What Is the Difference Between an Inkjet, Laser and Thermal Printer?

Inkjet printers use liquid inks.

Inkjet and laser printers print without impact to the paper substrates and hold high popularity for home and office use. Thermal printers print using the impact of tiny pins. Thermal printers are commonly used by retail stores, ATM machines, and gas stations for printing receipts. Thermal printers hold low popularity for consumer use because of the sensitivity of the specialized thermal paper to heat and light, which fade the image prints over time.

Ink Emission

Inkjet printers emit ink through the spraying of ink bubbles or piezoelectric crystals that change shape based on electric signal. Laser printers have a laser that charges the paper and allows the toner to stick. Thermal printers use heat coating and do not emit ink at all.

Ink Type

Thermal inkjets use aqueous ink and piezoelectric inkjets use specialized inks such as solvent-based and UV responsive. Laser printers use toner rather than liquid ink.

Paper Type

Thermal inkjets only print on paper or substrates with special coatings, while piezoelectric inkjets and toners print on a wide variety of uncoated paper. Thermal printers rely on specialized thermally-responsive paper to produce images.

Efficiency

Inkjet printers produce high quality prints, but take a relatively long time to do so. Laser printers print at a higher speed than inkjets and are less expensive per page to use. Thermal printers print at high speeds and cost less than inkjet or laser printers per page, but images fade relatively quickly.

Image Application

Inkjet printers come with disposable or non-disposable print heads. Laser printers contain a heating element to fuse the ink to the paper. Thermal printers apply images to paper with heated pins that strike the paper as it runs through the machine.

References

• 4 Reviews: Types of Printers