Laser Printer or Inkjet Printer: What are the differences?

by Ricoh Malaysia10 Aug 2021

When looking for an all-in-one printer in Malaysia, you've probably come across two distinct types: inkjet and laser printers. What's the difference between laser and inkjet printers, exactly?

Simply put, an inkjet printer prints papers using ink, whereas a laser printer prints documents with a laser. The speed, functionality, and picture quality of each printer are affected by the various printing and scanning processes. Let's get a little further into this.

One of the essential distinctions between inkjet and laser printers is how they work. Although they both create crisp, clear text and images, their methods are significantly different.

Inkjet PrinterLaser Printer
Inkjet printers make use of tiny nozzles that spray ink directly onto the page.Laser printers, Instead of dye or pigment-based ink, use toner powder. 
This approach produces brilliantly coloured pictures and is an excellent alternative if you need high-resolution photos, graphics, or images in your papers.On a light-sensitive disc, laser printers create electrostatically charged dots that attract toner powder.
 A heating procedure is used to transfer the toner to the paper and fix it.
 Laser printers produce high-quality black-and-white and colour printouts.

What is the difference between a laser printer and an inkjet printer?

Before you buy a printer in Malaysia, you should think about the differences between laser printers and inkjet printers.

  1. Functionality

    The type of cartridges used by each printer is the main difference between laser and ink printers. Toner cartridges are used by laser printers, while inkjet printers utilize ink cartridges.

    A laser printer operates an electrical charge to direct where and when toner should be sprayed onto the paper. On the other hand, Inkjet printer technology is a little more basic, as ink is dispensed as the cartridge travels over the page.

  2. Costs

    There are several costs connected with choosing the best printer for your needs. A laser printer's initial investment can be significantly higher than an ink printer's, with laser printers being the more expensive alternative.

    The expense of buying and changing cartridges is also something to think about. Toner replacements are often more costly. Although ink cartridges are less expensive, they may need to be replaced more frequently.

    In the long run, this might raise your costs. Investing in remanufactured cartridges is another option for lowering expenses even more.

  3. Space

    An inkjet printer may be the best solution if your printing station is housed in a small location. Inkjet printers are small enough to fit on a desk or shelf. If you intend on changing your printing station in the future, they are also a lot more portable.

    Laser printers, on the other hand, are often bigger and may require their own dedicated space.

  4. Speed

    In comparison to inkjet printers, laser printers with toner cartridges print quicker. The printer's functioning determines the printer's speed once again. Inkjet printers are slower because they require more frequent paper reloading, slowing the printing process even further.

    For example, printing a large number of pages at once may be difficult, whereas a laser printer's capability allows for larger print jobs.

  5. Quality

    When it comes to print quality, the combination of a laser printer and a toner cartridge will give you better results. A laser printer's accuracy is difficult to match with an inkjet printer.

    When using an ink printer, the paper may be more prone to smudging or deterioration while the ink is still wet.

The Bottom Line

Although both print technologies have a place in homes and offices, one is likely to fulfil your needs better than the other.

It all comes down to what you want to achieve and which technology is most suited to your demands when it comes to inkjet versus laser printers.

 

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