Non-spherical Toner Behavior Simulation by Polyhedral Particle

Abstract

The shape of toner particles has a significant influence on the imaging performance in the electro-photographic process. In this study, we developed a program that calculates the toner behavior as we considered every particle shape. The program uses a distinct element method using polyhedral particles. We developed algorithms that classify the contact of the particle into four patterns depending upon the tangency of the vertex, the edge and the face of polyhedron. Utilizing the developed program, we calculated how the toner scatters by creeping discharge. Furthermore, we investigated the reason why a sphere toner scatters more intensely than non-sphere toner. As a result, we found that the difference between toner's shapes and adhesive properties in terms of their motion flexibility determines the scattering performance.