depositing a first metal pad over a top of said connector post prior to deposition of said active beam material, said first metal pad being configured to facilitate current flow from the connector post to the active beam member.