They can make this type of persistent representations in a variety of forms, such as a text document, a graphic, or a bar code. In most cases, the output is human-readable.
Dot matrix printers
Dot matrix printers are a good choice for businesses that need to generate a large number of copies of documents. These devices are easy to maintain and have a long life span. They are also relatively cheap to purchase and operate.
They are a great option for warehouses, repair centers, or shipping and warehousing facilities. If you have a larger commercial operation, you may want to purchase a high CPS model to save on costs.
The best dot matrix printers can produce near letter quality type. They also have a sturdy build and are known for their noise.
Some newer models have WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. However, they are not as fast as a traditional printer.
Unlike other printing systems, dot matrix printers can print simple graphics in bitmap form. You can choose from a variety of resolutions from 50 CPS to 5,000 CPS.
Laser printers
Advanced Laser printers are used to create permanent copies of data from a computer. Compared to inkjet printers, they are faster and cheaper. They also offer a high-quality output. However, they require a higher upfront investment.
Originally developed at the Xerox PARC in the 1970s, laser printers were introduced in the home and office markets in subsequent years. Their key components include an image drum, toner, and laser. In addition to printing, they also have other useful features such as scanning, faxing, and a multifunction mode.
The laser is the king of the chessboard, but there are many other components. Some printers use a positively-charged “transfer roller” on the backside of the paper. Another system, known as liquid electrophotography, uses an electrostatically-charged ink instead of toner.
Toner is a fine powder that is melted onto the paper. Ink is then fused with the paper using heat.
Inkjet printers
If you need to print professional-looking brochures or colorful business graphics, you may want to invest in an inkjet printer. These printers can produce high-resolution copies, up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. They’re also available with a duplexer, which allows you to print on both sides of the paper.
The ink used by inkjet printers consists of dye-based or pigment-based materials. In addition to providing excellent resolution and speed, these printers offer a wider range of surfaces to which they can be applied.
Inkjet printing uses a series of tiny nozzles that spray ink on paper or plastic. Some inks are based on a solvent, while others are based on a dye.
A popular use for inkjet printers is for photo printing. However, inkjets can be expensive to operate over time.
3D printers
3D printers, also called additive manufacturing, are machines that create objects from a digital file. This process makes it possible to create virtually any item you can imagine. Whether it’s a sculpture, a robot, or a prosthetic limb, 3D printing lets you make your idea a reality.
The first 3D printer was invented in the late 1980s by Chuck Hull, an American inventor. He filed a patent in 1984 for a stereolithography machine.
A few years later, the first commercial FDM 3D printer was developed by Stratasys. As the price of 3D printers came down, more and more companies started making them.
Some of the first 3D printers were large and expensive. In the late 1990s, however, the cost of 3D printing became more affordable.
Many companies began using 3D printing to produce prototypes for their products. For example, GE used 3D printing to develop fuel nozzles for its new jet engine. Other companies have used the technology to manufacture medical equipment.
Solid ink printers and LED printers
A solid ink printer is a type of printing device that uses a special type of ink. It is designed to avoid environmentally unfriendly toner cartridges. This technology has been around since 1986, and was developed by an Oregon-based company called Tektronix.
The solid ink printer’s main advantage is that it saves space. There is no need to keep empty cartridges and the printer’s compact design requires little storage space.
However, solid ink printers are more expensive than other types of printers. They also take more time to print each document. If you need to use the printer for mobile applications, you will have to wait for the ink to cool down before moving the printer.
Solid ink printers can be used for various purposes, including high-quality photo printing. You can also use it for business graphics that have eye-catching detail.