Laser printers have long been here with us, but their working principle is still a mystery to some.
This post takes you through its components and working principles. It also covers some of its advantages and the necessary precautions.
Components of a Laser Printer
The current laser printer has eight parts that work together.
Power Supply
All machines need a power supply to operate. Laser printers particularly need high voltage to charge the drum. The AC is usually converted to a higher voltage for drum charging.
Photosensitive Drum
The drum unit attracts toner particles that are positively charged. For that to be possible, there should be a high voltage. The unit thus has a corona wire which conducts high voltage to the drum. As the drum gets charged, a laser beam is transferred to the drum’s surface. This is done by the mirrors, which scan the images to be printed and covert to laser beams.
Tonerkartuschen
Toner cartridges house the toner. Toner is ink in powder form. Once heated to the melting point, the toner is fused on the paper fabric. Toners are available in four colors: Cyan, Magenta, Gelb, and Black. The color combination is referred to as CMYK.
Color printers use these four colors to recreate any color needed. Monochrome printers use one color, usually black. These printers can only print in grayscale, commonly known as black and white.
Corona Wires
As already mentioned, the drum needs to be positively charged to attract the toner. It is the role of the primary corona wires to charge it.
We also have transfer corona wires which negatively charge the paper. When the paper is negatively charged, it attracts the now positively charged toner.
For this to work as required, there need to be high voltages. The voltage is supplied through the power source when you plug in and turn on the printer.
Fuser Unit
The fuser unit has two rollers. Its function is to heat and melt the toner and fuse it onto the paper. The process is done over high pressure. This makes the toner bond well with the paper fabric. Fusing runs in seconds, which eliminates the risk of fire.
Waste Toner Bottle
Sometimes, the toner released is not exhausted as printing takes place. The printer cannot return it to the toner cartridge. Instead, it is channeled to a waste toner bottle. The bottle should be replaced when full.
Working Principle of a Laser Printer
Understanding the principle of laser printing requires some knowledge of electric charges. As you know, unlike charges attract, and the same charges repel each other.
The printer has a wire which positively charges the drum when heated. The laser is then directed to the drum. The laser will reverse the charge on the sections it touches. This laser transfers the image or the text to be printed. This means the negative charges scattered on the drum represents texts or images.
As the toner passes through the drum, it sticks on the parts of the drum that are negatively charged. When the paper passes the drum, the toner smears it. The smeared parts are the patterns commanded by the computer.
The entire process takes seconds. The only delay is when the wires are heating up. This is when the printer is warming up for the job.
Laser printers were invented in 1976. It has proven to be a reliable and fast printing solution.
That is the principle of later printing. In the next section, I will take you through the advantages of this printing option.
This YouTube video explains the process using animations:
Advantages of Laser Printers
Laser printing is different from an inkjet. Inkjet uses liquid ink that is smeared on the paper with precision. Laser printing relies on a laser beam.
Here are some of the advantages of laser printing:
High Printing Speed
The speed of laser printing cannot compete with that of inkjet printers. It’s fast and consistent. Once the printer heats up, it will print many pages per minute. Even a small laser printer can beat a more expensive inkjet in speed.
That is why laser printers are effective for busy offices and businesses with more to print. Laser printers can churn out thousands of pages in a day. If you are running a commercial printing business, you will need a laser printer.
Low Running Costs
Toner cartridges are cheaper than ink cartridges. This means that working with laser technology reduces the printing cost. The kind of toner cartridges to buy depends on the type of laser printer. Some toners cartridges can print thousands of pages. This offers uninterrupted printing with less turnaround time.
What makes printing cost more manageable is the emergence of compatible toner cartridges. These toner cartridges are cheaper and print as much as original toner cartridges. You will save more and still print more pages if you buy them.
These printers are also not so expensive. The monochrome ones that print in black are the cheapest.
Laser Printers Are Reliable.
Laser printers have been here since 1976. The technology has been tested enough and has proved reliable. They rarely get broken. All you have to replace is the toner cartridges. Replacing toner cartridges is easy, and you don’;t need a technician.
Laser printers can print thousands of pages without the need for regular servicing. This makes them reliable for busy offices and businesses.
They Offer Good Quality Prints.
Laser printing uses a precise laser beam. This can print more clearly when compared with inkjets. Laser printing offers a better resolution. This prints even more detailed images and fine lines. They are ideal for professional printing.
Are Laser Printers Harmful? ; ;
Laser printers are not harmful, but you need to adhere to some necessary precautions.
Laser printers use toners. Toners are in powder form. This can be a source of dust in the office. While printing, it releases dust. The quantities released vary depending on the printer model. If you are printing many pages, it would be helpful to keep your printer where there is good ventilation.
It has also been established that laser printers generate ozone (O3). This is a very volatile gas. It is a combination of three oxygen atoms. In high concentrations, ozone can be harmful to your health. The good thing is that ozone can be converted back to oxygen quickly.
It would be best if you also were careful while changing toner cartridges. Ensure to wash your hands well if you touch the toner.
Allgemein, printers are not harmful to your health. All you have to do is handle the toner with care and keep your printer in a room with good ventilation. Also, remember to switch the printer off before unplugging on the switch.
Abschluss
You now have a better understanding of laser printing. It is a cost-effective printing option. The one thing that you will need to replace regularly is the toner cartridge. Original ones are expensive. Luckily, there are alternatives such as compatible toner cartridges. These are cheaper and still print nicely.
If you have a printing firm, we can supply you with quality compatible toner cartridges. Also, if you want to retail them, you can buy them from us. We manufacture and sell them in bulk. Before you place your bulk order, we can send you a sample first. You can always contact us, and we will listen to you.