Drop Charging and Deflection in an Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer

This paper describes the drop charging and drop deflection processes in an electrostatic ink jet printer. Included in the discussion of drop charging are induction interaction effects and charge synchronization requirements, as well as design considerations for the charge electrode. In describing the parameters governing drop deflection, some drop placement errors are related to undesired interactions resulting from aerodynamic forces and electrostatic repulsion effects on the drops. A scheme for obtaining accurate drop placement in the presence of these interaction effects is described.