Fixing toner image in two stages - first rapid stage on electrically heated belt and second radiant stage

摘要

Electrophotographically produced images, which have been developed by toner powder contg. thermoplastics substances, are developed by placing the image support on an electrically conducting conveyor belt and heating the belt rapidly by passing current through it to just below the fusion point of the toner, at the same time intensively agitating the support sheet together with the belt to promote contact heating. The support then passes through a limited area where it is subjected to radiant heat to bring it up to the desired fusion temperature for the powder, precautions against overheating being taken. Pref. the conveyor belt is silicone coated. The fixing takes place very rapidly, so that a relatively long heating-up time for the machine of several minutes is not necessary. Also, it is no longer necessary to keep the machine hot in preparation for developing and fixing in order to avoid this delay.