a valve assembly is provided for a high - speed phase change ink image producing machine between a first storage reservoir for receiving and holding a first volume of melted ink from a source and a second storage reservoir for holding a second volume of melted ink to be delivered under pressure to a printhead system . the valve assembly includes a passive valve disc movable from the closed position in which said disc abuts a valve seat in sealed contact , and an open position in which said valve disc is supported by an angled surface . an upper portion of the valve disc is unsupported and a flow director surface behind the disc directs fluid flow against the upper portion to assist in closing the valve . the surface characteristics of the valve seat are controlled to improve the “ crack ” time of the valve disc when opening .