Laser Paper Vs. Inkjet
Laser and inkjet printers require specific kinds of paper that can handle and process the different methods they use to produce printed images. Inappropriate paper usage can have undesirable effects on the printed product, such as smudged ink or warped paper. Choosing the best paper for various printers can be a breeze with just a little background knowledge on how these printers work.
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Inkjet Printers
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Inkjet printers are a popular choice in many households due to their simpler parts and affordable prices. They use liquid ink, usually stored in a cartridge. Many inkjet printers use one black cartridge and one color cartridge filled with primary colors. The printer heats the little metal strips on the cartridges to make the ink flow through the use of vapor bubbles and vacuum technology. Little droplets spill out onto the paper to create the desired printed product. Because the little droplets spill out, a printed paper may have wet ink and smudge easily immediately after printing.
Laser Printers
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While inkjet printers use liquid ink, laser printers use powdery toners. Toner technology is much more complex than ink, so these printers are often pricier than inkjets. Laser printers mix carbon particles in the toner drum with a polymer that melts in heat and binds to paper fibers. After the printer receives a message from a computer, the negatively charged toner drum attracts the positively charged carbon particles to transfer the image onto the paper. A heating device inside the printer binds the polymer's image to the paper. As a result, the printed product is usually warm to the touch after leaving the printer.
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Inkjet vs. Laser Paper
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There are distinct differences in the paper used for inkjet and laser printers due to the differences in ink and toner. Inkjet paper tends to be more absorbent to quickly soak in the little droplets of ink before an image or type becomes smudged. Laser paper, on the other hand, is smoother and thicker to prevent the paper from curling due to the intense heat from the printer. Using the incorrect type of paper can cause undesirable results and can damage the printer.
Paper Options
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Both inkjet and laser printers have a variety of paper types from which to choose. These may include plain paper, photo paper, glossy paper or card stock. Weight is an important consideration when choosing a paper type, as lighter papers are usually used for general tasks whereas heavier papers are used for presentations or other high-quality tasks. Brightness, opacity and smoothness are also properties that affect the quality of paper. Smooth papers are generally better for laser printers, whereas textured paper is better for absorbing the ink of inkjet printers.
Cross Usage
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Many people may wonder whether laser printers can use inkjet paper and vice versa. Both types of printers can usually use uncoated papers without major problems. The quality may not be at its best, but it will get the job done. However, extra caution should be taken with glossy coated papers. Using glossy coated laser papers with inkjet printers will cause the ink to stay wet and smear. Laser printers could melt glossy inkjet papers, which could damage the printer. Always check the paper's packaging to see which kind of printer it is best suited for.
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