Output devices (Laser Printer)

 

Laser printers are non-impact printers which can print text and images in high speed and high quality resolution, ranging from 600 to 1200 dpi.

Unlike inkjet printers, laser printer use toner (black or colored powder) instead of liquid inks.  A laser printer consists of these major components: drum cartridge, rotating mirror, toner cartridge and roller.  The drum cartridge rotates as the paper is fed through.  The mirror deflects laser beam across the surface of the drum.  Laser beam creates charge that causes the toner to stick to the drum.  As the drum rotates and presses on paper, toner is transferred from the drum to paper, creating images.  Rollers then use heat and pressure to fuse toner to paper.  Colored laser printers add colored toner in three additional passes.

ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
High resolution	More expensive than inkjet printers
High print speed	Except for high end machines, laser printers are less capable of printing vivid colors and high quality images such as photos
No smearing	The cost of toner replacement and drum replacement is high
Low cost per page (compared to inkjet printers)	Bulkier than inkjet printers
Printout is not sensitive to water	Warm up time needed
Good for high volume printing