3 Basic Types of Non Impact Printer

Non Impact Printer

“Non Impact Printers print the text and graphics without striking the paper. These printers are based on new technology i.e. they can print using a laser beam or by spraying ink on the paper to produce high quality images and graphics”.

Technology has brought us far away from the sluggish and tardy old techniques that used to be quite time consuming and laborious as the world is growing faster and the passive and dragging techniques are not acceptable. Former printers were not very fast and efficient and based on old and exhausting techniques. The printing resolution was low thus producing low quality images and graphics on the paper.

Non Impact Printers provide quicker and high quality results in comparison with Impact Printers. Besides providing high quality outputs, these printers are less rowdy facilitating the users by giving them a calm and chilled environment to work in. The only inconvenience we can face using these printers is costly output we obtain from these printers. Also read What features should you look for in a Printer? for more information about printers.

Types of Non Impact Printers

Different types of non impact printers work on different conventions. Usually non impact printers print images and high resolution graphics by spraying ink, using laser beam, or by using heat and pressure. 3 basic types of Non Impact Printers are:

1. Laser Printer

2. Inkjet Printer

3. Thermal Printer

Let’s try to find out some more by explaining these examples of non impact printers in detail.

1. Laser Printer

Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. LaserPrinter working principle is comparable to that of a photocopying machine. As it has been named a laser printer, there must be a special role of laser in printing. Laser printer uses laser beams to burn a special powder ink on the page to print a particular image. This powder ink which is a main element in the process of printing text and images is usually contained in a toner.
Below described are a few Laser Printer features that can help us understand its printing characteristics in a better way.

• Speed

Laser printer is one of the most frequently utilized non impact printers. Speed of Laser printer is measured in pages per minute (ppm). The printing speed limit of color Laser printer for home and small offices ranges between 12 to 45 ppm. However, for extensive users, the printing speed of these printers can be extended to 150 ppm or more.

• Print Resolution

One of the most important and considerable key features of a printer is its printing resolution. Fine and quality printing is the foremost preference as blur and low quality images can have bad impacts on the customers. Laser printer can produce pictures of high quality resolution of 1200 Dots per Inch (DPI).

• Costly Output

Undoubtedly, high quality and speedy printing outputs are pricey in comparison with slow and scruffy printing outputs. Laser printers use toners containing powder ink that might be very expensive. However we would get permanent and sharp images on the paper using Laser printer.

2. Inkjet Printer

The working principle of these types of non impact printer is not identical to that of the previous one. The previously discussed printer i.e. the Laser printer uses laser beam to print the data and provided information on the paper. However in case of inkjet printers, the laser beam is not a source of printing output; as these types of printers use to print text and graphics by spraying tiny drops of ink on the paper. This ink is not in the powder form but is in the liquid form so that the drops might be sprayed to create a high quality image on the paper. Features of inkjet printers help us understand its working.

• Speed

In comparison with a Laser printer, the printing speed of inkjet printer is quite slow. The output can be delayed as the printing speed of these printers ranges between 10 and 35 pages per minute (ppm).

• Print Resolution

Inkjet printers can provide high resolution printed graphics and images of 600 DPI or more. Inkjet printers have the capability of producing quality graphics and images in both black and white and color forms.

• Print cost

Most often, the cost of printing depends upon how frequently ink refills are required in a printer. Inkjet printers consist of two print cartridges one of which contains black ink while the other one is filled with colored ink. High quality images are printed and hence the printing cost is quite high.

3. Thermal printer

Sometimes very high quality output can be achieved from thermal printers however sometimes the print quality is not very high. Thermal printers use the technique of heat and pressure to produce images on a special type of paper. Thermal printers use wax based ink that is burned on the paper using heat and pressure to produce images and graphics. Here we have its features.

• Print Resolution

These printers produce very high quality images and are specifically used for printing ATM receipts or the receipts used at retail stores and sometimes to print electronic tickets.

• Costly output

As the inked waxes are used for printing the images, these printers use some special type of coated paper that can withstand the heat and pressure used for melting the inked waxes. Thus very expensive outputs can be achieved from thermal printers.

These 3 basic types of Non Impact Printers have been utilized by people worldwide in different fields. People have got impressed tremendously by amazing features of non impact printers. Though costly, but non impact printers are the need of today's technology based environments.

For information about impact printers, read:  What is Impact Printer | Types of Impact Printer.