Differential Felting of a Foam for Improved Metering of Inks and Other Liquids

摘要

This invention relates to a process that forms a differentially felted foam (12) from off-the-shelf thermoset or thermoplastic open cell foam. A dispensing material is formed that distributes inks and other fluids uniformly. The above process produces a density gradient of pore size within the material to aid in the improved metering of inks and other fluids. In other words: the top surface layer (13) of the metering material may have pores that are generally small in size; the middle layer (15) of the metering material may have pores that are generally of medium size; and the lower layer (19) of the metering material may have pores that are generally large in size. The metering material may also be used as printing elements. The method is as follows: 1. Placing a sheet of foam in a press between two members. 2. Producing a temperature gradient in the foam and 3. applying pressure to the foam via the members.