A process for printing images by means of an electrographic or electrostatic
device
using a toner that is cured by multiple applications of energy. The toner has energy-activated
reactive components such as radiation-curable sites and reactive functional groups.
An image is formed on a substrate by the toner without materially activating the
reactive components. The reactive components are subsequently activated by applying
a first energy source to adhere the image to the substrate by cross-linking and
bonding the image permanently to the substrate, or by transferring the image to
a second substrate. A second energy source is applied simultaneously with, or subsequently
to, the first energy source, to promote cohesive strength of the image by cross-linking
within the toner particles that form the image. The resulting image is permanently
bonded to the substrate, yielding substantially enhanced image durability and fastnesses.
