ASSIGNMENT TOPIC:

PRINTER AND TYPES OF PRINTER

Submitted by : Group 10

Members:

Alina Asif 08

Sana nosheen rana 27

Shehwar 33

Program: MPhil

Semester: 1st

Session: 2024-26

Submitted to: Dr. Tariq

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 Table of Content

Sr. Outline Pg
no.
1. Overview of Printers 3

2. Types of Printers 3

2.1 1. Impact Printers 3

2.2 2. Non-Impact Printers 4

3. Advantages and Disadvantages 6

4. References 7

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Overview of Printers

A printer is an output device that converts digital documents and images into tangible forms,

usually on paper. Printers are essential for various tasks, ranging from personal use to

professional purposes in offices, schools, and industries. Depending on their design and

mechanism, printers are broadly classified into impact and non-impact printers.

Types of Printers

Printers are broadly categorized into impact printers and non-impact printers based on how
they transfer text or images onto paper.

1. Impact Printers

Impact printers create prints by physically striking an ink ribbon against the paper. They are
well-suited for environments where durability and the ability to produce multiple copies
simultaneously (using carbon paper) are essential. These printers are often used in industrial,
financial, and logistics settings.

Subtypes of Impact Printers

a. Dot Matrix Printer

• Working Mechanism:
Dot matrix printers utilize a grid or matrix of pins that strike the ink ribbon to create
patterns of dots on paper. Characters and images are formed by the arrangement of these
dots, which vary in density to create desired outputs.
• Advantages:
o Extremely durable and reliable for long-term use.
o Can print multiple copies simultaneously with carbon paper.
o Cost-effective for large-scale document printing in industries.
• Disadvantages:
o Prints are low resolution, making them less suitable for professional-quality
documents.
o The operation is noisy, which can be disruptive in office environments.

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 o Limited font styles and graphical capabilities.
• Common Applications:
Used extensively in invoice printing, inventory management systems, and industrial
report generation where multi-copy printing is needed.
• References:
Stallings (2016), Kumar & Dahiya (2021).

b. Daisy Wheel Printer

• Working Mechanism:
Daisy wheel printers operate with a rotating wheel that contains pre-formed characters.
When a character is selected, a hammer strikes the wheel, pressing the character onto the
ribbon and paper.
• Advantages:
o Produces high-quality, consistent text, ideal for formal documentation.
o Simple mechanism reduces operational complexity.
• Disadvantages:
o Slow printing speeds due to the mechanical nature of character selection and
printing.
o Limited to one font style unless the wheel is manually replaced.
o High maintenance costs, as the daisy wheel can wear out.
• Common Applications:
Used for official documentation requiring precise and consistent font styles, such as legal
documents and certifications.
• References:
Stallings (2016), Laudon & Laudon (2020).

c. Line Printer

• Working Mechanism:
Line printers work by printing entire lines of text simultaneously, either through a chain
or band mechanism that moves characters across the paper.
• Advantages:
o Capable of extremely high-speed printing, making them ideal for large-scale
operations.
o Simple design ensures reliability and low operational cost.
• Disadvantages:
o Limited to text-based outputs, with no support for graphics.
o Print quality is basic and not suitable for professional documents.
o High noise levels during operation.

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 • Common Applications:
Widely used in banks for printing transaction logs, utility companies for bill generation,
and large-scale industrial operations.
• References:
Kumar & Dahiya (2021).

2. Non-Impact Printers

Non-impact printers do not use physical contact to transfer ink or toner onto the paper. They rely
on advanced technologies, making them faster, quieter, and capable of producing high-quality
outputs. These printers are versatile and suitable for personal, professional, and industrial use.

Subtypes of Non-Impact Printers

a. Laser Printer

• Working Mechanism:
Laser printers use a laser beam to create an electrostatic charge on a drum. Toner
particles adhere to the charged areas and are transferred to paper. The final image is fused
using heat.
• Advantages:
o Delivers high-speed printing suitable for bulk tasks.
o Exceptional print quality, especially for text and monochrome images.
o Economical over time due to lower per-page printing costs.
• Disadvantages:
o High initial cost, especially for color laser printers.
o Maintenance and repair costs are significant.
o Larger footprint compared to other printers.
• Common Applications:
Ideal for offices, schools, and businesses requiring professional-quality documents,
brochures, and reports.
• References:
Laudon & Laudon (2020), Kumar & Dahiya (2021).

b. Inkjet Printer

• Working Mechanism:
Inkjet printers spray fine droplets of liquid ink directly onto the paper. The ink is
precisely controlled to produce high-resolution prints.
• Advantages:

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 o Excellent for photo printing due to high-resolution capabilities.
o Supports various paper types and sizes, offering greater flexibility.
o Compact and affordable for personal use.
• Disadvantages:
o Slow printing speed compared to laser printers, especially for large volumes.
o Ink cartridges are expensive and require frequent replacement.
o Vulnerable to clogging if not used regularly.
• Common Applications:
Best suited for personal or small office use, photo printing, and creative projects.
• References:
Stallings (2016), Kumar & Dahiya (2021).

c. Thermal Printer

• Working Mechanism:
Thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper. The printer head heats specific areas to create
text or images directly on the paper.
• Advantages:
o Quiet operation and low maintenance costs.
o No need for ink or toner.
o Compact and lightweight, making them portable.
• Disadvantages:
o Printed material fades quickly, making it unsuitable for long-term records.
o Limited to monochrome outputs.
• Common Applications:
Widely used in POS systems, ticketing machines, and receipt generation for businesses.
• References:
Kumar & Dahiya (2021).

d. 3D Printer

• Working Mechanism:
3D printers use additive manufacturing, layering material such as plastic, resin, or metal
to build a three-dimensional object. The process is controlled digitally.
• Advantages:
o Capable of creating complex and customized designs.
o Reduces prototyping costs and development time.
o Compatible with a variety of materials for diverse applications.
• Disadvantages:
o High initial cost and material expenses.
o Printing speed is slow, especially for large or intricate designs.
o Limited suitability for mass production.

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 • Common Applications:
Used in prototyping, medical fields for creating anatomical models, and manufacturing
industries for custom parts.
• References:
Laudon & Laudon (2020), Kumar & Dahiya (2021).

Comparative Analysis: Advantages and Disadvantages

Impact Printers

• Advantages:
o Durable and long-lasting.
o Suitable for multi-copy printing using carbon paper.
o Cost-effective for specific industrial tasks.
• Disadvantages:
o Lower print quality compared to modern alternatives.
o Noisy operation.
o Limited to text-heavy outputs.

Non-Impact Printers

• Advantages:
o High-quality, professional outputs.
o Quieter and faster operation.
o Versatile in terms of supported media types.
• Disadvantages:
o Expensive maintenance and higher initial costs.
o Limited ability for multi-copy printing.

What is the plotters

A plotter is an output device that is used to produce high quality graphics in a

variety of colors. Plotters are used to create maps, architectural drawings, graphs
and charts.

Different types of plotters are as follows:

• Flatbed Plotter
• Drum plotter

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1. Flatbed Plotter
Flatbed plotter is used to plot or draw images. It contains pens for drawing
images. The paper is placed on table-like surface. Software instructs the pens to
move down on the paper. The pen then moves on the paper for creating images.
Most flatbed plotters have one or more pens of different colors and widths.
2. Drum Plotter
Drum plotter uses a rotating drum or cylinder. The drawing pens are mounted
on the drum. The pens move to the left and right as the drum rotates. This
movement creates the desired image. The advantage of drum plotter is that the
length of the plot is almost unlimited. The roll paper can be used to draw very
lengthy images. The width of the image depends on the width of the drum.

Advantages:

• Produces high-quality and precise graphics.

• Supports large paper sizes.
• Can handle complex, detailed designs.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive to purchase and maintain.

• Slower compared to modern printers for some tasks.

Citations of plotters

GeeksforGeeks. (n.d.). What is a plotter? Retrieved January 21, 2025,

Rajaraman, V. (2004). Fundamentals of computers (5th ed.). Prentice Hall of
India.
Stallings, W. (2021). Computer organization and architecture (11th ed.).
Pearson Education.
Techopedia. (n.d.). What is a plotter? Retrieved January 21, 2025, from
References

1. Stallings, W. (2016). Computer Organization and Architecture: Designing for

Performance (10th ed.). Pearson Education.
2. Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing the
Digital Firm (16th ed.). Pearson Education.
3. Kumar, R., & Dahiya, S. (2021). "Comparative Analysis of Printers: Impact vs Non-
Impact." Journal of Information Technology and Computing, 12(4), 45-56.