Print window improvement for continous ink jet printer

摘要

A system and method are provided for improving the operating latitude for the charging and deflection voltage of an ink jet printhead, by catching non-print drops (16) with a wall impinging catcher to form a fluid layer in a face (10) of the catcher; and lowering drag on the fluid layer on the catcher face. This is accomplished by providing a drop generator for producing ink drops and a catcher/charge plate assembly for catching and recirculating non print drops. A printhead frame maintains the alignment of the drop generator and the catcher/charge plate assembly. Temperature induced distortion of these components is eliminated by heating them to a constant temperature. <IMAGE>