What is an image drum in a printer?

When using government services in our country, where bureaucracy dominates, a printer will be a very useful acquisition for every resident. In this regard, countless models of printing devices have been released that use different printing methods. Today we will talk about the photoconductor.

Purpose and functions

The photodrum is the main part of the latest printing devices. It looks like an aluminum tube coated with a special compound that can change its resistance under the influence of lighting. The principle of operation is that first the drum is fully charged to repel particles of coloring powder, then some areas are illuminated, which causes the attraction of grains of sand.

A drum of particles rolls over a sheet of paper, simultaneously regaining the ability to repel all dust particles. The coloring elements adhere to the paper, creating a blank for the image. The paper then goes into the oven, where the powder adheres tightly, creating a stable image.

Important! The accuracy of the transmitted image is ensured by laser beams that hit only those places where it is necessary.

It is located in a special cartridge, which ensures its operation and additional protection from accidental penetration of sunlight or mechanical damage. The cartridge is equipped with a plastic curtain, behind which the drum rests. The cartridge can be found behind the front cover of the printer. The instruction text will also help you find it, since all laser printers require manual cleaning.

Kinds

Different printer models differ from each other in composition and service life. The composition is determined by the manufacturer, and, in fact, this information is not communicated to consumers. Covering all existing laser printers, their drums can be divided into two categories:

• Inorganic – drums coated with selenium. This technology is already outdated, and it is almost impossible to find similar printers or parts on official sales. If the client needs to replace the selenium element, then he should turn to private trade.
• Organic is a category of printed elements that vary greatly in composition. Covered with a composition that is the company’s “secret recipe”.