Laser Toner Cartridges vs Inkjet Units
Inkjet or laser toner cartridges – what should you choose for your printing needs?
Whether a laser or inkjet technology printer is used, the data to be printed is downloaded from a server, PC, or smart device to the device. Laser toner cartridges are the consumables used in machines that use a hot wire to electrostatically impart a positive charge to the surface of a photosensitive drum. A laser beam transfers the digital image onto the drum as it reflects off a moving mirror. Anywhere the beam hits the drum, the charge is changed from positive to negative. Only the negatively charged areas attract the ultra-fine toner particles. A sheet of paper with a positive charge is passed close to the drum, which attracts the negatively charged particles off the drum onto the paper. The paper is pressed between two heated rollers where the toner is melted and fused to the surface of the paper.
Inkjet printer consumables can easily be distinguished from laser toner cartridges. They are generally far smaller than laser toner cartridges and contain a water-like, coloured, fluid (ink). Inkjets produce prints by spraying microscopic droplets of liquid ink onto paper in a precisely controlled way. They use small nozzles positioned on a printhead to spray ink droplets onto a sheet of paper as it passes by. Two methods are used to produce an ink droplet. The nozzle is either heated, causing the ink to expand into a bubble or, alternatively, an electric current is passed through a crystal, causing it to bend or expand, pressurising the ink and squirting a droplet onto the paper.
When is Ink-based Printing Best?
Inkjet printers are typically less costly than a toner-based equivalent with similar features. Inkjet technology is better at producing high-quality graphic output because they are better at blending colours than toner-based machines are. They cannot match the print speeds of lasers so are not good for high-volume environments.
Printers that use laser toner cartridges are more typically aimed at commercial users. These printers are usually more durable and capable of higher print volumes between maintenance calls than ink-based machines. They also are capable of higher print speeds, making them more efficient in environments where large volumes of prints are made. Toner-based printers are generally not capable of the quality that can be obtained for photorealistic graphic output that inkjet-based machines are.
Where to Buy Your Laser Toner Cartridges
If you want expert advice on the differences between an HP Inkjet and LaserJet printer, for instance, and which will be best for you, contact Raydian directly. We stock all the leading brands and will give you informed, honest advice on what’s best for you when it comes to anything related to printers or multifunctional devices.