Abstract: A process for preparing an imaging surface of an imaging transfer member in a printing machine, the process comprises providing a surface roughness to the imaging surface to produce a plurality of pits having sharp features on the surface, and then exposing the pitted imaging surface to an acid dip for a time period sufficient to substantially reduce the sharp features on the imaging surface. This process may be followed by anodization. The process produces an imaging surface having a pit structure providing reduced oil consumption and wear of components of the printing machine that contact the imaging surface.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide an aluminum image drum and method of its formation such that the aluminum image drum can have a surface texture to provide desirable surface oil consumption and high print quality for solid ink jet marking systems.

Abstract: An improved method of measuring relative positions of adjacent printheads in a printhead array has been developed. A pair of ink dashes is made with different colors of ink from adjacent printheads and an offset distance between the dashes is determined from color density measurements of the two dashes. The offset distance may then be used to adjust the stitch alignment of the two printheads.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide an aluminum image drum and method of its formation such that the aluminum image drum can have a surface texture to provide desirable surface oil consumption and high print quality for solid ink jet marking systems.

Abstract: A process for preparing an imaging surface of an imaging transfer member in a printing machine, the process comprises providing a surface roughness to the imaging surface to produce a plurality of pits having sharp features on the surface, and then exposing the pitted imaging surface to an acid dip for a time period sufficient to substantially reduce the sharp features on the imaging surface. This process may be followed by anodization. The process produces an imaging surface having a pit structure providing reduced oil consumption and wear of components of the printing machine that contact the imaging surface.

Abstract: Using novel synthetic techniques, siloxane-urea segmented copolymers are made. The copolymers advantageously contain a polyether interface, with controlled morphologies and properties. High molecular weight, high strength siloxane-urea copolymers with a high content of urea hard segment may be prepared. Polymer properties that can independently be controlled include modulus, ultimate tensile strength, level of equilibrium water absorption and refractive index.

Abstract: Using novel synthetic techniques, siloxane-urea segmented copolymers are made. The copolymers advantageously contain a polyether interface, with controlled morphologies and properties. High molecular weight, high strength siloxane-urea copolymers with urea hard segment contents ranging from 5 to over 60% by weight may be prepared. Polymer properties that can independently be controlled include modulus (1.0 to 120 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (1.5 to 25 MPa), level of equilibrium water absorption (˜0 to 100% by weight) and refractive index (1.43 to 1.46).

Abstract: A segmented copolymer can be produced without needing a chain extender. The conventional view that a chain extender was needed to construct a segmnented copolymer has been disproven. For example, by certain reactions of a diisocyanate with oligomeric and polymeric diols or diamines, segmented copolymers can be produced without needing a chain extender. Segmented copolymers not containing ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol and ethylene diamine can be produced.