Image transfer quality in an electrophotographic image forming device is
improved by preconditioning a media sheet prior to transferring a toner
image thereto at an image transfer station. The media sheet is
preconditioned by applying a static charge to it. In a color DTM type
device, the charge reduces the transfer voltages required at downstream
image transfer stations to account for charge accumulated on the media
sheet as a result of the image transfer process at upstream image
transfer stations. The charge may be applied to the media sheet at a
media sheet preconditioning element positioned upstream of an image
transfer station. Alternatively, an initial charge may be applied to the
media sheet at an image transfer station, without transferring a toner
image to the sheet, and returning the sheet via a duplex path to
positioned upstream of an image transfer station prior to an image
transfer operation.