Aerogel Insulation of Components in Printers (16-Sep-2009)

This idea suggests using Aerogel to insulate the hot components, such as fusers, in printing machines. Aerogel is a relatively new material that will easily withstand temperatures of 200 degrees Centigrade and a high temperature variant goes to 385 degrees Centigrade. It is extremely light and can be molded. The excellent sound insulation properties will make the machines quieter and the electrical properties mean that Aerogel components need not be further electrically insulated. Aerogel is also non flammable.

This would, for example, in the case of the fuser:

• Reduce the amount of energy required to run the fuser

• Reduce the amount of time from "cold" to "ready to print"

• Reduce the amount of cooling ventilation required in the machine

• Lower the overall amount of energy required to run the machine

• Lower sound emissions

Aerogel could be applied to any scenario where there is a hot and/ or noisy component.  Currently we put hot or noisy components in a machine. Noise is often dealt with by insulating the whole machine. Heat is removed from the machine with cooling fans. This cooling adversely affects the operation of heated components such as the fuser which then consumes even more energy. Sound insulation on a machine level can be complex and expensive. Insulation of hot components that are meant to be hot retains the energy and reduces the amount of coolin...