MICROCAPPING OF INKJET NOZZLES

摘要

An inkjet printer comprising: a printhead comprising a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzle openings defined therein, said nozzle plate comprising a first relatively hydrophilic layer and a second relatively hydrophobic layer, said second layer defining an ink ejection face for said printhead; and a capper having a planar capping surface, said capper being moveable between a first position in which said capper is disengaged from said printhead and a second position in which said capping surface sealingly engages with said ink ejection face wherein, in said second position, a meniscus of ink contained in each nozzle opening is pinned at an interface between said first and second layers, such that a microwell is defined between said capping surface and said meniscus.