Module 5: Printers

1. Introduction to Printers

A printer is an output device that converts digital documents, images, or text

into a hard copy (physical form) on paper or other materials. Printers are widely
used in offices, homes, and industries for various documentation and printing
tasks.

2. Classification of Printers

Printers are broadly classified into two main categories based on how they
transfer ink or toner onto paper:

2.1. Impact Printers

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 ❑ These printers physically strike an ink ribbon against the paper to
produce text or images.

❑ Similar to typewriters, they work by making direct contact with the

printing medium.

❑ Commonly used for multi-copy forms (e.g., receipts, invoices).

❑ Examples: Dot Matrix printers, Daisy Wheel printers, Line printers.

Advantages of Impact Printers:

❑ Can print multiple copies using carbon paper.

❑ Cost-effective for high-volume printing.
❑ Can print in extreme environmental conditions.

Disadvantages of Impact Printers:

❑ Noisy due to mechanical impact.

❑ Slower compared to modern printers.
❑ Lower print quality (not suitable for high-resolution images).

2.2. Non-Impact Printers

❑ These printers do not physically strike the paper; instead, they use
sprays of ink, laser beams, or heat to print.

❑ They provide quieter operation and higher print quality than impact
printers.

❑ Examples: Inkjet printers, Laser printers, Thermal printers.

Advantages of Non-Impact Printers:

❑ Faster and quieter operation.

❑ Higher print resolution and quality.
❑ Can print graphics and colored images.

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Disadvantages of Non-Impact Printers:

❑ More expensive than impact printers.

❑ Higher maintenance costs.
❑ Ink and toner replacements can be costly.

3. Characteristics and Functions of Different Printer Types

3.1. Inkjet Printers

Description:

❑ Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper to form text or
images.

❑ They use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) color cartridges
for color printing.

Characteristics:
✔ Affordable and compact.
✔ Supports color and black-and-white printing.

✔ Produces high-quality images (good for photo printing).

✔ Uses liquid ink cartridges that need periodic replacement.

Common Uses:

❑ Home and small office printing.

❑ Photo and graphic printing.
❑ Business presentations and reports.

Disadvantages:

❑ Ink cartridges can be expensive.

❑ Slower than laser printers.
❑ Ink can smudge if not dried properly.

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3.2. Laser Printers

Description:

 Uses a laser beam to transfer toner (powdered ink) onto paper.

 Works on the electrostatic charge principle.

Characteristics:
✔ Very fast printing speed (suitable for large volumes).

✔ Produces sharp and clear text (better than inkjet for documents).
✔ Uses toner cartridges that last longer than ink cartridges.

✔ More expensive but cost-effective for bulk printing.

Common Uses:
Offices and businesses (high-volume printing).
Printing official documents and reports.
Schools, banks, and institutions.

Disadvantages:
Expensive initial purchase cost.
Cannot produce high-quality photos like inkjet printers.
Requires periodic maintenance (cleaning toner, fixing rollers).

3.3. Dot Matrix Printers (Impact Printer)

Description:

❑ Uses a print head with tiny pins that strike an ink ribbon to form
characters on paper.

❑ Works like a typewriter, creating dots to form text or simple images.

Characteristics:
✔ Can print multiple copies using carbon paper.

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✔ Durable and works in harsh environments.

✔ Low operating cost.

Common Uses:
Banking and financial institutions (printing receipts).
Ticketing systems and railway stations.
Industrial applications where reliability is needed.

Disadvantages:
Noisy and slow compared to non-impact printers.
Low print quality (not suitable for professional documents).
Cannot print complex images or high-resolution graphics.

3.4. Thermal Printers

Description:

❑ Uses heat-sensitive paper that changes color when exposed to heat.

❑ Common in receipt printing machines.

Characteristics:
✔ Silent operation (no moving parts hitting paper).
✔ Requires no ink or toner (uses thermal paper).
✔ Fast printing speeds.

Common Uses:

❑ ATMs and banking transactions.

❑ POS (Point of Sale) receipt printing in supermarkets.
❑ Barcode label printing (logistics and shipping).

Disadvantages:

❑ Prints fade over time (not permanent).

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 ❑ Requires special thermal paper, which can be expensive.
❑ Cannot print in color (monochrome only).

4. Printer Maintenance and Troubleshooting

To ensure a printer functions efficiently, regular maintenance and

troubleshooting are necessary.

4.1. Printer Maintenance Tips

1. Keep the Printer Clean

❑ Dust and ink residue can affect print quality.

❑ Use a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol to clean print heads.

2. Use High-Quality Ink and Paper

❑ Low-quality paper can cause paper jams.

❑ Using genuine ink/toner extends printer life.

3. Update Printer Drivers and Firmware

❑ Ensure the latest software updates for compatibility.

4. Avoid Overheating

❑ Give the printer time to cool down after continuous use.

5. Check Ink/Toner Levels

❑ Refill or replace cartridges when running low.

4.2. Common Printer Problems and Solutions

Problem Possible Cause Solution

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Paper Jam Misaligned or torn Open the tray and carefully
paper inside remove jammed paper

Faded Prints Low ink/toner levels Replace ink/toner cartridge

Blurred/Smudged Wet ink or dirty print Allow ink to dry, clean print
Prints head head

Printer Not Connection issues Check cables, restart the

Responding (USB/Wi-Fi) printer and computer

Printing Too Slow High-quality mode Switch to draft mode for faster
enabled prints

Streaks on Print Clogged print head Run a print head cleaning

cycle

Error Messages Software or driver Reinstall printer drivers

issue

5. Summary and Key Takeaways

1. Printers are classified into two main types:

 Impact Printers (e.g., Dot Matrix) – physically strike paper.

 Non-Impact Printers (e.g., Inkjet, Laser, Thermal) – no physical

impact.

2. Inkjet Printers – Good for home and photo printing but use costly ink.

3. Laser Printers – Fast and cost-effective for office use but expensive
initially.

4. Dot Matrix Printers – Used in businesses for multi-copy receipts but are
noisy.

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 5. Thermal Printers – Used for receipts and barcode printing but fade over
time.

6. Regular maintenance ensures a printer’s longevity and efficiency.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the main differences between impact and non-impact

printers?

2. Why are laser printers preferred in offices over inkjet printers?

3. How does a thermal printer work, and where is it commonly used?

4. What are the common printer problems and their solutions?

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