What is a printer: types of printers, the principle of operation and basic characteristics.

Many computer users sometimes have a desire to purchase also a printer. The device is very convenient and greatly expands the capabilities of a PC or laptop. It can become an indispensable assistant for a student or student. Also, a printer is required in offices, as it allows you to print the necessary documents in seconds. Designers and photographers use printing devices.

Printer: definition and purpose

The printer is designed to print various text documents, photographs or images. Using wires, it connects to the system unit or laptop, after which, by simple manipulation, you can at any time print the necessary text or image on paper or polymer film.

REFERENCE! The printer is used for a small amount of printing. This is its main difference from the equipment used in the printing house.

Types of printers: principle of operation and basic characteristics

There are three main types of printing device: inkjet, laser, matrix. They differ in a number of characteristics: the principle of operation, cost, print speed, size, the ability to print color images:

1. Dot matrix. These printers appeared first in the market of printing devices. They were developed back in 1964. The principle of their operation is based on the use of a special head, needles and electromagnets and is very similar to the operation of a conventional typewriter. The head of the device moves parallel to a sheet of paper. Under it is a ribbon with a coloring pigment. The print head hits the ink ribbon with needles, and the desired image or text is formed on the surface of the sheet of paper. As a rule, to work with such a device, not ordinary paper sheets, but special rolls are used. The quality of the result will depend on the number of needles located on the head of the product.
2. Jet. Such models appeared after the matrix. They also function due to the print head and needles. The head moves along a sheet of paper and forms the desired image. The main difference from other devices is the presence of a matrix, which is located on the head and contains a coloring pigment. Due to the fact that the ink is prone to rapid drying, manufacturers install a special system that cleans the print head from the remnants of the coloring pigment. Such models work very slowly. But despite this, they are still used.
3. Laser This is a more modern model. Laser printers are significantly different from their predecessors. For work here, toner is used, not a coloring pigment. Instead of a print head, a drum is used. First, the text or image is saved in the device’s memory. After that, the information is transferred using a laser to a photodrum, which is covered with a photosensitive layer and is a semiconductor. Its resistance decreases under lighting. The laser sends light to the places from which the image should be transferred to paper. Then, toner enters these zones - its particles are endowed with a negative charge. The incoming sheet of paper receives a positive charge and, in contact with the drum, picks up the negative particles along with the toner. To fix the toner, a heating module is used.

Pros and Cons of Inkjet Printers

Inkjet models are popular printing devices. They are easy to set up and operate, as well as affordable.

The pros include:

• low cost;
• the ability to print color images and photographs - they mix the pigment color much better than laser models;
• printing on various surfaces, including glossy and even on some types of fabrics;
• lack of need for warming up before starting work;
• the possibility of refilling cartridges - this helps to significantly reduce costs;
• ease of use, small dimensions and weight.

Cons are:

• ink is expensive;
• the coloring pigment is water-based, so the finished image or text is vulnerable to moisture;
• low speed;
• frequent cleaning of the print head is required;
• if you do not use the product for a long time, the pigment will dry.

ATTENTION! The speed of operation depends on the number of nozzles and the required print quality.

Advantages and disadvantages of laser printers

This option has gained popularity among users with its print speed and inexpensive cost of consumables.

The pluses include:

• high quality finished images and text;
• high speed of work;
• low cost of consumables.

The disadvantages are:

1. High price. The price of color printing devices is especially high.
2. Lower quality of the received texts and images than inkjet models. However, there are models that are not inferior in this characteristic. Therefore, before buying, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the necessary information in the device passport or on the forums.
3. Inability to self refill the cartridge. To do this, contact a service workshop.

How to choose a printer for home or office

When choosing the most suitable product option, you should pay attention to the following:

1. Volume. You need to roughly estimate the amount that the printer will print in a month. If you do it wrong, the device will quickly fail.
2. The need for color printing. The color option is needed when you often need to print various posters, presentations or photographs. If this is not planned, then the best option is a black and white printer.
3. Speed. Laser devices are faster than inkjet devices.
4. Profitability. Despite the fact that consumables for a laser device are inexpensive, the product itself consumes a large amount of electricity.

Thus, for use at home, the best option is to purchase an inexpensive, compact and economical printer. These are laser devices. Despite the fact that the cost of inkjet is lower, their further maintenance is very expensive.

When choosing the most suitable device, you need to decide what it will be used for, correctly evaluate all the pros and cons of specific models, as well as the cost of consumables. The printer should work properly and not cause problems during operation.