Imaging systems and methods

An imaging system, comprising:

• an electrically insulating layer;
• an electrically conductive substrate supporting the electrically insulating layer;
• an inking system operable to form on a surface of the electrically insulating layer an ink layer having an electrorheological fluid composition comprising a suspension of colorant particles dispersed in an electrically insulating carrier fluid;
• a charge imaging print-head operable to project a charge image onto the ink layer to selectively form charge-stiffened regions adhering to the electrically insulating layer and representing respective regions of the projected charge image;
• and
• a developer assembly operable to apply a shearing force to the ink layer to physically separate non-charge-stiffened ink layer components from the charge-stiffened regions.