Development of Transfer Process Capable of Using Various Media for Liquid Electrophotography Utilizing Numerical Analysis

Abstract

Development of a transfer process capable of application to various media utilizing numerical analysis was pursued in a tandem-electrostatic type liquid electrophotography system. To improve transfer efficiency to low capacitance media such as film label stocks, discharge control was studied by wrapping a continuous medium on an intermediate transfer roll in the pre-transfer area. Wrapping was found to have a trade-off relationship with image reproducibility, and dot distortion occurred in a particular image pattern. By simulating medium conveyance, it was found that when an image boundary with a different coefficient of friction passes through the transfer nip, the medium slips, and a shear force is applied to the toner image. By optimizing the medium conveyance parameters based on the analysis results, dot distortion was prevented. These preventative measures enabled achieving of high multi-transferability to various media.