Printer (computing)

HP Laserjet 5 DN 1

Printer (computing) refers to a peripheral device that makes a persistent human-readable representation of graphics or text on paper or similar physical media. The first computer printer designed was a mechanically driven apparatus by Charles Babbage for his difference engine in the 19th century; however, his mechanical printer design was not built until 2000. The first electronic printer was the EP-101, introduced by Epson in 1968.

Types of Printers

There are several types of printers, and they can be broadly categorized into impact and non-impact printers.

Impact Printers

Impact printers operate by directly contacting the paper to produce text or images. This category includes:

• Dot matrix printers, which use a print head that moves back-and-forth or in an up-and-down motion on the page and prints by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper, much like a typewriter.
• Daisy wheel printers, similar to typewriters, use a wheel to print letters. They are known for their high-quality text printing but are much slower than other types of printers.

Non-impact Printers

Non-impact printers do not use a striking head to print. This category includes:

• Inkjet printers, which spray tiny droplets of ink onto the paper. They can produce high-quality text and graphics.
• Laser printers, which use a laser beam to produce an image on a drum, which is then rolled in toner (powdered ink), and the toner is transferred onto the paper and fused to the paper with heat.
• Thermal printers, which use heat to produce an image on special heat-sensitive paper. They are commonly used in calculators and fax machines.

Connectivity

Modern printers can connect to a computer via various interfaces. The most common interfaces are:

• USB - Universal Serial Bus is a common interface for connecting printers to computers.
• Ethernet - Used for network printers that can be shared among multiple users on the same network.
• Wi-Fi - Allows printers to connect to a network wirelessly, offering greater flexibility in placement.
• Bluetooth - Enables direct printing from mobile devices without the need for a network.

Printer Software

Printers require software drivers to operate. These drivers translate data from the computer into a format that the printer can understand. Printer manufacturers typically provide drivers for various operating systems to ensure compatibility.

3D Printing

Apart from traditional printing on paper, 3D printing has emerged as a technology that builds three-dimensional objects from digital models. 3D printers use different materials, such as plastic, metal, and resin, to create objects layer by layer.

Environmental Impact

Printers, especially those used in large volumes, can have a significant environmental impact. Concerns include the use of paper, energy consumption, and the disposal of consumables like toner cartridges and ink cartridges. Many manufacturers and third-party companies offer recycling programs to mitigate these effects.

See Also

• Computer hardware
• Output device
• Printed circuit board

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