Patent ID: 6416156
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method of marking a substrate, comprising the steps of:providing a propellant to a head structure, said head structure having a channel with an exit orifice therein, said propellant flowing through said channel to thereby form a propellant stream having kinetic energy, said channel directing said propellant stream out through said exit orifice in a direction toward said substrate; controllably introducing a marking material particulate into said propellant stream in said channel such that the kinetic energy of said propellant stream causes said marking material particulate to exit said exit orifice and impact said substrate with a velocity vc, said velocity being sufficient to kinetically melt the marking material particulate by plastic deformation from the marking material particulate's impact with said substrate; and resolidifying the marking material particulate to thereby fuse said marking material to said substrate.