Step 4: Image Developing

At this stage of the process, the latent electrostatic image is present on the drum. The toner particles obtain a negative surface charge by rubbing against the developing cylinder which is connected to a negative DC supply. The negatively charged toner is attracted to the discharged (exposed, grounded) areas of the drum, and repelled from the negatively charged (non-exposed) areas.

Step 5: Image Transferring

During the transferring process, the toner image on the drum surface is transferred to the paper. A positive charge applied to the back of the paper by the transfer roller causes the negatively charged toner on the drum surface to be attracted to the paper. After separation, the drum is cleaned and conditioned for the next image.

Step 6: Image Fusing

During the fusing process, the toner is fused into the paper by heat and pressure to produce a permanent image. The paper passes between a heated fusing element and a soft pressure roller. This melts the toner and presses it into the paper.

5 - 14 Functional Overview