ANALYSIS OF THE PRINTING PROCESS WITH TRANSFER OF TONER PARTICLES BY DIRECT LIGHT IRRADIATION

We analyzed a printing method using direct toner transfer by a light f lash in which the image-forming process was expected to be considerabl y simplified. First, we found the transferred amount of toner particle s increased linearly with the irradiated energy and abruptly decreased at long pulse length. Next, we observed the toner movement using a hi gh-speed camera and measured the transmissivity and current transition to clarify the toner transfer process. The toner transfer was caused by a thermal event, and from a temperature simulation we concluded was the ablation of toner occurred. Comparison of experiment and simulati on results showed the toner transfer started at the time when the insi de maximum temperature reached a specific temperature, i.e., the decom position temperature of the toner material.