Simulation Model to Predict Paper Curl Reformation in a Decurler Device

Abstract

Paper curl is a phenomenon in which arc-like residual deformation occurs, and degrades publishing quality. To reform the paper curl, decurler devices are installed in electrophotography products. In the decurler devices, the amount of reformation of the curl is affected by parameters including radius of rollers and nip load. Furthermore, the amount of the curl to be reformed varies with paper brand, type of fusing system and image density. For these reasons, much effort and many resources are required for designing decurler parameters. To clarify the mechanism of the curl reformation, measurements of the amount of curl are taken under various conditions, and it becomes apparent that the paper curl is dependent on plastic and viscous characteristics of paper. By calculating the history of stress-strain state during transportation through decurler devices with a visco-elasto-plastic model, prediction of the amount of curl become possible with a high level of accuracy.