DIRECT PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

Image forming apparatus and method in which an image information is converted into a pattern of electrostatic fields for modulating a transport of charged toner particles from a particle carrier towards an image receiving surface by means of a background electric field. The apparatus includes a printhead structure arranged in the background electric field including a plurality of apertures and control electrodes arranged in conjunction to the apertures. The image receiving surface is arranged for movement in relation to the printhead structure for intercepting the transported charged toner particles in an image configuration. The apparatus comprises first attachment means (4042) for fixing a first point (FP>41<) of the printhead structure (4005) in a first position upstream the apertures (4052), and second attachment means (4043) for fixing a second fixing point (FP>42<) of the printhead structure (4005) in a second position downstream the apertures (4052). The printhead structure (4005) follows a curve passing through at least one point of inflection (PI>41<, PI>42<) between the first (FP>41<) and second (FP>42<) fixing points.