Sustainable Engineering: Eco-Friendly Xerographic Printing

Jan. 8, 2009
A Bias Charge Roller (BCR) system for electrophotographic equipment is said to offer a more eco-friendly alternative to the corona wire

A Bias Charge Roller (BCR) system for electrophotographic equipment is said to offer a more eco-friendly alternative to the corona wire, the traditional means of charging a photoconductor.

Made of semiconductive polyurethane (PU), the new BCR replaces the corona wire in the charging module of a printing engine. Manufacturer Fenner Precision says its new roller generates 100 times less ozone than the corona wire and lasts 10 times longer than conventional rubber, PU foam, or PU elastomeric charging systems.

More Info

Fenner Precision,
wholly owned subsidiary of Fenner PLC, Buffalo, N.Y., fennerprecision.com

Traditional corona wires see a high voltage which charges the surface of the photoconductor drum. In addition to using great amounts of electricity, corona wires emit excess ozone and nitrogen oxide (NOx).

The Fenner Precision BCR uses a contact-charging method rather than a corona wire’s noncontact method, so a single roller can replace multiple corona wires in high-speed printing and thus reduce energy demands. Also, the contact-charging method cycles more quickly than noncharging methods, letting machines print faster.

A liquid cast-manufacturing process used to make the roller gives the organic photoconductor a uniform charge distribution. The semiconductive polyurethane composite material is nonsparking and resists imaging oil in liquid-toner applications.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!