Summary

12 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion GuideFigure 7-6Solid-Ink PrinterSolid-ink printers melt ink sticks and spray the ink through nozzles. The ink is sprayed ontoa drum. The drum transfers the ink to paper.Table 7-3 lists some advantages and disadvantages of a solid-ink printer.Table 7-3AdvantagesSolid-Ink Printer Pros and ConsDisadvantagesProduces vibrant color printsEasy to useCan use many different paper typesPrinters are expensiveInk is expensivePrinters are slow to warm upDescribe Other Printer TypesTwo other printing technologies that you may work with are thermal and dye sublimation,as described in the following sections.Thermal PrintersSome retail cash registers or older fax machines may contain thermal printers, as shown inFigure 7-7. The paper used in thermal printers is chemically treated and has a waxy quality.Thermal paper becomes black when heated. Most thermal printer print heads are the widthof the paper. Areas of the print head are heated as required to make the pattern on the paper.The paper is supplied in the form of a roll.