Types of printers

Types of Printers: Classification, Characteristics

The first printer was invented in 1969 by scientists who discovered how to create a laser printing device from a photocopy machine.

Classification of Printers

Printers can be classified in several ways:

1. Based on their technology:
2. Laser Printers
3. Inkjet Printers
4. Thermal Printers
5. Dot Matrix Printers
6. Based on their functionality:
7. Single-Function Printers
8. Multifunction Printers
9. Based on their connectivity:
10. Wired Printers
11. Wireless Printers
12. Network Printers
13. Cloud Printers

A printer is known as a technological gadget. It has the capability to handle small print jobs, ranging from 1 to 100 sheets. Its inception dates back to 1969, when researchers discovered the means to adapt a popular copying machine into a printer utilizing laser printing technology.

Classification of printers.

Classification of Classify can be done based on several criteria:

• Based on the principle of image formation, they can be categorized into three types: sequential formation, which creates text character by character; lower case formation; and page formation.
• Based on the printing method, they can be divided into impact printers and non-impact printers.
• Based on the color spectrum, they can be classified as colored printers or non-colored printers.
• Based on the type of material used, they can be categorized as:
• Roll-fed printers equipped with rewind function
• Sheet-fed printers intended for printing on film and paper
• Printers used for printing on disks, gadgets, and for stamping souvenir printers
• 3D printers for printing three-dimensional forms
• Based on the type of ink used:
• alcohol-based inks that are not widely utilized;
• the most prevalent solvent;
• utilized in the production of industrial oil;
• pigmented inks that generate high-resolution images;
• UV-curable, which are comparable to solvent inks.
• By purpose:
• large-format, which are necessary for outdoor advertising;
• interior, which aid in interior decoration;
• photo printers for printing pictures;
• office;
• marking.
• According to the printing technology, they are categorized as:
• matrix;
• inkjet;
• laser;
• light-emitting diode (LED);
• altering the shape of ink.

Attention! The final classification is crucial, as it garners the most user attention. The prevalent device types, based on technology, include matrix, laser, and inkjet printers.

Some of the primary features include the following criteria:

1. Resolution – this is measured by the amount of dots of dye applied per inch of paper, which determines the level of detail;
2. The range of colors that the final image can reproduce;
3. Printing speed – the number of pages and characters that the device can print within a single second or minute.

Laser printers are often purchased for occasional use, and they stand out from others with their satisfactory speed, image quality, and affordable price.

The operation principle of laser machines is similar to that of "Xeroxes," using toner – ink powder. Text and images are first applied to the drum and then transferred to sheets and thermally fused.

Important! A basic laser printer can print from 10 to 20 pages per minute.

Advantages of using laser printers include:

• The ability to not use the device for extended periods without deterioration or drying out of the toner;
• Affordability of parts and consumables;
• Resistance of the printed image to high temperatures and moisture;
• Easy operation;

A type of laser device known as LED printers distinguishes itself from traditional laser printers in terms of their light source. While laser printers use a single beam, LED printers employ a multitude of individual beams. Additionally, these beams remain stationary as each one is responsible for applying ink to a specific point, thanks to individual bulbs.

LED printers offer numerous benefits, including high speed and excellent print quality. However, they have a disadvantage of being relatively expensive and relatively less common in comparison to other printer types.

Laser printers can rival inkjet printers in terms of performance. The printed image is composed of tiny dots, and inside the printer, there is a head that dispenses liquid ink onto the paper.

Important! The main differences between these printers lie in the type of ink they use and their printing speed.

Inkjet printers are ideal for individuals who desire to produce high-quality images. However, it is important to consider that if the printer is not used frequently, the liquid ink may dry up, and replacing them can be costly. In the past, printers only used four colors:

With modern models, two additional colors have been introduced to enhance the vibrancy and saturation of the printed images. Some advantages of inkjet printers include:

• Affordability;
• High-quality output;
• The ability to print on photo paper;
• Quiet operation;
• Low power consumption;
• Versatility in printing on various media;
• Multiple functionalities.

Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages, such as high production costs and slower printing speed. Additionally, ink cartridges tend to be more expensive compared to color toner for laser printers.

The dot matrix printer ranks next in line. It served as a standard device for outputting information from a computer onto paper for a considerable period. Despite the availability of laser and inkjet alternatives, matrix printers maintained its presence. One key distinction was their affordability, though the image quality left much to be desired.

The benefits of these devices include:

• Low cost of consumables
• Ability to print on all types of paper
• Capability to print on multi-layered paper

However, several drawbacks exist:

• Slow and noisy printing
• Poor image quality
• Limited color printing capabilities

Important! The main application of matrix devices is for printing on forms.



Another type of printing device is the 3-D printer. These printers are typically large boxes with glass windows that allow you to observe the printing process. They are capable of creating three-dimensional objects based on visual patterns.



When in operation, the 3-D printer uses ceramic powder, plastic filaments, and photopolymer resins. These materials are gradually combined layer by layer to form the desired object.



Important! With a 3-D printer, complex objects that would take a significant amount of time to create manually can be printed quickly.



To enumerate the advantages of multifunctional devices:

• They are cost-effective compared to buying each device separately;
• They save space;
• Printing costs are low;
• They can print on both sides of a sheet of paper simultaneously;
• They have high productivity;
• They can print photos on photo paper.

On the other hand, multifunctional devices also have some disadvantages:

• If one component fails, the entire device may become inoperable;
• Copying paper documents is relatively slow;
• If a multifunctional device malfunctions, it could halt work in the entire office.

In addition to the printer types mentioned above, which vary in their operational principle, there are various other types of printers available. Some of these printers are no longer in high demand, while others are specifically used for certain purposes. These types of printers include:

1. Sublimation printers: Sublimation printers are known for their excellent color rendering and high-quality output, which makes them ideal for printing in professional printing houses.
2. Drum printers: Drum printers were once popular but have since fallen out of use. Their downfall was due to the fact that when printing, letters would often be at different levels, resulting in a "dancing" and "running" effect on the paper. These printers functioned using a drum with imprints of symbols, which would rotate and leave the desired letters and numbers on the paper.
3. The petal printer, a once popular type of printer, has now become a forgotten artifact. It operated by using a flexible disk adorned with delicate petals. As the printer ran, these petals would come into contact with ink and paper, leaving behind distinct markings.

Recommendations on the choice

When looking to purchase a printer, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Determining the type of printer that is most suitable for your needs, based on operational principles and other criteria. Cheaper laser models are recommended for home use, while multifunction printers (MFPs) are more suitable for office use.
2. Considering the printing format that the device supports. Any of the printers mentioned above would be suitable for students working with A4 size paper. Machines capable of printing on A2 and A1 sheets are typically only needed in office and project environments.

For individuals who need to print educational materials and occasional photos, investing in expensive printers with high print quality and speed is unnecessary. Instead, more affordable and easily maintainable color inkjet printers are the perfect choice. It’s important to remember to regularly use the printer to prevent ink from drying out.