Producing very small spherical particles with narrow size distribution, e.g. polymeric toner particles, by solidifying droplets formed by ink-jet methods

摘要

Production of very small spherical particles involves (a) preparing a homogeneous mixture, (b) expelling the mixture as droplets using an ink-jet method and (c) allowing the droplets to solidify to particles. An independent claim is included for corresponding apparatus for production of very small spherical particles, comprising an ink-jet device for expelling a mixture as a continuous series of droplets and a zone for solidification of the droplets.