When was the last time you printed something off your computer? This morning? Yesterday? Last week? Chances are, if you're like most of the modern world, your printer and the documents it outputs have become an important part of your life. Most of us own either a laser or inkjet printer, but when put to the test very few people would be able to explain the difference between the two. Is there one, and does it matter? The answer is yes - and maybe not, but we all should understand the basic technology behind the machines that run our lives.
A laser printer essentially uses an electric current to remove the charge from certain areas on a piece of paper. These neutral areas attract particles or "dots" of a waxy substance called toner, which clings to the paper and is fused via heat for a permanent, waterproof finish. Laser printers have been around since 1969. The first laser printer was marketed for a whopping price of $17,000! Try explaining that electronics purchase to the wife, eh? Today, laser printers are still more expensive than their inkjet cousins, but tend to produce a more reliable, professional end result. In the past they were less popular for color printing because of the unreasonable expense, but recent technological advances are making color laser printing more accessible for small businesses and home offices.
There are a few health risks associated with the toner used in laser printing. It is composed of small particles that can easily be spilled and inhaled, leading to significant respiratory distress. Over a long period of time toner inhalation may even lead to cancers or lung disease; those working in printing or copier industries should research this more thoroughly. Don't get caught by surprise ten years down the line!
Inkjet printers utilize a different technology altogether, save for the presence of "dots" - which in this case are created by a high-speed printed head that spits out thousands of drops of aqueous pigments or dyes. Inkjet printers are slower than laser printers, and tend to be cheaper at the time of purchase, but this changes over time as ink cartridges run out and require replacement. Inkjet printers were in use before laser printers, as the technology first underwent experimentation in the 1800s, but didn't come into modern use until 1976. They have until recently been the most practical option for color printing, as color laser printers have been very expensive, but that is changing as technology advances. The disadvantages of inkjet printing - namely high materials cost, frequent clogging and repair issues, and poor dye lifespan - may soon outweigh the advantages!
Author Resource:-
As a photographer, Ara Hovsepian has done a lot of research on printing in order to reproduce the best prints of his digital photographs. For more information on printer technology and other mechanics of modern life, visit www.whatislaserprinter.com.
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