Abstract A single or multi-orifice metal nozzle structure suitable for use in an ink jet printing system. The metallic nozzle member has at least one orifice extending therethrough, the orifice including a cylindrical portion, adjacent the outlet face of said nozzle, having a height ranging from 0.25 to 5 times its diameter and at least one frustoconical section divergent toward the face opposite the outlet face and communicating with the cylindrical portion. Where the metal nozzle is a multi-orifice metal nozzle, each frustoconical section communicates with a groove disposed in the face opposite the outlet face. The multi-orifice metal nozzle is prepared by grooving a metal plate with at least one groove, punching a plurality of frustoconical sections into the groove member and then forming a cylindrical portion into each frustoconical section and through the plate member.
A process for the preparation of a unitary metallic multi-orifice nozzle member suitable for use in ink jet printing, said process comprising grooving in one face of a single, flat metal plate member having opposite planar faces and a thickness of from 500 to 5000 microns with at least one groove, having a depth such that the deepest part of the groove is within 25 microns to 250 microns of the face opposite said one face of the plate, punching a plurality of equi-spaced frustoconical sections into said groove of said plate member, forming a cylindrical portion into each of said frustonical sections and through said plate member an opening having an exit portion and then deburring the exit portion of said cylindrical portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A process for the preparation of a unitary metallic multi-orifice nozzle member suitable for use in ink jet printing, said process comprising grooving in one face of a single, flat metal plate member having opposite planar faces and a thickness of from 500 to 5000 microns with at least one groove, having a depth such that the deepest part of the groove is within 25 microns to 250 microns of the face opposite said one face of the plate, punching a plurality of equi-spaced frustoconical sections into said groove of said plate member, forming a cylindrical portion into each of said frustonical sections and through said plate member an opening having an exit portion and then deburring the exit portion of said cylindrical portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said multi-orifice nozzle member is electroplated with chromium subsequent to said deburring operation.