Conductive Toner Cloud Confinement Using the Cone Shape of a Dented Electrode

Control of toner movement is an important parameter in the development of digital printing. Conductive toner has possibilities for a new, simple printing mechanism. Conductive toner particles were sprayed onto the lower electrode. An electric field was applied between the two electrodes. The toner moved up and down between the two electrodes by electrostatic force. When the cone shape of the dented electrode replaced the lower plate, conductive toner particles were confined in the dented electrode. This research studied the toner confinement conditions required to form a toner cloud state using the cone-shaped dented electrode. It was found that the depth of the cone-shaped dented lower electrode, the resistivity of conductive toner, and applied voltage between the electrodes were the influencing factors that determined the optimum size of toner cloud confinement and the toner-jump current. The deeper cone-shaped dented electrode reduced the size of the toner cloud confinement and the toner-jump current. A high resistivity toner produced a larger size toner cloud and decreased the toner-jump current. When a greater amount of toner was placed in the electrode, a larger size toner cloud and greater toner-jump current were obtained. A higher applied voltage reduced the size of the toner cloud and increased the toner-jump current.