SINGLE-COMPONENT DEVELOPMENT - A REVIEW

A need to develop an electrostatic latent image by electrically charge d toner particles brought about two distinct approaches, two-component development and single-component development, respectively. The two-c omponent development has afforded at least partial separation of perfo rmance and design into two different functions, a primarily materials- oriented function of toner charging and a separate function of two-com ponent developer handling and application to achieve image development . Such a separation did not occur in the single-component development. In this process, materials design is closely tied to the type and att ributes of the development application. Toner charging, transport, the way toner is presented to the latent electrostatic image, and the dev eloped image quality determine hardware characteristics and design par ameters of the materials. Design, performance, and applications are di scussed to arrive at a better understanding of the present technology status, its limitations, and possible outlook.