Printing alignment layers on LCD substrates with ink jet printing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for printing a liquid crystal alignment layer of uniform thickness on a substrate of an LCD and a method for its use include an ink jet head that prevents the formation of stripes in the alignment layer as a result of variations in thickness of the alignment layer. The apparatus includes an alignment layer ink ejecting unit that includes an orifice unit having a plurality of orifices, and a plurality of control units, each including a piezoelectric element that controls the flow of ink through a corresponding one of the orifices. Each of the orifices includes a plurality of ink ejection passages through which the ink is ejected, and each of the passages terminates at nozzle, or ink ejection hole.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.