FILTER DEVICE FOR FILTERING INK AND INK SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR PRINTING APPARATUS

A filter device for filtering ink for delivery to at least one drop forming unit of a print-head in a printing apparatus includes: an inlet for admission of ink to the filter device; a first filter member adjacent the inlet for filtering the ink as the ink enters the filter device; a collection chamber arranged below the first filter member for collecting the ink after the ink passes through the first filter member; and an outlet for delivering the ink from the collection chamber to a reservoir for supplying the at least one drop forming unit. The collection chamber includes at least one flow directing member defining at least one predetermined flow path, especially at least one circuitous or indirect flow path, for the ink through and/or around the collection chamber to the outlet. Furthermore, an ink supply system for supplying ink to at least one drop forming unit of a print-head in a printing apparatus includes an ink melting device for melting solid ink elements, such as toner pearls, to form liquid ink; a filter device according to the invention for filtering liquid ink from the melting device; and a reservoir for storing the liquid ink received from the filter device for delivery to the at least one drop forming unit.