Work with information involves the use of various kinds of media. In the modern world, most operations with text and graphic data are performed on a computer, but this approach does not preclude the possibility of converting digital materials into a form suitable for physical handling. In other words, any information from a computer can be transferred to a solid medium. The most common tool for performing this operation is the printer. This is a high-tech device that can be considered as one of the components of the external periphery of a PC. The main purpose of the printer is to transfer digital information to paper or a special polymer film. But this is not limited to its functions.
Purpose and main tasks of the printer
In today's market, there are rarely models that perform only one function of the printer as a means of printing. As a rule, these are multifunctional devices that also implement the operations of a copy machine, scanner, and fax machine. Another thing is that the main and additional functionality is optimized for computer technology and is less and less like traditional machines in terms of execution technology. So what does the printer do? Even a user of a budget device will be able to qualitatively print text information, as well as transfer the image from paper to digital form. Actually, this is the basic tasks that this technique focuses on.
An auxiliary option can be reduced to the possibility of applying protective layers to paper (lamination), brochure (creating binding), etc. At this stage of development, a printer with a scanner is improved, rather than by increasing functionality, but in the print quality characteristics. However, the developers endow models with new capabilities, from the point of view of the organization of the management process. Thus, wireless communication technologies between the printer and the computer, automatic control modules and other innovative developments are being implemented.
Printer device
As standard, the printer is a small plastic block, inside which contains equipment for printing. Physically, the work process is provided by an ink pump, a print head, a drive mechanism and fixing elements. The laser printer device, in which an LED strip is also provided, has its own characteristics. Such models work on the principle of photocopying. A special place in the design of laser devices is occupied by the photodrum. This is an aluminum cylinder, the surfaces of which are characterized by increased photosensitivity. Depending on the lighting, this unit can change the electrical resistance - this is the basis for the ability to transfer images in one form or another due to laser exposure.
A separate place is also taken by the transfer belt and the development unit. In the first case, the tape element is used to apply intermediate images from different drums associated with ink cartridges. Bypassing this technological stage, the mechanisms for transferring toner qualitatively transfer information to paper. In addition, the laser printer device is characterized by a more technological implementation of the print head, provided with hundreds of active nozzles. These are no longer linear elements for the supply of ink, but high-precision means for dispersing ink droplets.
Varieties of printer
There are more than a dozen varieties of printers that differ in design and in principle of operation. However, the most widespread are inkjet, matrix, and the aforementioned laser models. These types of printers and their purpose are largely related and similar. The developers of different devices pursue the same goals - obtaining high-quality printing at the lowest cost and at the optimum speed. The basic classification can be called a matrix printer. At home, it is almost never used, but it was the platform of such models that gave impetus to the further development of the segment. The result of technological advancement was the emergence of an inkjet printer. This machine is characterized by high speed, the ability to print in color ink and an affordable price. But, with large volumes, such a device does not cope in the best way - in any case, its operation for such needs will cost more in terms of costs for consumables.
A laser printer can be the optimal solution in various aspects of the application. The advantages of such an apparatus include high speed, economy in the consumption of consumables and stable maintenance of print quality. However, the principle of operation of the matrix printer, which is caused by the impact of the needle elements, is even more economical. By the way, it is 24-dot matrix printers, rather than laser printers, that are more often involved in working with official documents. But, again, for home use it is more advisable to choose laser models.
The principle of operation of the equipment
Now it’s worth getting to know more about how printers work. Most modern devices work due to image transfer technologies using photosensitive elements. It can be directly laser models, and LED. They have a lot in common, but the working part is formed in one case by a laser, and in another - by LEDs. Both devices can use different approaches to toner transfer. For example, a printer with a scanner is common, in which a two-component development system is implemented. In this case, the ink particles intended to be moved into the photoconductor drum are not held onto the magnetic shaft of the developing unit on their own, but adhere to the magnetic powder of the developer carrier. Another principle of operation involves the initial mixing of the developer and paint particles. In non-magnetic models, the application is carried out even without the use of active additives - these are toners that work on the principles of electrostatics.
Gradually go down in history, but, as already noted, in some areas models that work with sets of needles are still used. These are classic matrix devices, driven by electromagnets. The mechanical principle of the matrix printer is based on the function of the head, which moves on a special carriage and controls the operation of the needles. The latter through the ink ribbon due to impacts form an image on the working surface.
3D Printer Features
Just a few years ago, the printer segment was complemented by a fundamentally new development - a 3D device. Its task is to create full-fledged volumetric products, the parameters of which are also set in the computer. Accordingly, the purpose of this type of printer is significantly different. If traditional models and laser devices focus on the transfer of text and graphic information, as a rule, on paper, then in this case we can talk about transferring a computer model to its real form.
In size, such models most often correspond to conventional printers, but their design is much more complicated. The main working component is also a special head from which the material is layered. This is an extruder, which, unlike the same matrix with needles for printing, does not work with ink, but with plastics. Typically, polymers applied to a working area with a nozzle form a target. By the way, in the construction industry, the industrial purpose of the printer, which can build small houses, is gradually being mastered. Mortar is loaded into the supplying equipment, after which the device applies it in a special sequence to the building site.
What paper is used for the printer?
One of the main characteristics of paper printer supplies is size. Series A is the most common format. In the international standard, this line of sizes is recommended as a carrier for ordinary documentation. If paper for a printer used in the printing industry is required, it is advisable to use B-series material. For envelopes, C formats are most often used. A4 sheets are the most common for home and office use.
Also, paper is characterized by qualities such as density and brightness. As for density, it is determined by the mass of one unit of sheet area. For example, an indicator of 80 g / m2 can be called optimal. A machine with a lower density can simply jam, and sheets with a larger mass may not pass. If the printer for printing is used in working with important official documents, then you should also consider the brightness of the paper. It is determined by percentages - snow-white paper with a brightness factor of 100% is considered the highest quality. But it also costs more, so ordinary users often turn to sheets that have 80-90% in the brightness parameter.
Printer operation
You can work with the printer only if it is installed securely. The device should be located on a flat surface, while maintaining stability. It should be borne in mind that in the process, some models can vibrate strongly, so the stability of the base is very important. Direct control of device functions is carried out using the panel on which the buttons are located. It can be both traditional mechanical and touch keys. As a rule, manufacturers designate each button with a symbol corresponding to a particular operation. The equipment can be used both in the stand-alone device mode and in the network component format. In the second case, you need to know the address of the network printer that is entered into the system. To do this, through the equipment configuration parameters, the task of printing the characteristics should be set. The network address and other important information about a specific device will be reflected on a sheet of paper.
Equipment service
Checking the operating status of the printer is of great importance in terms of maintaining the optimal quality of its functions. No matter what the main purpose of the printer will be, it is advisable not to leave it for a long time without work. At least once a week, an ordinary inkjet machine should print 1-2 pages. Otherwise, there is a risk of ink drying out, which will lead to serious malfunctions of the mechanical filling. In addition, it is important to prevent all kinds of risks of contamination of the case - especially dust, which can penetrate the critical functional parts of the printer.
Most modern models are equipped with automatic control systems and diagnostics of working equipment. Through the settings, the user can evaluate the condition of the nozzles, their cleanliness and readiness for work. If you use high-quality and suitable paper for the printer, then the service life will also be extended. A common mistake of owners of the same inkjet models is the use of paper designed for laser devices. In such cases, there is also a risk of clogging of the working heads, which inevitably entails the need for repair.
Popular printer models
In the segment of home inkjet printers, one of the best solutions today is the Canon PIXMA G1400 modification. The device by the standards of a budget class is not the cheapest, but this nuance is compensated by the quality of the device. For 9 thousand rubles. You can count on a balanced ink supply system in a continuous mode, as well as decent photo printing characteristics. Among the inexpensive laser models, the SP 150w from Ricoh stands out. The device is compact, optimized in design and ergonomic accessories - for example, shelves for storing sheets. If you need a printout on a printer under professional in-line work, then you can consider the Kyocera line. The company offers high-tech models specifically for productive work in the office. In particular, the device FS-9530DN provides high-quality printing, allowing you to significantly save on ink. True, this model is worth about 100 thousand.
Conclusion
Simplification of physical operations with printers is one of the main areas of development of printing equipment. So, the means of interaction with the device of both the user and the computer are being improved. In terms of technical stuffing, there is also an improvement in operational indicators - this applies both to the work resource and its efficiency of the elemental base. But a fundamentally modern printer for printing does not change. We can say that the introduction of laser and LED printing components was the last and most successful stage in the development of such technology in recent years. Manufacturers are mastering other ways of implementing functional equipment, but the output is rather experimental or highly specialized products that cannot compete with the same laser equipment in a wide market.