Summary

Chapter 7: Fundamental Printers and Scanners 11Figure 7-5Inkjet Printer ComponentsInkjet printers use ink-filled cartridges that spray ink onto a page through tiny holes callednozzles. 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 outthrough the nozzle and onto the paper.■ Piezoelectric: Piezoelectric crystals are located in the ink reservoir at the back of eachnozzle. A charge is applied to the crystal, causing it to vibrate. This vibration of thecrystal controls the flow of ink onto the paper.Inkjet printers use plain paper to make economical prints. Special-purpose paper may beused to create high-quality prints of photographs. When the inkjet print is complete and thepaper leaves the printer, the ink is often wet. You should avoid touching printouts for 10 to15 seconds to prevent the images from smearing.Table 7-2 lists some advantages and disadvantages of an inkjet printer.Table 7-2Inkjet Printer Pros and ConsAdvantagesLow costHigh resolutionQuick to warm upDisadvantagesNozzles are prone to cloggingInk cartridges are expensiveInk is wet after printingDescribe Solid-Ink PrintersSolid-ink printers use solid sticks of ink rather than toner or ink cartridges, as shown inFigure 7-6. Solid-ink printers produce high-quality images. The ink sticks are nontoxic andcan be handled safely.