Patent ID: 8911060

Claim:
A method for passivating a printhead assembly comprising the steps of: assembling a printhead and at least one filter having a plurality of pores and being intended for use with the printhead when in operation; assembling said printhead with a blank nozzle plate to create a printhead assembly comprising said printhead, said blank nozzle plate, and said at least one filter having a plurality of pores; passing a fluid or gaseous coating substance through said printhead assembly comprising said printhead, said blank nozzle plate, and said at least one filter having a plurality of pores, via said filter, thus forming a passivating layer over at least some of the surfaces of both the printhead and the filter; wherein said step of assembling said printhead with a blank nozzle plate to create a printhead assembly takes place prior to said step of passing a fluid or gaseous coating substance through said printhead assembly via said filter; and, subsequent to said step of passing a fluid or gaseous coating substance through said printhead assembly via said filter, the step of forming a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle having a nozzle bore extending through said nozzle plate, and wherein said nozzle bores are free of said coating substance.