Patent ID: 6943037
Filing Date: 2005-09-13
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a continuous ink jet print head comprising: providing a silicon substrate having an integrated circuit for controlling operation of the print head, the silicon substrate having an insulating layer or layers formed thereon, the insulating layer or layers having electrical conductors formed therein that are electrically connected to circuits formed in the silicon substrate; forming in the insulating layer or layers a series of relatively large bores each of which extends from the surface of the insulating layer or layers to the silicon substrate; depositing a sacrificial layer in each of the series of bores; forming over the sacrificial layer in each bore an insulating layer or layers that includes a heater element; forming a nozzle opening in the insulating layer or layers that includes the heater element; and removing the sacrificial layer from each of the bores to form a print head having a relatively planar surface around the area of the nozzle bores to facilitate maintenance of the printhead.