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Reducing Standby Times to Cut Energy Consumption

Induction Heating (IH) Fixing

Canon developed an Induction Heating (IH) toner-fixing system that uses a fixing roller consisting of a thin-walled metal pipe with a thin moldrelease layer coating. Fast heat conduction is ensured by the application of a high-frequency electrical current through a coil built into the roller, which comes in contact with the toner on the surface of the paper. As a result, the technology reduces standby times to one-sixth of previous wait times while cutting energy consumption by about 70% compared with conventional systems.

Following a reexamination of the thermal properties of materials and the mechanical characteristics of the technology, Canon achieved an improved roller-holding method and fixing unit structure, making possible the creation of a fixing roller that can produce 500,000 prints before requiring replacement. To ensure stable temperature control, the company also developed a low-loss, high-frequency inverter power supply.

Principle of Induction Heating (IH) (Example of IH Cookware)

Principle of Induction Heating (IH)
(Example of IH Cookware)

 

How the IH fixing system works

How the IH fixing system works