Inkjet vs Laser Printers: Which One is Good for You

Are you confused as to which type of printer you should choose? If yes, then worry not as we have created a detailed guide for you to understand not only which printer is better but also have explained the working of two of the main types of Printers, the inkJets and laser jets.

So, whether you have to make a decision for a printer or to choose a printing technology for your printed marketing campaigns, here are all the answers to your queries.

Understanding Inkjet Printing: How Does It Work?

Let’s begin with understanding inkjet printing. It is a popular and well-known way to produce high-quality and detailed prints. In its simplest, this technology works based on liquified ink which is dropped into the paper to get the print. However, in reality, this technology requires a lot of calibration to work and produce prints.

In an inkjet printer, we have multiple nozzles lined up in a row. These nozzles are very tiny and thus spray droplets of the liquid ink on the paper. Now, as the input is received by the printer, it identifies the colour requirements and where each drop should be put on the paper. After that, the paper starts to roll in, and the nozzle jets start to work. Since the droplets are so small, it doesn’t take a lot of time to get absorbed and dry on the paper, leading to a crisp print without any smudges.

Key features of Inkjet Printers

• High Resolution: Inkjet printers offer high-resolution prints, which is why they are also used to print photographs.
• Colour Versatility: If you have a photo with a lot of colour variations, then inkjet printing is best as it offers vibrant and crisp colours.
• Compact Size: Inkjet printers are known for their compact sizes as they house everything in a small body sometimes also including a scanner.

While these features of an inkjet printer make it a good printer, there are a few drawbacks. Firstly, the speed of these printers is slower which is why the prints come out slower. Secondly, printing cost per print also comes out to be higher as frequent cartridge replacements are needed.

What is a Laser Printer? How Does IT Work?

Laser printers work on new technology that is competitively designed to make printing efficient and faster. But how? Well, the answer lies in its working.

A laser jet printer has an OPC drum which is negatively charged by another charging roller. As the OPC drum gets negatively charged, the laser is projected on the area where the colours have to be present creating a positive charge on the OPC drum. Now, one by one, four coloured toners (Powdered Colours) get attached to the OPC drum and then transferred to the paper. With the help of heat, the toner on the paper is cured and the print comes live.

Key Features of Laser Printer

• Fast Printing: Laser printers are fast, so there’s no need to wait to settle the paint.
• Cost Efficiency: The longevity of the toner cartridges makes the Cost per print very low.
• Durability: Laser printers are more durable when it comes to high-volume printing and are best for shops, offices etc.

While laser printers are excellent for text and monochrome printing, their ability to handle detailed colour prints or photographs is limited compared to inkjet printers. They are also typically larger and more expensive upfront.

Ink Jet vs Laser Jet: Are Laser Printers Better than Inkjet 

When it comes to choosing between an inkjet printer or laser printer, the answer can’t be straightforward. The answer to what can be better for you depends on your needs. Here’s a brief comparison of laser and inkjet printers

Printing Quality

The printing quality of inkjet printers comes out to be far better than laser jets if you want colourful photos or prints. That’s why it’s even used in commercial printing like printing construction hoarding.

On the other hand, if the purpose is to only get monochrome or text prints, then you can go with laser jet printers

Speed

For occasional printing like keeping a printer at home, you can get an inkjet printer as they print slowly. However, for faster and high-volume prints, laser jet printers are better.

Cost Per Page

The Cost per page of inkjets is higher than laser jets. So, if you don’t have to get crisp and accurate colour prints, laser jets are more economical.

Upfront Cost

The inkjet printers are more affordable to purchase compared to laser jets which often cost higher but come with better long-term value.

Size and Portability

In terms of size, you can find even small inkjet printers which can be carried with you. However, that’s not the case with laser jets, and they are built larger and bulkier.

So, with this ink jet vs laser jet comparison you can choose a printer wisely. However, if your concern is what printing technology to choose for your printing needs like for Dibond printing or construction hoarding, then the options are many but inkjet technology is better. With vibrant colour range and scalability, your prints come out to be clear and visually appealing.

Final Words

To sum up, both ink jet and laser jet printers are good, but what is better, laser or ink jet, totally depends on your needs. Printing is an important activity not only for documents but also for marketing as well. So, choosing the best option is important. Today, large-format printing is one of the best ways to advertise your business on busy streets, and it comes with a lot of benefits. If you also want to learn the benefits of large-format printing, then here’s a blog for you.