Printer technologies

Printer technologies vary mainly by how they produce an image on paper. Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink directly onto the paper, making them good for photos and detailed images. Laser printers use a laser beam to create an electrostatic image on a drum, which then attracts toner (powdered ink) to produce sharp text and graphics quickly. Dot matrix printers use small pins to strike an inked ribbon, creating characters on paper—often used for multipart forms. Each technology balances factors like speed, quality, cost, and suitable application, catering to different printing needs.