Support beam for printhead modules
View Patent ↗A support beam ( 1 ) for mounting printhead modules ( 2 ) within an inkjet printer has a laminate structure with outer layers laminated to a core, the outer layers ( 3,4 ) being of the same material and the core ( 5 ) being of a different material such that the overall coefficient of thermal expansion of the support beam ( 1 ) is substantially equal to that of silicon. The thickness of each layer in the laminate structure is such that the support beam does not bend from differential thermal expansion.
1. A support beam for mounting printhead modules within an inkjet printer; the support beam comprising:
a laminate structure with outer layers laminated to a core, the outer layers being of the same material and the core being of a different material such that the overall coefficient of thermal expansion of the support beam is substantially equal to that of silicon; wherein, the thickness of each layer in the laminate structure is such that the support beam does not bend from differential thermal expansion.
2. A support beam according to claim 1 wherein the outer layers are the same thickness.
3. A support beam according to claim 1 wherein the outer layers are symmetrically disposed about the core.
4. A support beam according to claim 1 further comprising mounting points for positioning the plurality of printhead modules end to end along the beam.
5. A support beam according to claim 4 wherein the printhead modules are all silicon MEMS type modules.