Patent ID: 6312103
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An inkjet print head having an outer surface plate which is coated with a layer of titanium dioxide wherein the outer surface layer of titanium dioxide is a catalyst to decompose any ink deposited on the outer surface, which surface is therefore self-cleaning of ink; and wherein the titanium dioxide layer has a thickness of between about 0.01 and 1000 micron and wherein the outer surface plate further comprises:an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the inner surface portion defines an orifice that extends through said plate between the inner surface and the outer surface; whereinthe outer surface has a first outer surface portion surrounding the orifice, a second outer portion surrounding the first outer portion and a third outer surface portion surrounding the second outer surface portion, wherein the second surface portion is less wettable with respect to ink than the first outer surface portion and the third outer surface portion: andthe orifice and first outer surface portion join to define an edge, said first outer surface portion being adjacent to the edge and separated from the orifice by the edge;wherein the first outer surface portion comprises a layer of titanium dioxide having a first wetting characteristic such that ink on the surface has a wetting characteristic and forms a contact angle of between about 0 and 20.degree..