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Computer Printer

A computer printer is an output device that produces hard copies of text and graphics, commonly used as a peripheral connected to a computer or as a network printer. Printers are classified into impact (e.g., dot matrix, line, and daisy wheel) and non-impact (e.g., inkjet, laser, and thermal) types based on their printing technology. Various connection methods, such as parallel, serial, USB, and network connections, are used to connect printers to computers.

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36 views19 pages

Computer Printer

A computer printer is an output device that produces hard copies of text and graphics, commonly used as a peripheral connected to a computer or as a network printer. Printers are classified into impact (e.g., dot matrix, line, and daisy wheel) and non-impact (e.g., inkjet, laser, and thermal) types based on their printing technology. Various connection methods, such as parallel, serial, USB, and network connections, are used to connect printers to computers.

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maxwelldc719
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COMPUTER PRINTER

A computer printer, or more commonly a printer, is an output device

that produces text and graphics on paper, it produces a hard copy (permanent

human-readable text and/or graphics or documents stored in electronic form,

usually on physical print media such as paper transparencies. Many printers

are primarily used as computer peripherals, and are attached by a printer

cable to a computer which serves as a document source. Other printers,

commonly known as network printers, have built-in network interfaces

(typically wireless or Ethernet), and can serve as a hardcopy device for any

user on the network. Printers are routinely classified by the underlying print

technology they employ, numerous such technologies have been developed

over the years.


Types of Printers
IMPACT AND NON-IMPACT

IMPACT PRINTERS
An impact printer forms characters and graphics on a
piece of paper by striking a mechanism against an ink
ribbon that is in physical contact with the paper.
Consequent on this striking activity, impact printers
generally are noisy. Examples are: Line printers, Daisy
Wheel printer and Dot Matrix printers
Line Printers
Line printers have a spinning horizontal drum that stretches the
full width of the paper which is separated from it by an inked
ribbon. The drum is made up of 132 thin cylinders each having a
complete set of characters. Behind the paper is a row of 132
hammers that strike the paper at the right moment to select the
required character from the corresponding cylinder. In this way, it
is able to print a complete line at a time. Line printers are used for
high volume low quality output and are very noisy.
Daisy Wheel Printers
On a daisy wheel printer the complete set of characters is
held on a removable wheel which consists of a central
collar radiating out from which are a set of spokes, each
ending in a single character. The wheel spins round to
align the required character with a single hammer. The
hammer and wheel assembly moves across the paper
striking it through an inked ribbon. These printers can
produce high quality output but are limited to the range
of characters on the wheel
Dot Matrix Printers
Dot matrix printers have a horizontally moving head with a vertical line of pins

mounted inside. An inked ribbon is located between the head and the paper and

as the head moves the pins strike the ribbon to form each character as series of

dots. The best quality printers have heads with 24 pins and low quality ones have

9 pins (although by making two passes and shifting the head half a pin pitch

between them they can effectively act as an 18 pin head). These printers can

produce small dots anywhere on the paper, support graphics and have software

fonts. Dot matrix printers are quite noisy but can be cheap. They are mostly for

low to medium quality, low volume personal use.


NON-IMPACT PRINTER

A non-impact printer forms characters and graphics


on a piece of paper without actually striking the
paper. Some spray ink, while others use pressure and
heat to create images. Because these printers do not
strike the paper, they are less noisy than the Impact
printers. Examples are: InkJet Printers, Laser Printers
and Thermal Printers
INK JET PRINTERS

This is a type of computer printer that reproduces a


digital image Dy propellino variably sized droplets of ink
onto a page. Inkjet printers are the most common type
of printer and ranges from small inexpensive consumer
models to very large and expensive professional
machines: this is an alternative to daisy wheel printer. It
can be used in advertising and public relations.
LASER PRINTERS

In a laser printer, paper is given an electro-static charge


by passing it over a charged drum and then a laser scans
it discharging all clear areas. Next the paper is passed
over a tray o f powdered ink (toner) which is attracted
to the charged areas. Finally the toner is bonded to the
paper by heat or pressure. Laser printers are quiet and
are used for high quality low high volume work.
THERMAL PRINTERS

It produces a printed image by selectively heating coated thermo


chromic or thermal paper when the paper passes over the
thermal print head. The coating turns black in the areas where it
is heated, producing an image. Two-color direct thermal printers
are capable of printing both black and an additional colour (often
red), by applying heat at two different temperatures. It prints
using very small wires to burn a special paper. It uses the dot
matrix principle and is noiseless.
PRINTER HEAD DESIGN
Fixed-head philosophy & Disposable head philosophy

Fixed-head philosophy

The fixed-head philosophy provides an inbuilt


print head (often referred to as a Gaither Head)
that is designed to last for the whole life of the
printer. The idea is that because the head need
not be replaced every time the ink runs out
Disposable head philosophy

The disposable head philosophy uses a print


head which is a part of the replaceable ink
cartridge. Every time a cartridge is exhausted,
the entire cartridge and print head are replaced
with a new one.
Types of Printer Connections and Configurations

The following are the most popular methods to


connect a printer to a computer:
• Parallel connections
• Network connections
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)
• Serial
• Infrared
Parallel connections

Parallel connections deliver


data 8 bits at a time at a
speed of approximately 150
Kbps. Parallel printers and
their cables should conform.
The parallel port found on
computers is for connecting
peripherals, where many bits
of data are sent at once, in
parallel communication, and
requires multiple data lines in
their cables and are also
larger than the modern serial
ports.
Serial connection
The serial connection is a serial
communication interface, that
sends bits of data, one at a time,
requiring one data line and are
smaller than the parallel ports.
Serial ports are still used in
applications like point of sale
systems, scientific instruments,
industrial automation systems,
and some industrial and consumer
products. Server computers may
use a serial port as a control
console for diagnostics. Network
equipment (such as routers and
switches) often use serial console
for configuration. Serial ports are
used in these areas as they are
simple, cheap and their console
functions are highly standardized
and widespread. A serial port
requires very little supporting
software from the host system.
Network connections
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
Infrared

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