Method and apparatus for moving ink drops using an electric field and transfuse printing system using the same

摘要

A method of forming and moving ink drops across a gap between a print head and a print medium, or intermediate print medium, in a marking device includes generating an electric field, forming the ink drops adjacent the print head and controlling the electric field. The electric field is generated to extend across the gap. The ink drops are formed in an area adjacent the print head. The electric field is controlled such that an electrical attraction force exerted on the formed ink drops by the electric field is the greatest force acting on the ink drops. The marking device may be incorporated into a transfuse printing system having an intermediate print medium made of one or more materials that allow for lateral dissipation of electrical charge from the incident ink drops.