Laminate and gasket manifold for ink jet delivery systems and similar devices

Abstract

A system and method for the fabrication of a fluid, gas and/or vacuum flow system ( ) having a laminate gasket manifold ( ) containing a plurality of bi-directional fluid-flow channels ( ) therein. Initially, a photoimagable polyimide dry film resist layer ( ) is applied to one or more stiffening elements ( ) in order to form laminate sub-layers ( ). The resist is then patterned to form a plurality of openings therein. Selectively, the laminate sub-layers are etched to form alignment apertures ( ) therein. The resist-coated sub-layers ( ) are then stacked such that the alignment apertures ( ) therein are aligned to each other, respectively, to form bi-directional fluid-flow channels ( ). Heat and pressure are then applied to the stack of laminate sub-layers ( ) at 70-75 degrees C. in a vacuum laminator for 10 to 30 seconds. Additional parts, such as a silicon aperture structure ( ) and a substrate, or mounting block ( ), are bonded to the laminate gasket manifold ( ) via a die bonder at 160 degrees C. for approximately five minutes. If such additional parts are added, forming a system ( ), then the system ( ) is cured via a post bake at 160 degrees C. for one hour utilizing a static pressure, such as a dead weight, in order to press all parts together. Thus, the post bake results in a complete cross-link of the bonding material ( ), and may be applied to the laminate gasket manifold ( ) should additional parts not be added.