LED printer advantages and disadvantages

Nowadays, computer technologies are very important; they have become an integral part of everyday life. Various devices work interconnectedly and support the activities of various enterprises. Modern ideas and developments are designed to simplify life and improve its quality.

Most activities involve the use of paper sources of information. They are necessary when filling out reports, maintaining documentation, creating archives... To meet the needs for printing, various printer options have been created.

This peripheral device connected to a computer has undergone many design changes since its invention to the present day. Nowadays, there are different versions based on different operating principles. The most advanced are LED printers. Their basis was borrowed from laser versions. We will talk more about the operating mechanism, printing features and properties in our article.

What is an LED printer?

Before discussing the positive and negative aspects of this technique, it is worth understanding the basics of its operation and understanding the mechanism of operation. To begin with, you need to define the concept. The LED printer is an improved model of the laser version using special LED lamps that perform the main task of the device.

The first attempts to create such a device were back in the 80s of the last century, but the invention gained popularity only in our time thanks to the use of advanced developments in the world of high technology. The use of LEDs has better operating performance compared to laser predecessors and inkjet printers.

For clarity, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the main components included in the design of the printer and the features of their interaction to obtain a print on paper:

1. First, the printer must be correctly connected to the power source and ensure synchronization with the computer system (special software and drivers in the installation disk).
2. After this, the print mode is configured, then the process of displaying information in printed form starts.
3. From a special paper compartment, using a roller with a gripping hook, one sheet of paper is fed into the compartment for applying the print specified by the program.
4. After this, the sheet passes under the printing press. This is where the main difference between the device lies. Printing is based on the use of a strip of LEDs and a dye. Toner is used as a coloring material, as in laser versions. Toner is a special polymer powder (different in density, size and number of granules, weight, color...), which is fed through nozzles onto paper and, under the influence of high temperature created by LEDs, sticks to the sheet. The process of obtaining a print consists of applying powder to the entire strip at once. There are no special moving parts.
5. This way, the entire page passes under the printing press, after which the paper accumulates in a drawer at the front of the printer.
6. There are also special mechanisms and microcircuits that ensure the interconnection of all elements. You can learn more about their design in the instructions and on the company’s website. However, their purpose is to provide the correct signals; this is not a fundamental indicator for choosing a technique.

In general, the appearance and internal components are reminiscent of laser versions of printers; their basic operating principle remains unchanged, but the use of a strip of LED lamps improves the process and ensures uniform distribution of toner.

IMPORTANT: There are models in various price categories, from budget to premium. Consider your financial capabilities and the purpose of the equipment when choosing and purchasing a device.

Advantages

After a brief introduction to the basics of operation and the principle of printing, you can learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this model of technology. First, let's look at the positive qualities of the printer. Since the printer is similar to its predecessor, their properties will largely be the same. However, there are also differences that are worth mentioning. Here is a list of the main advantages:

• Compact size and neat appearance allow you to conveniently place the equipment in the office and at home.
• High printing speed and performance indicators.
• High resolution (the number of pixels per inch of paper sheet) allows you to display high-quality information and pictures.
• Using toner prevents text from becoming smudged.
• A strip of LED light bulbs is highly reliable and durable.
• During operation, no toxic substances are released, which is extremely important for environmental balance and the health of the human body.
• The absence of noise also plays an important role, especially in large offices and large enterprises.

Of course, everything depends on the model and cost of the equipment, but the advantages described above are typical for the entire product line.

Flaws

Unfortunately, despite the use of advanced developments and the use of modern ideas, this class of printers has a number of disadvantages. The most important of them are the following:

• High cost of the device and its further operation. Large costs for purchasing toner and replacing elements. The cost of a printed sheet is on average higher.
• Difficulties when refueling, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment: rubber gloves, masks...
• Some models do not allow the use of non-native elements. Therefore, they only use original cartridges.
• The printing speed is slightly lower than that of the laser counterpart.

In order to make a choice, you need to carefully consider all the advantages and disadvantages. It is also worth considering your financial capabilities. Typically, the LED version is used in large enterprises and offices with a large volume of work and a large number of orders. At home, the quality and parameters of the resulting texts will not justify their costs, so purchasing it will be irrational.

IMPORTANT: If you only need a printer to print text files, purchasing an inkjet option is sufficient.