Apparatus and method for forming a toner image with low toner pile height

摘要

An apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet having low toner pile height is disclosed. A latent image is formed on an imaging member. A developer unit develops the latent image with a less than monolayer of toner particles on the imaging member. The developed image is transferred to a compliant intermediate member whereupon a filming station spreads the toner particles to form a film layer. The station includes a heater for heating the less than monolayer of toner particles to a temperature sufficient to cause the toner particles present on the intermediate member to soften; and a roller for spreading the less than a monolayer of toner particles to generate the thin film layer. The above process is repeated for subsequent colored toners to produce a multi film layer color image. Thereafter, the multi film layer color image is transferred from the intermediate member onto a recording sheet.