Patent ID: 6071427
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method for making a printhead for an ink jet printer, the method comprising providing a metal substrate carrier and at least one semiconductor substrate attached to the carrier, the semiconductor substrate containing energy imparting devices, electrical conductors for the energy imparting devices and electrical contacts for the conductors; attaching a polymeric tape containing electrical tracing terminating in contact pads on one side thereof to the carrier; applying an adhesive layer to the carrier and to the semiconductor substrate, the adhesive layer containing first openings over the electrical contacts on the semiconductor substrate; bonding a nozzle plate to the adhesive layer on the carrier and semiconductor substrate, the nozzle plate having an outer surface and containing second openings over the electrical contacts on the semiconductor substrate; connecting the electrical contacts with the contact pads using a wire bonding process to form wire loops sufficient for thermal expansion and contraction of the substrate and carrier; positioning the wire loops so that a highest portion of each wire is below about 8 mils above the outer surface of the nozzle plate; and coating the electrical contacts, contact pads and wire loops with a silicone polymer coating to provide an ink jet printhead.