Folding apparatus for electrophotographic prints

Abstract

Systems for folding a receiver having a dry toner thermally fused thereon are provided. In one aspect, a system for folding has a wetting system adapted to apply water along a fold line and a fold mechanism folding the receiver along the fold line. The folding is performed after a predetermined absorption period during which at least a portion of the applied water is absorbed by the receiver to reduce the extent to which the receiver cracks proximate the fold line during folding.

Description

technical field [0001] This invention relates to methods and apparatus for folding fused electrophotographic prints. Background technique [0002] Electrophotographic printing requires the precise placement of many highly charged toner particles in close proximity to each other, first on a photoreceptor, and then transferred as a toner image to paper or other receiver. The toner image is finally fixed to the paper through a process called fusing. Generally, fusing involves applying heat and optionally pressure to a receiver so that the toner on the receiver heats to the glass transition temperature and bonds to the receiver. The heat and pressure applied during fusing makes the toner image formed on the receiver more rigid and less flexible. [0003] When the end product of an electrophotographic printing system is a printed document and the printed document is a valuable item, sufficient value can be added by turning the printed page into a finished product. This convers...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This comes with the risk that this mechanical manufacturing process will cause additional damage to the receiver while it is being handled and operated

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