SE506560C2 - System for printing image on removable dielectric layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The non-impact printer comprises in combination a dielectric dispensing device, a conductive substrate, at least one print head, at least one developer station, at least one toner fixing station, and a sepn. station. The dielectric dispensing device has a device to provide a dielectric upon the conductive substrate at a point in the system prior to the print head. The sepn. station has a device subsequent to the toner fixing station to separate the dielectric from the conductive substrate.

Description

10 15 , 20 25 30 35 506 560 2 Both patent applications emphasized the need for a cover-up or laminated top layer.

It has now emerged that overlamination or overlay step is not essential in the system because it can be done in a subsequent system step. Also by controlling clay composition of the coating and by using more rigid dielectric films, the shrinkage problem is present those in the materials specified in the parent applications are no longer a concern. In addition, control of process conditions can for the printing system, shrinkage as well as even image size effectively checked. Also to choose a conductive band that is dimensional stable but which will preferably adhere to it dielectric film and releasing it if necessary improves significantly the original printing systems.

Stiffer dielectric films and / or formulations which results in the desired dielectric film after drying or curing can be obtained. This can be achieved on one or through a number of the following ways: by significantly reducing to choose resins having a higher Tg, to add fillers, to cera, the plasticizer used in the composition, polymerize on site, etc. Those skilled in the art can effectively assemble or choose any number of materials that will result in film dielectrics useful in this invention.

Therefore, instead of overlaminating, constructive image and stock stability is obtained by: using a more rigid dielectric film or coating composition and / or by using toner consisting of polymers that will have significantly increased binding characteristics and which will to adhere to the film by normal fixing means, that regulate heating and cooling of the conductive strip below printing, and selecting a dimensionally stable band. As previously stated if lamination is desired, it can be performed in one system steps afterwards. 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 3 It is also known and used today various marking systems such as uses electrographic technology. Generally use these system a pattern of electrical charges corresponding to one desired image; this is known as a latent electrostatic image or charging. dielectric surface for a drum or tape. This surface bearing the latent electrostatic image is moved through a This charge is usually deposited on a toner station where a toning material of opposite charge adheres to the charged areas of the dielectric surface to form a visible image. The drum or belt is fed and the tinted image is either transferred to a receiving they medium or melted directly on the charged surface. After the melting operation of the transmission system can be dielectric treated in different ways to clean its surface from leftovers charge or toner or both. This cleaning can be performed by any known electrostatic and / or mechanical purification method.

In electrographic imaging and printing processes have both photoconductive insulators and dielectrics have been used, but they are completely different from each other. Photoconductive insulators are coming only to keep an electric charge in the dark, which does those useful in limited applications, such as e.g. copy machines and the like. Dielectric on the other hand can keep an electric charge in the presence of visible light, which makes them much more convenient for use in commercial manufacturing processes such as e.g. present invention.

Many electrostatic printing systems are also known, such as for example those described in US-A-3,023,731 (Schwertz), 3,701,996 (perley), 4,155,093 (Fotland), 4,267,556 (Fotland), 4,494,129 (Gretchev), 4,518,468 (Fotland), 4,675,703 (Fotland) and 4,821,066 (Foote). All of these systems provide guidance on impact-free printing systems using electrostatic images which can be made visible at one or more tinting stations. IN these systems protect the ions from an ion generating organ on the surface of a dielectric layer by means of a printhead, such as 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 4 for example described by Fotland in US-A-4 155 093 or in US-A- 4,267,556.

Generally, the printhead consists of a construction of two electrodes. separated by a solid dielectric element, a solid dielectric electrical element and a third electrode for extraction of ions. The first electrode is a drive electrode and the second is a control electrode, and both are in contact with the the dielectric layer. There is an air gap at a pre- bonding between the control electrode and the solid dielectric the element. A high frequency discharge with high frequency is initiated between the two electrodes and creates a pole of negative and positive ions in the air space adjacent the control electrode.

The ions are extracted through a hole in the third electrode with partly an electrostatic field formed between the other and the third electrode. In Fotland 4,267,556 it has image-forming the ion generator the shape of a multiplex matrix of finger electrics rudders and selector rods separated by a fixed dielectric element. The ions are generated by holes in the finger electrodes at matrix intersection points and extracted to form an image a receiving element. Grayscale control is achieved by pulse width modulation of the second (finger) electrode, such as written by Weiner in US-A-4 941 313. Although the ion projection head the prior art is useful in many applications is they are not adapted for use in systems that require a thick and consequently a dielectric imaging low capacitance bearing. Systems using printing technology accommodation with ion projection generally uses powder tones.

In electrography, liquid developing systems are best suited for accurate reproduction of grayscale images and high resolution developing. The components of the toner systems may contaminate prior art ion projection heads and can set them essentially out of order. When liquid toner was used is contamination of the ion projection cartridge is more of a problem than it is when using traditional dry powder tones. This is because that the toner particles are considerably smaller in liquid toner than 10 15 20 25 30 35 5.06 560 5 in dry powder tones (eg 1 micrometer versus 25 micrometers) and also depending on the presence of a liquid component such as evaporates. Thus, there is a high probability that it the remaining toner and / or solvents will migrate to the ion projection cartridge and cause a loss of emission efficiency or total loss of emission. Infront of- breathing of an air knife before the ion projection head may decrease the exposure of the head to pollution. The air knife will prevent exposure of the ion projection head to the toner pair the particles and solvents in liquid toner by cleaning the area around the ion projection head with solvent-free air or other gas. In addition, projection heads are known technology not particularly desirable for grayscale printing. For- improved and new ion projection heads would be required for to provide improved results in systems that use liquid development systems and for those who strive for acceptable grayscale density. Ion projection heads according to known technology alone is not particularly desirable for grass-growing printing but has significant restrictions on the number grass scales that can be achieved. For example, most can only manages to achieve four grass scales.

In addition to the disadvantages of prior art printheads, they are known pressure systems with ion projection are not specially designed those to adapt to multicolored printing systems at fast speeds. Although ion-generating systems use natural sound technology, there are therefore many significant improvements rings that need to be made before these systems can be used for to produce multicolored final products with high pressure quality and at fast speeds. 5 E ll. E..

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide added an ion-generating impact-free printing system that avoids above mentioned disadvantages. 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 6 Another object of this invention is to provide one printing systems using a conductive carrier material which a dielectric layer is imaged, said system can provide continuous tonal images of magazine quality tet.

A further object of this invention is to provide maintain an appropriation-free printing system that can be used for production of relatively thick final products. Yet another object of this invention is to provide one electrographic printing system which is particularly suitable for paint systems with high speeds. Yet another object of this invention is to provide one electrographic printing system which is particularly suitable for paint systems with high speeds and utilization of liquid Her. Yet another object of this invention is to provide one electrographic printing system, whereby significantly thicker low capacitance dielectric bearings can be used and can provide accurate reproductions of grayscale images. Yet another object of this invention is to provide one new electrographic printing system suitable for both directly as transmitting imaging. Yet another object of this invention is to provide one non-stop printing system that can produce continuous magazine quality print at fast speeds. Yet another object of this invention is to provide one new system and a new apparatus for producing products such as carries colored images of improved quality, density and solution. 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 7 The above objects and others are achieved according to this invention by providing a printing system capable of using dielectric bearings up to about 10 miles thick or more. In the present system, these thicker dielectric ka layers electrostatically imaged by the use of a new printhead. After the printhead has deposited the latent the image on the surface of the dielectric used a new liquid toner consisting essentially of the same resin as in the dielectric for to form a visible image. Although the process of the present invention can be used for monochromatic printing is it especially suitable for use in a multicolor system. Also is the present new system capable of significant improvement in grayscale reproduction. For example, it can provide up to 128 levels on the grass scale. In a multicolor system passes the imaged dielectric imaging layer progressively through a series of developing stations each containing the appropriate colored toner. These developing stations may be progressively located around a leading carrier material. al, e.g. a drum or an endless belt. The dielectric the material is deposited on the conductive support material. The expression "conductive carrier material" used throughout this specification includes drums, bands, endless bands or combinations hence. In some cases a band and a drum can be used in same system. Each toner corresponds to selectively latent images corresponding to the multicolored image in. the desired final the color balance. Color matching of the resulting color images can is achieved by means of any known color-paste means such as e.g. the specified in US-A-4 821 066. The accuracy of the color paste can checked by the correct sensing mechanism. In addition, it is important for the present invention that the appropriate the toner particle was used, i.e. one that will respond to pressure, solvent, spray, heat or other suitable fixations without any significant deformation of the toner particle or reducing the diameter of the toner particle. A significant aspect of this invention is that the toner or the resin contains the same resin as the resin used turned in the dielectric layer. Through the expression "the same" 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 8 refers to either the identical resin or a resin from the same family, such as e.g. polyvinyl chloride and copolymers of vinyl chloride with minor parts of vinyl acetate or other materials rial etc.

The terms "dielectric" or "dielectric bearing" are used throughout the specification and appended claims intended to include films, powders, liquid compositions, coated and uncoated paper, mixtures thereof or any another suitable form of a dielectric useful in the present invention current invention. Extreme care must be taken to avoid defects in the dielectric bearing. Defects such as for example surface pores in the dielectric layer can cause perfect malfunction of the system due to charge leakage, charge drain or other electrical defects associated with the integrity of the latent image. Some dielectrics which can be deposited on either or both the drum or the belt and useful in the present system include organic resins, such as e.g. acrylics, such as polymethyl methacrylate, vinyl-based polymeric materials, and other suitable organic resins including polyimides listed later in this specification.

In addition, the imaging characteristics of it must be used the dielectric is not affected by any sharply elevated used in the printing process or by high humidity called.

In addition, the dielectric must have significant dielectric firmness, high charge reception and relatively low charge leakage values. These are affected by relative humidity (dependent on steam absorption of some materials) and temperature, since some dielectric materials lose their dielectric properties creates at elevated temperatures. Imaging must take place below Tg for the dielectric. As stated earlier, it must be substantially free of surface pores and must have the correct built adhesive characteristics in order to bind tones, other layers or other bases. Dielectric for use in this invention including those set forth above must be 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 9 handle all of the above dielectric and physical calic properties. Other known thick inorganic dielectrics risk. materials such as' e.g. alumina, glass enamels and similar should be carefully avoided depending on their tendency to crack under stress, thereby creating crack and surface defects. Also due to their relative affinity for water they could cause another electrical leakage path and the supply of ions which cause dielectric absorption.

However, if appropriate, certain inorganic materials may be materials are combined with organic dielectrics according to this finding. The resistivity of the dielectric layer according to the present invention should be at least 1012 ohm-cm. One multi-layered construction can be used to create the said dielectric layers in order to achieve the desired characteristics cows listed above. As previously stated, it is also clearly that the dielectric layer is either a monolithic or multilayer has a high charge reception and central dielectric strength.

The charge image is created on the dielectric layer as above indicated by a new printhead, which is modified especially to work with the thicker dielectric bearings according to this invention. General in ionographic systems creates the used head relative to high voltage discharges and high frequency, which discharges are initiated between two there. This discharge creates a pole of negatives and positives ions in the air area adjacent to the finger electrode. The negative the ions are accelerated by a positive field resulting in a deposition of a charge on the surface of the dielectric layer and thereby forms the latent image. As previously existing print heads are not usable in the present case. the present invention, since the number of ions deposited per RF cycle is too big. A new printhead is required to supply maintain the necessary charge and image characteristics required in the system of this invention. General differences this new printhead from typical printheads according to known 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 10 technology (such as that disclosed in US-A-4 160 257) on the following way: (1) it has a greater distance between the finger and shield electrodes. and, (2) addition of an additional shield electrode in addition to the sta, (3) changing the diameter of the hole in the finger electrode and (4) any combination of the above.

The air knives may include additional holes near the ion projector. the head for introducing an inert gas, preferably nitrogen, in the vicinity of the ion projection head to prevent exotherm chemical reactions that may take place during ionisation thereby significantly reducing the operating temperature of the ion the rejection head.

Liquid toner is highly preferred in the present system against dry tones depending on the achievable grayscale ability, increased density, density control and resolution. Following Considerations are important when choosing the liquid toner according to this invention: (1) color stability upon exposure to ultraviolet light; (2) color stability when bonding in a system with softening medium and exposed to elevated temperatures, (3) color range achievable with toner, (4) ability to obtain the desired maximum optical density teten, i.e. (1.7), and (5) ability to obtain the desired optical density over the range of densities used in the invention (q / m ratio the).

In addition, the choice of liquids for the liquid toner is important. full of adhesive shells. Especially when a medium adhesion of the decorated image is required only at a dielectric surface, conventional families can be used in the toner, which are similar to those for the dielectric. In cases where greater required such as e.g. when high optical densities are required 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 Sauce ll and it is desirable to adhere tones between two films a new toner using other adhesion promoters can be used das. These adhesion promoters can either be pre-applied to the films or may be included in the toner itself. Adhesive The promoters may be a solid wetting agent which promotes the bond between incompatible materials. It promotes also binding when used in tones with high pigments to binder ratios.

In the present system, the toned image can be fixed by suitable agent such as e.g. heat, solvent, pressure, spray fixation or other suitable fixing means. Typical fixe- are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,267,556, 4,518,468 and 4,494,129. Since the dielectric layer is removed from it leading carrier material at the end of the process according to this invention does not require purification of the remaining charge or pollution.

The dielectric can be deposited on a conductive support material through any suitable delivery means which provides a substantially defective free exposed surface. As stated earlier, a guide was used. the carrier materials. In the examples described, a lead was used drum or an endless belt. However, that system is meant using both a belt and a drum are intended to contain fattas. There are situations where both a drum and a band can advantageously be used in the same apparatus and system. Even when either drum or tape used alone is intended for the other or any other suitable carrier material is included, since they are equivalent to this invention. The expression "carrier" material "is intended to include tapes, drums and / or any other means on which the dielectric layer is deposited, transported and possibly separated and by which one electrical return path to a known potential is provided.

In one embodiment of the invention, a liquid di electrical assembly on the upper surface of a conductive drum or a continuous band. In one embodiment of the invention 10 15 pzo 25 30 35 506 560 12 a liquid dielectric composition is deposited on it upper surface of a conductive drum or continuous belt.

There are situations where both a drum and a band are included advantage can be used in the same device and system. Even when the thing "drum" or "tape" was used alone, it is intended that the other are included, as they are equivalent in terms of this invention. The term "carrier material" is also intended to include bands or drums and the like on which it the dielectric layer is deposited and possibly separated from.

After dielectric deposition of the dielectric delivery the means is then fed to the dielectric layer by means of to cure and to remove the liquid or solvent and thereby forms a continuous dielectric layer on the band. Even though resins from solvents, sludges, dispersions ions and colloids can result in a surface pore-free electrical film after solvent evaporation, dry resins can be applied to the conductive support material and melted to form the same type of dielectric film. Even curable resins can applied as significantly higher dry matter photopolymer and / or cross-linked to give or shape the desired the dielectric on the conductive support material. This continuous after hardening, hard layers must be able to receive and hold one latent electrostatic charge. The dielectric layer is preferably about 0.2 to about 1.5 miles thick but can be up to about 10 miles thick if appropriate. An endless tape is preferred in some cases over a drum depending on spatial considerations, uniformity of procedure and tolerances, better control of the dielectric layer when deposited as a liquid, simplicity in separating the product and in order to access a more energy efficient system.

Another method of obtaining a dielectric bearing thereon The leading carrier material is to use a preformed dielectric risk film. This film is usually fed to an endless belt from a coil or other delivery means. It is wound on the conductive support material and heat laminated to provide 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 13 establish a very close and secure contact with the carrier material.

Some dielectrics such as e.g. solid PVC film and polyester rephthalate can be applied directly to the conductive tape or the drum using only heat and pressure. Alternative tively, a thin dielectric can be made part of the conductive the drum or the endless belt and is charged to a known position. tential through any standard body. The preformed dielectric the film may be oppositely charged and then applied to it charged dielectric side of the conductive drum or it endless band, thereby creating an electrostatic field and consequently a force which greatly attracts the seductive made dielectric film to the conductive drum or it endless band. The contact must be sufficiently secure to allow the dielectric bearing to be fed and processed through each station but eventually removable at repair the station. When the dielectric layer is formed on the conductive the belt or drum, it is discharged by conventional means to provide an electrically clean, unpolluted surface such as can receive a sharp image-like ionic charge. In the present drawn embodiment, the heat lamination step is sufficient to bind it to the conductive support material and to discharge the film. In some cases, however, a light is applied bias to the dielectric film before image charging with the ionographic head to eliminate background color in the areas of the imaged film where no color is desired.

This voltage is minimal and is usually applied only to it first color from the toner system. It can be connected before each ionographic printheads. We have found that the use of a corona charger that is electronically regulated to apply a positive dc voltage to the dielectric is very useful to check background color in areas where we do not want color. Unwanted background color is the result of many factors and to control this is significant in pressure that has open field constructions and light dyes, such as e.g. beige. Even for these situations where heat was not used for To secure the film to the conductive support material, a corrode naur chargers are used before the ionographic print cartridge. 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 14 After the new printhead of this invention is used to deposit the latent image on the dielectric the bearing passes the endless belt or drum and the imaging given the dielectric layer through a developing station there the dielectric is toned using a new liquid toner.

This liquid toner contains a resin that is the same family used in the dielectric, i.e. of vinyl, acrylate or polyester family. The selected resin family is not alone a function of its ability to bind to the dielectric the film that has been imaged but also the temperature that was used in fixing the toner. In some cases it is only required temperature to evaporate ISOPAR necessary to fix the toned or developed image. When the picture is tinted, the drum or band / dielectric assembly is fed over a heated plate or through a hot air dryer.

This step evaporates the ISOPAR carrier and adheres or fixes toner to the dielectric carrier material. Other suitable drying and fixing means can be used such as e.g. infrared heat pressure fixing, spray fixing and combinations of this. Syringe fixation is performed using solvent spray or mist, which the resin-encapsulated pigment the particles.

Toner consisting of both colors and pigments was used as dyes in this invention. Their choice depends primarily on it the final use application. In the case of a printing four-color systems, pigments were used in this invention for to give full color gamut to each of the primary colors and black. When it comes to creating a heat transferable image additive dyes, often dispersion dyes can be used turned. By proper use of dye and materials can decorative images are made to become part of the dielectric layer or heat transferred to another material after that the fixation at lower temperature has been completed.

Once the image is fixed to the dielectric, it is cooled and removed from the strap and can be further attached in a subsequent process 10 15 20 25 30 35 fš fl ó ß 560 15 at a thicker base structure. In the preferred embodiment of the invention a white or clear dielectric film is laminated, for example rigid PVC, to a stainless steel drum or a bands, ionographically imaged and toned with liquid tones.

The temperature of the tinted film and the drum or tape increased to evaporate ISOPAR and adhere the toner together and to the dielectric film. After cooling, it is removed imaged film from the drum or tape and rewrapped.

For applications requiring greater adhesion, a binder agent or several binders are pre-applied to one or both sides of the dielectric and / or to the drum or the strip before the lamination of the dielectric to the strip, or in any combination thereof. This provides a greater degree of adhesion of the toner to the dielectric and to the imaging dielectric film to other support materials for these products products that require a more demanding and permanent type of adhesion.

For example, in the manufacture of a floorboard product, a thin acrylic adhesive for a dielectric film of PVC for greater adhesion of the toner to the image dielectric and to another clear PVC film which is laminated to it for protection on the floor of this image. IN this case is an adhesive between the conductive band and it dielectric film of PVC not required to form a permanent bond between it and a limestone-filled slab base of PVC in post-lamination procedures.

The final imaged product consists of a dielectric layer, preferably a clear or white dielectric around 0.5 to 4 miles thick. This product can be used after subsequent production of posters, photographic simulations ar, wall coverings and floor and ceiling tiles. If desired produce a multicolored print with the illusion of deep can a layer of thin clear film is dispensed over a model film, the combination of which can be printed using early 10 15 20 25 30 506 560 16 re described steps. This process can be repeated for any preferably number of layers and different colors. These thin clear films is approximately 2.5 miles thick but can be of any preferably the appropriate thickness depending on the desired result. When an illusion of image depth is desired, the first is dielectric the layer is preferably white reflective and the following the risk layers are colorless. All dielectric bearings can however, be colorless if this improves the desired results taten. The term "dielectric bearing" throughout this term writing and subsequent claims are intended to include one or more layers of a dielectric material. There is several versions of the present process, especially those that includes the following system treatments- For example, in a subsequent treatment procedure any carrier material rial such as e.g. they are used in wallpaper bases, flat base constructions down or any other decorative product combined with it imaged dielectric layer.

A 1.5 mil rigid white polyvinyl chloride white dielectric film, manufactured by Orchard Corp., St. Louis, Ho., USA, was attached a 3 mil thick stainless steel strip using a dielectric vinyl coating made from a composition consisting of 20% dry matter content of VAGH resin, manufactured by Union Carbide in a solvent of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). IN this case, before the VAGH coating had dried completely, and at a surface temperature of 250 ° F on the belt was applied to 1.5 mils white film. The film contained a 0.2 mile coating of the same VAGH resin, which was pre-applied to the film during use conventional rotogravure printing means. After cooling it became corona-discharged and electrographically imaged using an S3000 ionographic printhead posed by Delphax Systems, Mississauga, Canada, in combination 10 15 20 25 30 v06 56Û 17 with a nitrogen environment. The head was separated approximately 10 miles above the surface of the dielectric coating. Nitrogen car provided an inert and cooling protection between the bottom of the printhead screen and the dielectric coating. Pulse width modulation of the head supplied by a separate electronics gasket varied between 0.8 and 2.2 microseconds in 16 equal time increments. Charging was applied to the dielectric coating in mold of a checkerboard pattern with different charge levels. Dielectric The kum was then tinted with a cyan liquid toner (CPA-04) provided held by Research Labs of Australia, Adelaide, Australia.

The toner had a 4% concentration in ISOPAR G. The product used the cooling system was a three-choice type used by Savin Corp., Stanford, Conn., USA, in 7450 photocopiers and adapters. sat for this process. After evaporation of ISOPAR was fixed the tinted image in a steel fixation nip over a rubber roller at a surface temperature of 200 ° F. The fixing roller had a temperature turn 125'F to prevent the toner from lifting from it dielectric surface as it passes through the nip. It faded the image was then fed to an adhesive coating operation. where VAGH resin was applied from a 20% dry matter solution and dried. The resulting structure was laminated then to a 3 mil thick rigid clear polyvinyl chloride film underneath use of heat and pressure in a laminator. This overlami- engineered construction was transported and cooled to separate ra from the band. The resulting film showed distinct blocks of cyan dye located on the dielectric film and had different optical densities and showed the achievement of 16 levels of gray.

The resulting structure was removed from the belt at ambient temperatures and a 60 mile thick plate was adhered to form a floor slab construction. 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 18 The following are examples of the specific grant-free printing the process of the present invention which does not require a separate lamination step.

EKšEEšl_l A 1.5 mils rigid white dielectric PVC film made of Or- chard Corporation was precoated with an 18.5% dry matter coating of VAGH resin from a suitable solvent. The coating was applied at a rate of 0.3-0.4 g / square foot below use of a leaf coater. The surface of the dried coating was continuous, pore-free and even. The coated film was released from a winding rack and adhered to a band of stainless steel using heat and pressure in the bination with a heated three-pinch pinch. After binding the film to the tape, the film measured 90-100 ° C. The attached film pulse the tape was transported under an ac-corona unloader to neutralize the surface of the dielectric film. An S3000 ion electric printhead manufactured by Delphax Systems, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, in combination with a nitrogen environment was used to apply charge to the dielectric film. Huvu- it was spaced 10 miles above the surface of the dielectric film.

The nitrogen formed an inert and cooling system for the printhead and the dielectric film.

Pulse width modulation of the head supplied by a separate electrode ník packing varied between 0.8 and 2.2 microseconds for 16 equal time increases. The charge was applied to the dielectric the risk coating in the form of a checkerboard pattern with different charge levels. The dielectric was then tinted with a cyanide liquid toner (Series 100) supplied by Hilord Chemical Corporation, Hauppauge, New York, USA. The toner had a 4% con- concentration in ISOPAR G. The developing system used was a three-choice type used by Savin Corporation, Stamford, Conn., USA, in the 7450 photocopier and adapted for this 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 19 process. ISOPAR G was evaporated from the tinted surface and tempered. rature of the film while still attached to the tape was increased to set the toner to the VAGH coating. After heating to a temperature of about 70 to 100 ° C was cooled it to ambient conditions and was easily removed from the stainless steel band. The combination of: the use of a pre-coated rigid white PVC film, the heating of the tinted car it plus the film to a temperature that adheres to the toner the adhesive-coated dielectric film and at which the temperature of the film is well anchored to the tape and thus maintaining the stability of the film during heat setting, and cooling of the tinted film enough to separate it from the band allows this improvement to occur resulting in a roll or sheet of imaged and tinted dielectric such as does not require an overlaminating step to prevent shrinkage ning.

In a post-emission system operation to provide better tear resistance firmness of the tinted image, the toner was given a thin protective overlay by spraying the same resin from a more dilute solution (16.7%) of the same VAGH resin. A solvent mixture MIBK and HEK were used in the spray mixture. The the spray coated image was then air dried. After drying could the image is not torn from the surface of the dielectric film. The the resulting film showed distinct blocks of cyan color between the two VAGI-I coatings on. the dielectric film with different optical densities and showed the achievement of 16 levels of gray. In addition, the electrographically imaged construction further processed by attaching the non-imaging given the side of the dielectric to a 10 mile thick vinyl laid cardboard using conventional laminating equipment available in the industry.

EK§mD§l_2 The imaged dielectric from Example 1 was treated further to a floorboard material by using conventional 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 20 national binding technology. Based on the image the dielectric of Example 1 which has been cooled, separated from tape and rewound on a roll, this material was heated. bound to an 80-mile-thick slab of limestone, fillers and vinyl: stabilizers, binders and plasticizers.

Those skilled in the art can use either roll bonding techniques or bed technology. In addition, during the same emphasis binding surgery became a clear protective overlay attached to it imaged surface of the dielectric. This layer consisted of a 3 miles clear rigid PVC film provided by Klockner Pentaplast of America, Gordonville, Va., USA.

In a separate coating process, one side of this became clear film pre-coated with a VAGH resin from a 20% dry matter ketone solution at a rate of 0.3-0.4 g / square foot. The The VAGH-coated side of the 3 mile clear film was brought to life contact with the tinted image of the dielectric during the storage. The bonding conditions in the heated press were: 320 ° F, 20 seconds and 80 psi.

After cooling to ambient conditions in the press had it resulting in the construction a permanent bond between the layers comprising the electrographic image and the image surface is well protected from footsteps through the 3 miles clear rigid the wear layer of vinyl. In addition, this construction was raised during use again of conventional raised technology to introduce three-dimensionality to the surface of plate and thus further enhance the visual aesthetics ken for the decorated surface product.

The same white rigid dielectric PVC film of Example 1 but with a thickness of 2.7 mils was adhered to the strip of rust free steel. However, in this case, VAGH the coating of Example 1 to the white film as one separate step before transferring the film to the printing system. 10 15 20 25 30 35 21 The same ionographic main shape and process used in the ex- Example 1 was used in this example to illustrate the charge dielectric. In this case, the charged dielectric using cyantones 48T manufactured by Hilord Chemical Corporation at 1% concentration. This toner has one adhesion promoter built into the composition and the adhesive coating on the dielectric film required was not. During ISOPAR evaporation while the film is still was adhered to the belt, the surface temperature inside the drying section about 100 ° C. After cooling to ambient conditions countries, the film was removed from the tape without any stretch or significant size change. The resulting film is shown the achievement of several levels of gray and a toned image which had excellent adhesion to the dielectric. It faded the image could not be torn from the surface of the dielectric after that that it was cooled and separated from the belt.

This improved adhesion is due in part to the use of dielectric materials containing minor plasticizers, use of new types of toner, and for various improvements of the printing system. The use of the new liquid tones containing adhesion promoters will bind directly at the dielectric with heat only. It is also dielectric the film well adhered to the conductive carrier material after toner development and during heat fixation and thus enables da the tinted image to be heated without adverse effects on the image during the treatment. After cooling the tinted image on the tape, the tinted film detached easily from the tape without noticeable resizing either by shrinkage and / or stretch.

Exsmlv-: LA A white dielectric coating prepared with 38% dry matter consisted of A21 resin manufactured by Rohm & Haas, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, and TiO 2 pigments, in a ketone solvent applied was made into a strip of stainless steel using a 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 22 leaf coaters. After evaporation of the solvent and the oven drying, the dry film had a thickness of 1.5 mils. Tg (glass transition temperature) for this material was 105 ° C and the material is very rigid and stable at room temperature and an excellent dielectric for imaging. Also, do it white dielectric material when heated to required process temperatures during printing this material ideally for the invention. The material will be flexible but it is well adhered to the conductive tape and it is kept stable during the treatment even after cooling and separation from the band.

The white dielectric film now attached to the lead the tape was then processed in the printing system during use of the imaging system described in Example 1 and the The toner applied was DPB-1 black toner manufactured by Hilord Chemical Corp. After separation from the tape, the film contained cyan images that showed different shades of gray and which did not could be torn off or coated. The film was then re-bound to a 1.5 mil thick PVC film containing UV stabilization which provided weather resistance outdoors. In order to hand holding a stiffer construction could also the back of the white dielectric or its non-imaged surface again retrofitted but in the case of a vinyl latex poster tong.

Exemnelj A 1.5 mil white rigid PVC dielectric film made of Or- chard Corp., st. Louis, Mo., USA, was coated with resin held by Rohm & Haas, Philadelphia, Pa., USA. The appli- at a rate of 0.3-0.4 g / square foot of a 20% dry matter coating from a ketone and acetate solution, which was applied to the stainless steel strip using the process according to Example 3. After heat bonding the film at the belt, the film measured 90-100 ° C. The film and tape were unloaded electrically and cooled to 50 ° C. A loaded image was applied 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 23 to the discharged film using a pulse width modulation system similar to that used in Example 1. The first applied color was yellow toner Y3 provided by Hilord Chemical Corporation from ISOPAR G at 1% concentration tion. Excess ISOPAR was removed from the surface during use. of the roll developing system similar to that of the example 1. 100% charged suspension was achieved after development yellow toner. The remaining ISOPAR was evaporated and the heat-fixing one of the toner for the film was performed as in Example 3. the toner could not be torn off the surface of the white PVC but even after cooling it to ambient conditions.

The second color of a multicolor printing system, magenta, was applied to the same dielectric film containing it fixed the yellow toner by feeding the still adhered di- electric film under the same ionographic printing unit, rewarding gave it a second pulse width modulated charge, and developing it using the same toner developing system but with magentatoner. The film was still held tight enough the tape at room temperature but its adhesion can be improved using the same heat before imaging if necessary deemed necessary. In this case no heat was used and the film was not delaminated from the tape during the steps: giving, toner application and developing the magenta image.

A 50/50 mixture of magenta M10 and M12 provided by Hilord Chemical Corporation at a 1% concentration in ISOPAR G was used to develop the image. ISOPAR evaporation and magentatoner heat fixation was identical to those used for the yellow toner. Again, 100% charge cancellation was obtained for all charged areas of the dielectric film. In addition no yellow toner was returned to the magenta tank and no nor was any magenta toner applied to any of the the surfaces of the dielectric. After cooling was achieved excellently adhesion between the yellow and magenta tones with excellent pattern definition of the magenta color at the top of the more patterned areas with yellow tones. The yellow image is not disturbed 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 24 upon passage through the roll developing system during magenta toner application and development.

Two additional paints were similarly applied to the film that was still attached to the tape. Cyantoner 48T and black toner DPB 1 supplied by Hilord Chemical Corporation and at a 1% concentration was applied to charged pictures of the dielectric film which now has both yellow color as a magenta paint well adhered to the original white PVC the film. After the black toner is fixed to the white one The PVC film now containing the three colors plus white was cooled the film to ambient conditions and was separated from it leading band. The resulting image was stable, it existed no shrinkage of the film during separation and the four tones could not be removed from each other nor from the ur- ^ original white pre-coated PVC dielectric by tearing surface. The application of each successive toner did not affect any of the previously applied toner and no pattern change twisting occurred after final separation from the belt.

K li ll 3 I 1. . V.! .

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of the printing system according to this invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the printing system of this invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the printing system of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the printing system according to this invention. finning utilizing a number of duplicate stations.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the new printing system according to this invention using a drum as the conductor the carrier material. 10 15 20 25 30 35 25 For the sake of clarity, several drawings are shown in the drawings. portionwise illustrative in relation to the whole system.

In addition, insignificant parts are not shown.

Fig. 1 shows a printing system with an endless belt 1 of stainless steel or other conductive material which is operated by means of any suitable power means. This band 1 is arranged around a series of primary rollers 2 and other suitable support and control structures. The belt 1 is driven by a series of geographical stations which are substantially similar to those used was used in conventional electrography or xerography, i.e. charging, developing and fixing stations. However used in the present process a substantially thicker dielectric material and can be coated on the strip 1 of solution, of powder or liquid composition. Although we want to describe the dielectric material as coated by a solution, can if suitably the dielectric is added as a curable dielectric risk composition or as a dielectric as above defined. This coating is provided at station 3 for sales coverage. Station 3 may be somewhat appropriate dielectric delivery means that can provide some form of a dielectric suitable for the process of this finding. After the solution deposition at station 3, the belt is fed 1 with the liquid dielectric composition thereon through an evaporation chamber 4 where the liquid or solvent of the dielectric composition is removed, leaving a white or colorless dielectric layer 5 on the belt 1. In order to ensure that the bearing 5 has a defect-free surface can at least tone an additional thin clear or white or other colored dielectric film 10 is provided at the dielectric rolling station It is intended that the dielectric 5 deposited at station 3 and the dielectric film 10 supplied at station 6 is now provided holds a final dielectric layer with a thickness of up to about 10.0 miles. Present on tape 1 is now one two-layer dielectric material including the dielectric 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 26 the bearing 5 deposited at station 3 and the dielectric film 10 deposited at the film station 6. The film of dielectric 10 may have a built-in adhesive material that can be activated by a mare at the film station 6. As will be described below in in connection with Figs. 2 and 3, stations 3 and 6 can be used together or separately from each other in the present system.

When the surface defect-free dielectric layers 5 and 10 are deposited on band 1, the combined dielectric layer is surface charged through the corona discharger 7 to ensure an electrically clean dielectric that can receive and maintain the latent image the charge. When referring to "dielectric bearing" therein Fig. 1 is intended to include the bearings 5 and 10. When the dielectric the risk bearing has been discharged by any suitable means fed it through image station 8 which consists of an apparatus for generate charged particles in image form. These ions in pictorial shape is extracted from the printhead at station 8 to form the latent electrostatic image of the combined dielectric risk bearings 5 and 10. The new printhead used in this invention is used in a nitrogen atmosphere or other inert atmosphere. atmosphere where exothermic chemical reactions are prevented and greatly reduces the operating temperature of the printhead. the. This increases the life of the printhead and improves trad performance. In addition, an air knife with ion projector was used. which prevents exposure of the ion projection head the head for toner particles and / or solvents in liquid tones by cleaning the space around the ion projection head with solvent-free air or other gases. The dielectric bearing containing the latent image is then fed through a liquid tones at the developing station 59 where the latent image made visible. It is preferred that the new liquid toner be used. The face of the present invention consists of a resin of the same family as the resin used in the dielectric layers 5 and 10.

By using the same family of resins in both the toner and the dielectric provides greater adhesion of the toner particles to the dielectric layer. The tinted image is then passed under a heated plate 11 to evaporate ISOPAR and / or other solvents from the liquid toner. ISOPAR is one 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 27 registered trademark of Exxon. The dielectric the bearing can then be fed through heat or pressure nip rollers 12 where the toned image is fixed to the dielectric. The adherent The dental resin used in the toner in addition to the above purpose helps the tinted particles to adhere to each other and to it dielectric layer 10. In a paint system, the above is repeated process with subsequent paint stations until desired colored image is obtained and fixed. The resulting dielectric the risk layer can be used as a final product or can after the separation station 19 is combined with other bases in subsequent process steps. For example, a thicker base such as for example plate, wallpaper, fabric or the like is adhered to it lower surface (non-imaged surface) of the dielectric layer.

The resulting combined layer is fed by temperature control. clay chamber 18 which can be heated or cooled or a combined heating-cooling chamber, which together with 11 evaporates ISOPAR, fixes the toner and cools the combined one the construction. The dielectric layer can then be fed through pressure fixing rollers 17 to further assist in fixing the toner at the dielectric. At the temperature-controlled separation The final product 19 is separated from the belt 1.

The final product 20 composed of layers 5 and 10 separately removed from the belt 1 by cooling or something else suitable means for separating it from the belt 1. This is generally done at 38 ° C or less when using materials according to this invention. For those skilled in the art, other compositions may be used. reversed which will affect separation characteristics from band so that release temperatures will vary depending on the materials used. Even for professionals, it is only that for higher line speeds such as e.g. the larger than 30 feet / min, ISOPAR evaporation can take place over a longer period of time. length. The cooling chamber 18 can be modified to be both one heating as a cooling chamber and in conjunction with it heated plate 11, all ISOPAR can be evaporated from the surface thereof dielectric material 10. In this case, pressure-fixing nip rollers 12 are opened and pressure fix nip rollers 17 take their place. Even can partial fixation take place using both sets 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 28 pressure rollers or any combination of fixing steps comprising 11, 12, 18 and 17. The final product 20 separated from the belt 1 by a temperature control means or any other suitable means for separating it from the belt 1.

For materials that are composed to then be heat-reactive types of binders as well as dielectrics can be separated ring from the belt 1 is increased by the use of thin release coatings such as e.g. Teflon FEP which is a permanent part of the upper surface of the conductive band. Teflon is a registered trademark of Dupont. These materials include porous vinyl material consisting of polyvinyl chloride, copolymers of vinyl chloride with smaller parts of other materials such as e.g. vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride and other vinyl esters such as e.g. vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate as well as alkyl substituted vinyl esters. Although dielectric based on polyvinyl chloride preferred, the invention has wide application to other more materials consisting of: polyethylenes, polyacrylates (e.g. polymethyl methacrylate), copolymers of methyl methacrylate such as for example methyl / n-butyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polybutyl lacrylate, polyurethane, polyamides, polyesters, polystyrene and polycarbonates. Also copolymers of any of the foregoing or mixtures thereof may be used. These materials can be used for dielectric 5 or the dielectric film 10, and they can be the same or different. As previously stated can the toned image is fixed at station 12 by pressure, heat, spraying or other suitable fixing methods. In which any of these fixation methods, especially in a multicolor system the toner particle must be fixed without substantially deforming more toner particle or toner particle diameter. This is important to maintain optimal color quality and resolution of the final color image.

The final product 20 removed at station 19 consists of a dielectric layer 5 and a second dielectric layer 10.

The combined thickness of layers 5 and 10 is from 0.2 to about 10.0 miles. 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 29 In Fig. 2, a dielectric solvent or liquid assembly at station 29 on an endless conductive belt 1.

The liquid composition is regulated in such a way that during evaporation of the solvent or liquid therefrom, a dielectric risk layer 23 with a final thickness of from about 0.2 to about 10.0 mils on band 1 and the dielectric layer the surface of the year is free from defects. The solvent or liquid removed by feeding the dielectric solution or the composition through an evaporation chamber 21. When dielectric coating of 0.2 to about 10.0 mils obtained the surface is electrically discharged by using a discharge crown 22 or other suitable means. After the discharge the dielectric layer 23 is charged in image form at station 30 by the same means as described in connection with Fig. 1. as the dielectric bearing 23 is moved forward bearing with it the latent image, it passes through a developer station 24 where the latent image is toned and made visible. the liquid from the toner is removed and the tinted image can be by any suitable means such as e.g. pressure, heat or spray fixation at fixing means 25. Temperature control- chamber 26 which may be a combined heating-cooling chambers can replace or contribute to the evaporation of ISOPAR and fixing the toner to the dielectric and participate to or can replace steps 24A and 25. After that toned imaging dielectric 23 passed through the chamber 26 it is fed by fixing rollers 34. The pictured fixed the dielectric bearing is fed to cooling rollers 32 and 33 and is then removed as the final imaged fixed product. 28 at the separation roller 33.

The endless belt 1 is then continuously moved to one suitable treatment station 35 to remove any waste and is now ready to receive another layer of dielectric at the coating station 29.

In Fig. 3, the same sequence of steps as described in FIG. band with Fig. 2 except that instead of a dielectric solution 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 30 deposited at 29 in Fig. 2 on the endless belt 1 adds i Fig. 3 shows a coil 36 of a dielectric film material there dielectric layer 37 to the surface of the belt 1. This movie 37 can also have a thickness of 0.2 to 10.0 mils and is preferred 0.2 to 1.5 miles. The film 37 is adhered to the tape 1 by something suitable means and the film is electrically discharged at the station 38. The film 37 may have an applied adhesive if desired.

The dielectric film 37 is then image charged at the station 39 (by the same method as in Figs. 1 and 2) is toned or developed at the developing station 40 and the toner can be fixed at the 41. The movie is then fed and passes through stations 42, 43 and 47 in a similar manner as in Figs. 1 and 2. The film is then fed to cooling rollers 48 and separation roller 49 where the final product 50 is removed from belt 1. The endless belt 1 can then be cleaned by cleaning blade or other means 51 and is ready to receive another film coating of dielectric material and circulation through another "imaging cycle", i.e. pictorial development, fixing and fixing.

In all the figures described, means can be used to recirculate the dielectric bearing to the same printhead for at least a second imaging at a point after it the first image fixation. This embodiment can be used in instead of the multi-station system shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, each of the systems shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 has something conventional means for recirculating the dielectric the layer (after a first image fixation) through the same stations, i.e. imaging station or printhead, developing station development station or removal station toner liquid and toner fixing station.

Fig. 4 shows an imaging system or printing system similar to that described in Fig. 2 except that in Fig. 4 a several imaging and toning or developing stations are shown. In Fig. 4, a liquid dielectric is coated on one endless belt 1 at coating station 52 and the liquid is evaporated 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 31 at drying chamber 53. A final dielectric layer 54 up to about 10.0 miles now remains on track 1. This layer 54 is then surface charged at discharge station 55 and imaged loaded at printhead 56. The latent image formed at 56 is then advanced to the first developing station 57 where a liquid toner of a first color is applied. The liquid from this toner is removed at drying means 58 and the starving toned image is fixed at fixing nips or rollers 59 or 66. Temperature control chamber 64 which may be a com- combined heating-cooling chamber can replace or work on the evaporation of ISOPAR and the fixation of the toner to the dielectric 54 and assist or may replace the steps 58 and 59. The image can be fixed at fixing pinch 59 or rollers 66. The imaged dielectric layer 54 is then advanced through discharge stations 55 and printheads 71, 72 and 73 which create latent images in color, and developing stations down 60, 61 and 62 where different colored tones are applied and where and one is fixed at fixing rollers 59. Each toner at the station 57, 60, 61 and 62 will selectively correspond to the selections latent images created by the printheads 56, 71, 72 and 73 on the dielectric bearing 54. A cooling roller 67 removes heat from the resulting imaged bearing structure and this resulting structure is fed to the cooling separation valve. sar 68 where the product 69 is removed from the belt 1. The belt 1 then cleaned and prepared for the next cycle.

For the sake of clarity, several components of the system are portionwise illustrated in relation to the whole system.

In addition, insignificant parts are not shown for the purpose of the components must be clearly described.

In Fig. 5, a conductive support material of aluminum which in this figure is a drum 74 provided with some suitable means to rotate it. As always stated, the leading can the carrier material 74 may be any suitable carrier material such as for example a conductive drum or an endless belt moving around a drum or conductive carrier material as previously defined 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 32 whichever is appropriate. A source with a dielectric risk film 75 is located in flow relation to the drum 74 and then fed by a film releasing means or any suitable means source 75. A dielectric film 76 having a preferred thickness of about 0.5 to about 3.0 miles are fed around the film input roll 77 and over the surface of the drum 74. The dielectric film used is a white dielectric composed of poly (vinyl chloride), but any of the above dielectric materials may be used reversed if appropriate or more advantageous. When the dielectric When the film 76 approaches the unit station A, the surface of the or a discharge means 78 for securing an electric risk-free dielectric bearing 77 that can receive and maintain the latent electrostatic charge. A discharge means 78, 83, 88 and 93 can be used in the system before each station A-D if desired. When the dielectric layer 76 is discharged it is fed to station A where an ion pressure head 79 deposits one first charge thereon in image form. While still at the A, the image is coated with a black toner material from the toner container 80 whereby the toner was designated BPA-06 prepared by Research Labs of Australia, Adelaide, Australia. After that the black liquid toner was attracted to the first latent image removes a liquid removal or evaporation means 81 the liquid component of the black liquid the toner and toner are fixed on the first latent image or smiles the first image at the image fixing means 82. Station A consists of components 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82. Conventional fixation methods such as e.g. pressure fixing, spray fixing, heat fixation, combinations thereof or any other suitable obligatory fixing means can be used as fixing means 82. When the first image has been fixed, the dielectric film is fed 76 to the unit station B where a second printhead 84 deposits a second latent electrostatic image on the dielectric layer 76. This second latent electrostatic image of the dielectric the risk layer 76 is then fed to a second toner container 85 containing a cyanide toner. This second toner is produced set by a toner identified as CPA-04 produced by Research Labs of Australia, Adelaide, Australia. After 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 33 that the hydrogen cyanide ketone has contacted the latent image and the the particles therein are attracted to the second latent image the liquid component of the cyan liquid toner is removed at the liquid removal the remaining means 86 and the remaining toner is fixed thereon other latent (or now toner or produced) image by fixing means 87.

Station B consists of the elements or components 83, 84, 85 and 86, 87 and all of the following stations will be built of similar components.

At the unit station C, the first and second images are given the electrical layer 76 by means of a third ion projection head 89 to provide a third latent electrostatic technical image. This third image is fed to a third liquid. developer or toner container 90 with magenta toner.

This toner is designated MPA-02 manufactured by Research Labs of Australia, Adelaide, Australia. After the magenta toner attracted to the third latent image, the toner is removed liquid part at the evaporation or liquid removal means 91 and the remaining magenta toner is fixed in place at the 92.

The imaged dielectric layer 76 is then fed to the unit station D where a fourth latent electrostatic image is deposited thereon by means of ion projection cartridge or head 94. As in previous stations, the image-wise information is electric connected to each printhead, which then corresponds to the corresponding to the image deposition of ions on the dielectric layer 76. This fourth latent image is now moved to a fourth container 95 with liquid toner where a yellow toner is identified such as YPA-03 manufactured by Research Labs of Australia, Adelai- they, Australia, are deposited in the fourth image-like form on it dielectric layer 76. The liquid developer is then dried at the liquid removal means 96 and the fourth image is fixed at the fixing means 97. The resulting imaged film layers 76 can then be fed as product layer 105, dried at drying 10 15 20 25 30 506 560 34 station 99 and is removed from the system at separation station 100.

Any number of more than one drive can be used in the process and apparatus of this invention. A significant characteristic is to provide a color imaging system where registration is simple and efficient. This can made in the present system with two or more images. One additional steps after air drying at drying station 99 can be used in the present system, i.e. where a thicker carrier material is attached to the underside (not shown) of the pro- the fabric layer 105. This carrier material may be a base layer used e.g. in tiles, wallpaper, roofing products or floor products and the like. This step is not shown in the drawings, because it and many other post-process steps can be used for combining the product layer 105 with a plurality of other materials or object. For easy operation, the dielectric filter but preferably used in this invention about 0.5 to about 3.0 miles thick, but any desirable or suitable thickness can be used. If desired, a subsequent laminating steps are performed on a laminated product layer 105 desired.

The preferred and optimally preferred embodiments of The present invention has been described and demonstrated above attached drawings to illustrate the principles of the invention but it should be appreciated that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. ning.

Claims (28)

10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 "a 5 Parauncaav l. An impact-free printing apparatus consisting of a combination of a dielectric dispensing means, a conductive carrier material, a print head, at least one developing station, at least one toner fixing station, and a separation station, providing in combination therewith a printing system, may a. : a a- k; a a d 'a v att, aaranaa alalsknl-lska avgivningsorgan. has means for providing a dielectric on said conductive carrier material at a point in said system before said. printhead, and wherein said separation station has means. after said toner fixing station to separate said dielectric from said conductive carrier material. »2- The printing apparatusLigtkravl, characterized in that mentioned; system. is-a monochromatic system. 3. b Trgckapparatenligftlcravl, characterized in that said system is a 'multicolor system' A printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said dispensing means has means for supplying said dielectric. with a thickness' of at least 0.2. mils (0.2 x 1.0 ° C). 5. The printing apparatus according to claim. dielectric delivery means have means for supplying said dielectric with a thickness of about mils to about 1.0 mils. A.D Pressure apparatus according to 1, characterized in that said. dielectric delivery means have means for depositing a dielectric on. said conductive carrier material in a liquid composition, said pressure apparatus having means for at: ausrgs the water composition at:: lllscand for acc. form 0.2. 10 15 20 25 30 35 506 560 36 a dielectric that can receive and hold a latent electrostatic image. 7. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said dielectric is supplied to the conductive carrier material by means of a film releasing means. 8. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said system comprises at least one means for fixing images following each image developing station. 9. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said system has means for providing at least one further imaging cycle after the separation of said dielectric from said conductive carrier material. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by means in said system after said toner fixing station for attaching a base or a support to a non-imaged surface of said dielectric. ll. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by film releasing means for applying said dielectric to the surface of said conductive carrier material at a point in said system before said printhead. An impact-free printing apparatus consisting of a conductive support material, at least one dielectric on said conductive support material, at least one print head for imagewise charging of said dielectric, at least one image developing station, at least one liquid removal station, at least one toner fixing station for providing in combination a printing system, means for depositing at least a first dielectric on said conductive support material, said dielectric having a substantially continuous surface capable of receiving and maintaining an electrostatically latent image, said conductive support material having Means for feeding it through each of the stations, characterized by means for recirculating said dielectric to a printhead for at least a second imagewise charge, and means for continuous feeding beyond a last separation station, means at said separation station for removing substantially all of said first dielectric from said conductive support material, means for feeding said conductive support material beyond said separation station to means capable of depositing at least a second dielectric on said conductive support material and means for feeding said second dielectric to said printhead and continuously through the following stations. 13. A printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by a plurality of toner developing stations. 14. A printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by a plurality of printing heads located before said developing stations. A printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by means for applying a binder to said dielectric before a toner fixing station and after imaging said dielectric. A printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by means for providing a base or a support for said dielectric, said means being located in the system after said separation station. Printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that said system consists in at least one of each of the following: a first dielectric discharge station, a dielectric discharge station, a printing head imaging station, an image developing station, a liquid vapor an imaging station, an image fixing station, an adhesive applying station, a carrier material dispensing station, and a separation station, said printing apparatus having means for repeatedly advancing said conductive carrier material through a plurality of passages of said carrier material. stations. Printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that all dielectrics have a thickness of at least 0.2 mils. 19. A printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that all dielectrics have a thickness of from about 0.2 mils to about 10.0 mils. A printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that all the dielectrics are deposited on said conductive carrier material in a liquid composition and have means for then dispensing the liquid portion therefrom to form a dielectric which can receive and hold a latent electrostatic image. An electrographic process consisting of at least one sequence of the following steps: applying a dielectric to the surface of a conductive support material, electrically discharging at least one surface of said dielectric, providing an imagewise charge on the previously discharged surface of said dielectric, then feeding said dielectric through a developing station and a developing liquid removing station where said imagewise charge is made into a visible image, characterized in that said visible image is fixed to the surface of said dielectric to form an imaged dielectric, removing said image from said conductive support material, to purify said conductive support material and to repeat said steps continuously to obtain a desired product. Process according to claim 21, characterized in that said dielectric is applied to the surface of said conductive support material by depositing a liquid containing the dielectric on said surface, evaporating the liquid part and thereby 10 C71 C 0 "! CA C) 39 form a dielectric with suitable electrographic properties. 23. A process according to claim 21, characterized in that said cdielectric is supplied to the surface of said conductive carrier material by means of a dielectric film emitting means. Process according to claim 21, characterized in that said dielectric is sequentially imaged, developed and fixed in a plurality of passes before said separation. Process according to claim 21, characterized in that after said conductive carrier material has been purified, said dielectric is again sequentially imaged, developed and fixed in a plurality of passes before separation from said conductive carrier material. A process according to claim 21, characterized in that at a base support station a thicker base is provided on a surface of said dielectric opposite the imaged surface, said base support station being arranged before removing said imaged dielectric from said conductive carrier material. 27. The process of claim 21, wherein a 0.2 mile to 10.0 mile thick layer of dielectric material is applied to the surface of said conductive support material. 28. A process according to claim 21, characterized in that said dielectric is supplied continuously to said conductive carrier material after said cleaning.