Hello and welcome. In this post, we will be talking about the difference between dot-matrix, laser, and inkjet printers.
What is a printer?
A printer is a hardware device that understands the language of the computer and is used to generate hard copies and photocopies of documents.
The documents can be in text form, image, or combinations of both.
A printer accepts the input command by the user on a computer. Printers can be classified into two categories 2D & 3D printers. 2D printers are used for text and graphics on paper, whereas 3D printers are used to create a three-dimensional physical object. The use of 3D printers is still now widespread.
In this post, we will be discussing three types of printers, that are widely used in the market i.e., dot matrix printer, laser printer, and inkjet printer.
Dot-matrix printer
The Dot-matrix printer or impact matrix printer refers to prints with the impact of striking up and down an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper. It creates printed dots and arranges the form of the character on the paper. It is similar to a typewriter.
For example – Dot matrix printers are popular in shops, supermarkets, and government offices.
Laser printer
The laser printer refers to the informative printer because the computer sends the data to the printer, And the printer translates the data into the printable image data. That is xerographic.
And it is a non-impact printer because it doesn’t strike the paper. The laser printer uses the to beam to draw the document by electrical charges.
For example – That kind of computer you can use for personal use.
Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer is a kind of printer that recreates/produces a digital image with the help of droplets of colour ink/ ink onto the paper or a plastic layer.
Difference between dot matrix, laser and Inkjet Printer
|
Basic |
Dot-matrix | Laser printer | Inkjet printer |
| How it works | Works with pins pushed against an ink-soaked cloth ribbon to paper | Use fine ink powder and heat the powder on paper |
uses ink cartridges to print a document |
|
Types |
Serial dot printer and line dot printer | Office and personal printer with black & white or color printer | Print for assignment, project, or any colourful picture |
| Price per page | Rupee 0.35 to 0.50 per page | Rs.1-2 per page for black & white and Rs. 10+ for colored, though it depends on the machine and other details. |
8-10 paise for black & white page and 21 paise for coloured page |
|
Cost for basic printer |
Approximately 2,000 to 20,000 INR & depends upon functions | Approximately 4,450 to 75,000 INR & depends upon size, color & use of life | Approximately Rs. 1,700 to 12,000 & depends upon quality of printer |
| Printing speed | 30-550 characters per second | 20 pages per minute |
300 to 600 more dps per |
|
Quality |
Printing quality is not good if the printing image is not good | Printing quality is adequate for black and white | Printing quality is good for colour and black & white both |
| Colour quality | Lower image quality | Better Quality compared to dot matrix. |
High quality |
|
Size |
Depends on usage | Available in small and large size | Available in both size small & large |
| Maintenance | Expensive. | Expensive |
Less expensive |
|
Advantage |
Costs less to print | Helpful in the long run | Portability |
| Disadvantage | Low speed | Printer size is larger |
Bleeding effect, smudge, maintenance |
|
Noise |
Little Noise | NO Noise | Quitness |
| Printing process | Inked ribbon | Cartridge |
Cartridge |
That brings us to the end of this post on the difference between dot matrix, laser & inkjet printers.
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