Method for improving drop charging assembly flatness to improved drop charge uniformity in planar electrode structures

摘要

An improved continuous ink jet print station includes a drop generator with a jet array and a drop charging assembly. The drop charging assembly includes a substrate with a first side facing the jet array, and one or more resistive heater elements placed on the substrate aligned with the jet array. The resistive heater elements are discontinuously disposed on portions of the substrate. One or more one charging electrodes are disposed on the first side. The continuous ink jet print station includes a power source for powering the resistive heater elements to heat the substrate to a temperature sufficient to prevent condensation of fluid on the first side.