Describe Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers produce high-quality prints. Inkjet printers are easy to use and inexpensive compared to laser printers. The print quality of an inkjet printer is measured in dots per inch (dpi). Higher dpi numbers provide greater image details. Figure 7-4 shows an all-in-one device that contains an inkjet printer. Figure 7-5 shows inkjet printer components.
Figure 7-4 Inkjet Printer

Inkjet printers use ink-filled cartridges that spray ink onto a page through tiny holes called nozzles. The ink is sprayed in a pattern on the page.
There are two types of inkjet nozzles:
■ Thermal: A pulse of electrical current is applied to heating chambers around the nozzles. The heat creates a bubble of steam in the chamber. The steam forces ink out through the nozzle and onto the paper.
■ Piezoelectric: Piezoelectric crystals are located in the ink reservoir at the back of each nozzle. A charge is applied to the crystal, causing it to vibrate. This vibration of the crystal controls the flow of ink onto the paper.
Inkjet printers use plain paper to make economical prints. Special-purpose paper may be used to create high-quality prints of photographs. When the inkjet print is complete and the paper leaves the printer, the ink is often wet. You should avoid touching printouts for 10 to 15 seconds to prevent the images from smearing.
Table 7-2 lists some advantages and disadvantages of an inkjet printer.
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Low cost |
Nozzles are prone to clogging |
|
High resolution |
Ink cartridges are expensive |
Quick to warm up Ink is wet after printing
Quick to warm up Ink is wet after printing
Continue reading here: Printer Drivers
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