An ion printing head is provided with a pin array coronde as an ion generation device, a corona controlling electrode and an array of modulation electrodes controlling the flow of ions to an imaging member in imagewise configuration. The pin array coronode provides an efficient and highly directable source of ions. At least part of the directability of the ions appears to be a result of the highly directionalized ion or corona wind, that tends to flow in a direction defined by the plane of the coronode. The corona wind also serves the purpose of removing corona effluents from the area adjacent the coronode that eventually cause deterioration of the head parts.