subject: Inkjet Printers: How It Works? [print this page] Inkjet printers are an evolution of dot matrix printers. Letters were printed using metal needles that pressed against a ribbon in various patterns to make the required characters in dot matrix printers. Inkjet printers instead use numerous tiny guns which fire dots of ink at the paper. These dots are so small that it is difficult to spot them. In simple words, inkjet printers fire groups of nozzles spraying out millions of dots at the paper each second.
The technology used to fire the ink on paper is different in different inkjet printers. The ink is fired by heating in Brother Printers which explodes at the paper in bubbles. These are the thermal inkjet printers. Piezoelectric effect is used by Epson printers on the other hand. Ink filled chambers containing a piezoelectric material behind each nozzle are used in them. On applying voltage to this piece, it starts to vibrate creating pressure in the ink chamber and therefore forcing out droplets from the nozzle. This technology is used mostly for industrial purposes.
Inkjet printers can make any character using patterns of tiny dots, and it is difficult to gauge that it has been made out of tiny dots compiled together neatly. Thousands of dots are fired to give a good print quality. As much as 600 dots are sprayed per inch in inkjet printers which can extend up to 5000 dots per inch in case of high end inkjet printers. The cartridge of the inkjet printer scans the page from left to right and back again and keeps depositing ink on its path. This is controlled by the computer. On reaching the end of a line, the paper moves forward to print the next line. This is how an inkjet printer works.
Inkjet printers are quieter and finer than its predecessors. And as compared to other more expensive technologies, these printers do not need warming up, in addition to a lower cost per page. Today a lot of inkjet printer models are available in the market and it is very well possible to purchase an inkjet printer online. A good comparison of various options can be studied before buying an inkjet printer online.
