Printers

A printer is a peripheral device that converts digital documents into physical copies on paper or other media. Desktop and office printers primarily produce two‑dimensional prints, while 3D printers fabricate objects through additive processes. Modern printers commonly function as multifunction devices, combining printing with scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing.

There are several printing technologies. Inkjet printers eject tiny droplets of ink to form images; laser printers fuse toner to paper with static electricity and heat; dot-matrix printers strike ink from a ribbon through pins; thermal printers use heat to transfer or generate images. Some 3D printers use fused deposition modeling or stereolithography.

Output quality depends on resolution, color accuracy, and media compatibility. Color printers support broader color gamuts than monochrome models, though at higher running costs. Print speed is usually measured in pages per minute, with higher-end devices offering faster duplex printing and better handling of specialty media such as photo paper or labels.

Printers connect through USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Many support mobile printing via apps or cloud services, and business models commonly use print servers and network management software. Printer languages such as PCL or PostScript influence compatibility and layout, while drivers translate documents for the specific device.

Running costs include consumables such as ink or toner cartridges and paper. Routine maintenance may involve alignment checks, sensor cleaning, or firmware updates. Environmental considerations include cartridge recycling programs and energy‑efficient operation, with many manufacturers offering recycling and take‑back options.