Abstract: In a print head having a bimorph thin-film piezo actuator, the piezo-electric actuator is arranged on a membrane at a first side of the piezo-electric actuator and a passive layer is arranged on the piezo-electric actuator at a second side of the piezo-electric actuator, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side. The membrane is more compliant, at least in a lateral direction, for contraction than the passive layer. Thus, a bending direction of the actuator is affected. As a consequence, there is no need for a bias voltage on the actuator during a standby state of the print head. Omitting the bias voltage during standby results in an increased lifetime and stability of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: In a print head having a bimorph thin-film piezo actuator, the piezo-electric actuator is arranged on a membrane at a first side of the piezo-electric actuator and a passive layer is arranged on the piezo-electric actuator at a second side of the piezo-electric actuator, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side. The membrane is more compliant, at least in a lateral direction, for contraction than the passive layer. Thus, a bending direction of the actuator is affected. As a consequence, there is no need for a bias voltage on the actuator during a standby state of the print head. Omitting the bias voltage during standby results in an increased lifetime and stability of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: An image-forming element for a printing apparatus which includes a support structure with a plurality of electrodes of a first type disposed thereon and an electronic control unit for energizing the electrodes. The image-forming element further includes a plurality of electrodes of a second type, each one of said electrodes of the second type being arranged for interacting capacitively through a dielectric layer with a number of electrodes of the first type, forming a group, the electronic control unit containing a first series of drivers for energizing the electrodes of the first type, each one of said drivers being suited for energizing one electrode of the first type within each group and a second series of drivers for energizing individually the electrodes of the second type, the first and second series of drivers being arranged such that the electrodes of the first type can be individually activated, image wise.