Patent ID: 6661993
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
Process for controlling the gloss of a toner image which has been transferred to an image carrier substrate (9) and fixed, comprising the steps:the toner image is melted, by a heater which makes mechanical contact with the toner image, to such an extent that a relatively high gloss results; and after the toner image has been fixed on the image carrier substrate (9) by heating, the toner image is exposed to so much thermal energy by electromagnetic radiation or several radiation pulses that at least parts of the toner material, especially the surface layer of the toner image, are overheated and thus damaged in a controlled manner, as much heat being supplied to the toner image at least once again that the toner image on its surface or in the area near its surface is melted either completely or at least in areas, the degree and/or the duration of melting being set depending on the desired gloss of the toner image.