Ink manifold having elastomer channel plate for ink jet printhead, and process for making the same

摘要

An ink manifold is integrally formed with an elastomeric channel plate by a two-step injection molding process, to form an assembly (20) for use in an ink jet printhead (30). The manifold (22) can include posts (22a,22b) for attachment to a heat sink (16) upon which is secured a heater plate (12) containing a plurality of heater elements which are located in corresponding channels (25) of the elastomeric channel plate (21). The elastomeric channel plate eliminates the need to secure the channel plate to the manifold and heater plate using adhesives.