Are you debating the advantages of a laser printer? A speedy equivalent to older model printers, laser printers provide an economical solution to high-speed printing when precision, accuracy, and efficiency are key. Not to be confused with their relative, the inkjet printer, laser printers harness a specialized printing method dissimilar to most standard inking systems. In lieu of using a continuous ink jet (CIJ) or drop-on-demand (DOD) system found in most inkjet printers, laser printers employ a fuser unit for transferring toner onto paper or another medium of choice.
If purchasing a laser printer or
fuser assembly parts is on your agenda, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed purchase. To better understand laser printers, we will dive into how they function, examining their parts and how they contribute to improved printing quality for offices and industrial applications.
First implemented for commercial use in 1976 by
IBM and setting the precedent for future models, laser printers have modernized into multifunctional devices capable of printing, faxing, scanning, and photocopying — among other tasks. Manufactured in various sizes for home, office, and heavy-volume printing, laser printers can be chosen based on an individual's primary printing needs. For more specific applications, systems that only print in black and white (monochrome) or color are available for convenience. Outweighing standard printers with their capability to produce persistent high-quality, high-volume prints, laser printers are also advantageous for text documents and image printing. As such, they can print in a variety of color options for crisp, sharp printing of all text and images.
When initiating the printing process, a laser printer will always begin by repeatedly passing a laser over a negatively-charged, light-sensitive cylinder known as an organic photoconductor or “drum.” Constructed to improve photoconductivity, these drums are often made from N-vinylcarbazole or an organic monomer for the efficient deflection of electrons when exposed to light. Additionally requiring the use of an electrically charged powdered ink (toner) instead of a liquid toner, powdered toners are critical for their particular application within laser printers. As the laser moves across the drum, it will activate miniature electrostatically-charged dots which act to attract toner. Selectively depositing toner in specific locations with the aid of the negatively charged drum, a differentially-charged image along the internalized drum is then formed and ready to be applied to a printing material as the printing process continues.
Subsequently moving from the drum to the
fuser component, the materials being printed on must then be heated to a maximum threshold of 801 °F to instantly fuse the toner to paper. This process involves passing paper through two rollers, a heat roller and a pressure roller, which act to evenly apply pressure and heat. Affixed in a fuser assembly, a heat roller consists of a hollow tube built with a suspended heat lamp while a pressure roller is simply a rubber-backed roller. Respectively, heat rollers and their accompanying radiant heat lamps serve to apply infrared energy along the entire expanse of a hollow cylinder, while pressure rollers act as a backing roller to firmly apply pressure. Once the fusing process has been completed, the finished product will display your image onto your printing medium of choice, and your paper(s) will be expelled for collection.
Promoting unparalleled clarity, laser printers are known for their efficiency when it comes to minimizing ink and energy waste, but at what cost? Though exceptional for long term cost savings, especially when comparing the cost of powdered toner to printer ink, laser printers have a higher upfront cost as compared to inkjet printers. Due to being newer in terms of technology, manufacturing costs for laser printers can easily be doubled. However, as laser printers continue to grow in popularity for their multiple benefits, the initial cost of a laser printer can be expected to drop in the near future, matching its competitors in terms of pricing and obtainability.
No matter your printing needs, for all laser printers, it is best to understand the working components of internal parts for the adequate facilitation and repair of sensitive equipment. To obtain the
printers and necessary parts for their operations, we invite you to browse our inventory for numerous systems ready to be put to work. Whether you require fuser bearings, fuser kits, radiant heat lamps, toner, and more, ASAP IT Technology is here to streamline and expedite any one of your orders for immediate procurement. Due to our quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation, alongside our NO CHINA sourcing pledge. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receipt, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.
