The market offers a wide range of printing devices. Knowing what types of printers exist and how they differ, you can make the right choice. Each type of device has its advantages and disadvantages. Having familiarized yourself with the varieties of printers in detail, you can choose the type that is most suitable for home use or for solving problems in the office.
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Varieties of printers
Manufacturers of equipment produce various models of peripheral devices for printing, which may differ in technical characteristics, appearance, size, and features of work. Depending on the technology used, the main types of printers are distinguished in the basis of work:
- matrix
- inkjet;
- laser;
- LED light.
To the types of printers can also be attributed to the MFP - a multifunctional device that performs several options. Each species has its own characteristics and characteristics, and also copes with various tasks. Before you go to the store for a new device, read more about the types of printers and their characteristics.
Dot matrix printers
These are the first printing devices, the peak of popularity of which was more than 10 years ago. Now their place was taken by more modern models, so the production of matrix devices is almost discontinued.
Principle of operation
The principle of operation of dot-matrix printers is largely similar to a typewriter. The basis of the device’s operation is a matrix that consists of needles (usually 9, 18 or 24). Now only devices with a 24-needle matrix are produced, which allows you to get the highest print quality. Between the paper, which moves on the shaft, and the printing unit (matrix) is an ink ribbon. When the needles hit it, the dots from them are transferred to the paper. The device’s memory codes for printing characters, letters and numbers are stored.
Advantages and disadvantages
These printers have the following advantages:
- low price of the device;
- simultaneous printing up to 3 copies (copy paper must be laid between paper);
- printing on roll paper;
- low cost of printing one sheet.
Dot-matrix printers cannot provide high-quality printing; moreover, they work quite noisily. Printers of this type are an excellent option for enterprises in which there are no conditions for more modern models or do large copies of documents, but there are no high quality requirements. They are not suitable for home use due to poor print quality and noise.
Inkjet Printers
Over the past decade, inkjet printers have made great strides in development. They allow you to get high quality color printing. Black and white models of such devices are no longer available.
Principle of operation
Inkjet printers print by spraying ink through very small nozzles. The image is made up of small dots. For printing, quick-drying inks of four colors are used:
- Black
- Cyan (blue);
- Magenta (magenta);
- Yellow
In modern inkjet photo printers, 6 colors are used, which allows to increase the brightness and color saturation. Features of printing technology from different manufacturers may have slight differences.
Advantages and disadvantages
This type of printer is popular among users because it has the following advantages:
- affordable cost of the device;
- high quality color printing;
- the ability to print photos using special photo paper;
- almost silent work;
- energy efficiency in terms of energy consumption;
- the ability to print on paper, film and other materials.
The pluses include the versatility of some models, for example, you can print photos from the camera without connecting to a computer.
The disadvantages include:
- high cost of printing;
- slow print speed (when compared with laser models);
- high cost of maintenance (purchase of ink cartridges and special paper).
Inkjet devices are suitable for those who want to print high quality photos and color documents. The low cost of this type of model captivates many users, but keep in mind that the cost of consumables will be large. If the device is rarely used for printing, the ink may dry out and ink cartridges will need to be replaced.
Laser printers
Nowadays, printers that use laser technology are the most common, as they provide high quality printing and are distinguished by productivity. In most cases, printers of this type provide monochrome printing, but there are also color models.
Principle of operation
The basis of the laser printer is a movable drum, as in a copier. Printing consists of several stages. First, the laser beam applies the image to a sheet of paper that moves on the drum. After the toner is a powder of electrically charged particles, it lies on the applied image and is fixed by sintering when passing through a heated roller. The technology provides high-quality printing, which is not afraid of water and the rays of the sun.
Advantages and disadvantages
Many users opt for laser printers for their benefits:
- high performance;
- low cost of printing;
- high speed printing;
- high-quality printing, resistant to water and ultraviolet;
- low noise.
The exposure level is minimal, therefore, the device does not cause harm to human health. It can be used to print documents in large volumes.
The main disadvantage of such devices is the high price compared to models using inkjet technology.
LED printers
The new generation of printers working on LED technology is still very expensive, so not everyone can afford such a model.
Principle of operation
LED printing technology is very similar to laser. The light source in such devices is not a laser beam, but a ribbon of LEDs. The use of this modern technology allows you to get high-quality printing.
Advantages and disadvantages
LED devices, like other types of printers, have their advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages are:
- high print quality;
- high speed;
- silent work;
- performance.
Due to the high cost, this technique is still inferior in popularity to other types of printers.
MFP
A multifunction device (MFP) is used to print documents and photos, scan and copy, receive or send faxes, as it combines the options of several peripheral devices.
Great for small offices with limited space as well as home use. The combination of several peripheral devices in one allows you to save usable space.
Principle of operation
At the heart of the operation of the MFP, inkjet or laser technology can be used, and LED models are also appearing on the market. Features of the device depend on the technology used.
Advantages and disadvantages
If you are interested in what types of printers are now, you have familiarized yourself with the main varieties. According to many consumers, the MFP is a great option for home use and small offices. It has the following advantages:
- combines several peripheral devices;
- It is much cheaper compared to the purchase of each device separately;
- saves space;
- differs in low cost of printing;
- can print on both sides;
- has high performance.
Depending on the model, some MFPs can be used to print documents and photographs, while such devices also have their drawbacks:
- when the MFP fails, the entire office will stop working;
- when toner runs out, the scanner may not work;
- lower copy speed and higher copy cost.
Knowing all the basic types of printers, you can make a rational choice. It is impossible to answer unequivocally the question of how to choose the type of device, since it is necessary to take into account the tasks set (how often and how much you plan to print), the required quality, operating conditions, financial capabilities and other factors. Do not forget to consider the features, cons and advantages of each type.
