Patent ID: 6228311
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B23K,B41J

Abstract:
Method of forming a nozzle in a nozzle plate for an inkjet printhead, the nozzle having a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet in respective opposite faces of the nozzle plate; the method comprising the steps of(a) directing a high energy beam at the face of the nozzle plate in which said nozzle outlet is to be formed; and,(b) ablating said nozzle in said nozzle plate with said high energy beam,said ablating including the steps of holding the power of said high energy beam low at the beginning of the ablating to minimize damage to the nozzle outlet from exhaust products of said ablating and increasing the power of said high energy beam with increasing depth of the nozzle formed in said nozzle plate whereby high power is employed toward the end of the ablating to give the nozzle a good internal finish and to ensure faithful reproduction of the shape of said high energy beam.