Method of forming an inkjet printhead nozzle structure
US6409308B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/162
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming one or more nozzles in a substrate used, for example, as a nozzle plate in an inkjet printhead of a thermal inkjet printer, using laser ablation, An opaque mask is interposed between a source of a laser beam and the substrate and includes one or more transparent, ring-shaped orifices therethrough arranged in a closely-spaced matrix. The beam is emitted from the laser source towards the mask such that the opaque portions of the mask block the beam from passing through the mask except for through the ring-shaped orifices. The beam is thereby separated into one or more ring-shaped beam portions, each of which penetrates the substrate at approximately the same and substantially constant intensity to ablate one or more ring-shaped openings in the substrate arranged on the substrate as a closely-spaced matrix. Ring-spaced openings each defines a center plug portion, which is removed from the substrate, for example, by vacuum or adhesive.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.