"Which is better, a laser MFP or inkjet?" - a question that worries many. Multifunctional devices were first created in 1977 by Xerox. They are intended for printing, as well as copying images. To date, there are laser and inkjet MFPs. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages. In order to understand what is better - a laser MFP or an inkjet, you need to deal with the device of these devices. Additionally, much depends on the manufacturers.
Laser MFP
Any color laser MFP for the home has a special mirror. A beam from a drum hits him. There is also a large drum that winds paper onto itself. The toner is installed nearby, and with it, the image is directly transferred to the page. For this, there is an additional special roller for transmission. A stove is installed at the back of the laser device, which brings the paper to a specific temperature. This is enough to burn the toner and fix the image on the sheet.
For the spent powder, a primary charge shaft is provided. Additionally, there is a squeegee for cleaning the drum unit from toner. Also, all laser devices have a blade that encloses the paper. The toner compartment of laser MFPs consists of a magnetic shaft, seal, hopper and seal. At the same time, there is a system that monitors the even distribution of toner on paper.
How are inkjet devices arranged?
Most inkjet MFPs have a similar device. They include a printing mechanism, a paper feed system and a control unit. Also, manufacturers install a control scheme that is different in different models. The printing mechanism is made up of a head, which is located in the center of the inkjet MFP. Also there are ink cartridges, which are of various types. Next, an engine is installed, which is responsible for the rotation of the head. A belt is connected to it for these purposes. Last but not least, there is a stabilizer bar in the printing mechanism. It is necessary for accurate printing and is responsible for the vibrations that occur inside the head.
The paper feed system folds out of the tray and rollers. Additionally, there is a separate engine for scrolling the sheet. Directly the paper inside the inkjet MFP passes through the rollers.
The power supplies of the above devices are usually standard. Previously used bulky transformers for this purpose. These days, power supplies do not take up much space. The control system of the inkjet MFP is presented in the form of an electrical circuit. Her responsibilities include decoding data. Additionally, the control system allows you to transfer information to a personal computer and vice versa.
Some inkjet MFPs also have parallel ports. In other cases, they are replaced by a serial device. Also, manufacturers can install ports of small computing systems. There are two types of ink spray technology in string MFPs. The first is the thermal bubble system. Most often, it can be found in models of the Canon and Hewlett Packard brands. The second type of atomization is called the piezoelectric system. It is based on the work of special piezocrystals. This technology has been patented by Epson.
Laser Model Benefits
The main advantage of laser MFPs is fast printing. If we talk about large volumes of work, then this is simply an indispensable device. In this regard, it surpasses the jet MFPs very much. However, the first sheet of paper will take a long time. This fact is associated with the need to warm the drum unit. The second advantage lies in the simplicity of the device. The need for its repair is extremely rare, and it is quite simple to maintain. Unlike inkjet MFPs, there is no need to constantly think about ink problems.
What are the disadvantages of laser devices?
The disadvantages of an MFP color laser for the home, of course, also has. First of all, he hits hard on his pocket. You can especially notice the difference if you pick up a color laser MFP. In addition, it takes up a lot of space, and it is quite difficult to attach it to the table. Another drawback lies in the cartridges of laser MFPs. Like the devices themselves, they are expensive in the market. Despite their large resource, sometimes it is the price of cartridges that stops many potential buyers.
Pros of inkjet models
The main advantage of inkjet MFPs is their low cost. Most models are available to absolutely everyone. At the same time, the cases of these devices are quite compact. All this allows you to attach an inkjet MFP almost to the edge of the table. Plus, they print the first page much faster than laser ones. Given this, if we talk about one document, inkjet MFPs are in the lead here.
Additionally, it is possible to supply a continuous ink supply system. Cartridges themselves are very cheap. By the way, they can be refueled completely independently without any problems. You can print on different types of paper. At the same time, the ink perfectly fits both on the matte surface and on the gloss. The last advantage of inkjet MFPs lies in print quality. It is simply excellent, and if we talk about photographs, the ink in this situation is simply irreplaceable.
Cons of inkjet devices
Unfortunately, inkjet MFPs also have disadvantages. First of all, this is print speed. If you have to work with a large volume, then this is a long time. Some models are close to the speed of laser MFPs, but there is such a problem. The second drawback is the maintenance of these devices. Ink often dries and needs to be changed. In some cases, you just need to replace the cartridge. To solve the problem, you need to periodically use inkjet MFPs for heating. This will always consume ink.
Hewlett Packard Laser Models
"Which is the best MFP to choose?" - The question is complex, but Hewlett Packard has long established itself on the positive side, and it has something to offer. Laser models of this brand differ from others in their reliability. There is an opportunity to work with paper of various density. The average print speed is 25 pages per minute.
Additionally, many models are equipped with fax. Printer operating systems (MFPs) The Hewlett Packard laser supports the most diverse. Additionally, a convenient interface can be noted. On average, the memory of these devices is 128 MB. In general, they can be described as productive. The most popular model is the Hewlett Packard M1536dnf. This MFP laser has good customer reviews.
Hewlett Packard Inkjet
Hewlett Packard Inkjet MFPs outperform laser models in print resolution. It is possible to print on photo paper, as well as gloss. In addition, a function of optimized resolution of work from a personal computer is provided. Paper sizes can be skipped a variety of. However, the recommended density of the sheet is 75 g per square. m. On average, the print speed is at the level of 4 pages per minute. In turn, the first sheet is ready in 24 seconds. The boundaries of the print area are quite extensive. You can also highlight a large color scheme.
Power consumption is negligible and saves money. In operation, the Hewlett Packard Inkjet MFP consumes approximately 10 watts. In standby mode, only 2 watts is consumed. Also, in many models, manufacturers have installed a sleep mode system. When activated, the Hewlett Packard Inkjet MFP consumes 0.9 watts. Of the features we can distinguish the presence of special contact image sensors. Overall, the color depth is approximately 24 bits. Additionally, there is an input mode when scanning. Copy speed is 4.5 sheets per minute.
What is the difference between Canon Laser MFPs?
Many models have good maximum print resolution. This indicator came very close to the Canon inkjet MFP. Additionally, you can note the good quality of scanning documents. The formats and density of paper are very diverse. At the same time, of course, there is no opportunity to work with photo paper or a matte surface. The average print speed is 23 pages per minute.
Typically, a Canon MFP is equipped with a fax machine. The borders of the print are quite extensive: 5 mm above, below and on the sides. Management is generally satisfactory. Many models are equipped with a convenient display for this purpose. The shared memory of most models is at 256 MB. Operating systems support a variety of. However, Canon MFP laser power consumption is quite large. In operation, the device consumes approximately 500 watts. In standby mode, electricity is consumed at 5.4 watts.
All this makes us think about the cost-effectiveness of laser MFPs. Moreover, their dimensions are quite impressive. The average Canon laser MFP model has a height of 390 mm, a length of 440 mm, and a depth of 360 mm. In this case, the weight of the device will be approximately 12 kg. Model Canon MF217W (Laser MFP) for the home is perfect.
Canon Inkjet Models
Most Canon inkjet MFPs boast good optical resolution. Furthermore, droplet size is 2 pl. Printing paper weight is between 64 and 105 g per square meter. m. Additionally, it is possible to work with photo paper. On average, a Canon inkjet MFP model skips 10 sheets per minute. If we talk about color printing, then this parameter drops to 6 sheets per minute. In turn, photo printing takes an average of 44 seconds. Additionally, you can highlight the ability to print borderless. The interface is generally nice and many will like it.
You can also highlight the cost-effectiveness of inkjet MFP models. In standby mode, on average, only 0.7 W is consumed. When copying, the Canon inkjet MFP consumes only 0.19 watts. The dimensions of most models are quite compact. On average, the height of the device is 300 mm, the length is 440 mm, and the depth is only 150 mm. In this case, the mass of the device is on average 5.5 kg. The most popular model is the Canon MG4240. This MFP reviews is only positive.
Summarizing
"Which is better - a laser MFP or inkjet?" - a question for which there is no definite answer. However, first of all, it is necessary to determine the requirements that will be presented to the device. If you look in terms of print quality, the leaders in this regard are inkjet MFPs. For working with photos, they are simply irreplaceable.
However, for offices this class of equipment is definitely not suitable. Printing documents must be carried out quickly. In this case, there should be no problems with the device. From this point of view, the leader is uniquely laser MFPs. Given all of the above, the question: "Which is better - a laser MFP or inkjet?" - must be considered in each case separately.