Printer

Device that produces text and graphics on physical media

A printer is a peripheral device that produces a hard copy (permanent human-readable text and/or graphics) of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable or, in most newer printers, a USB cable to a computer which serves as a document source. Some printers, commonly known as network printers, have built-in network interfaces (typically wireless or Ethernet), and can serve as a hardcopy device for any user on the network.

Types of Printers

Printers can be broadly classified into several types based on their technology and functionality:

Impact Printers

Impact printers work by physically striking an ink ribbon against the paper. Examples include:

• Dot matrix printer
• Daisy wheel printer
• Line printer

Non-Impact Printers

Non-impact printers do not strike the paper. They include:

• Laser printer
• Inkjet printer
• Thermal printer

3D Printers

3D printers create three-dimensional objects by laying down successive layers of material. They are used in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and manufacturing.

Printer Technologies

Laser Printers

Laser printers use a laser beam to produce an image on a drum. The drum is then rolled through toner, which sticks to the charged areas of the drum. The toner is transferred to the paper and fused to the paper using heat.

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. They are commonly used for both text and photo printing.

Thermal Printers

Thermal printers use heat to transfer an image onto paper. They are often used in point of sale systems and for printing receipts.

Printer Connectivity

Printers can connect to computers and networks in various ways:

• USB
• Ethernet
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth

Printer Software

Printers require printer drivers to communicate with the computer. These drivers translate the data from the computer into a format that the printer can understand.

Related Pages

• Computer
• Peripheral device
• USB
• Ethernet
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• 3D printer
• Laser printer
• Inkjet printer
• Thermal printer
• Dot matrix printer
• Daisy wheel printer
• Line printer
• Printer driver

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