printues

Printues are devices that reproduce digital content on physical media, most commonly paper. They are output devices in computing, converting electronic data into a tangible print using ink, toner, or other deposition processes. Modern printers vary in speed, quality, connectivity, and media support, and they are found in homes, offices, and educational settings.

Printers can be categorized by the printing method. Impact printers, such as dot-matrix models, use a print head that strikes an ink ribbon to form characters. Non-impact printers include inkjet devices, which eject tiny droplets of ink; laser printers, which use electrophotography to transfer toner to paper and fuse it with heat; and thermal printers, which rely on heat-sensitive media. In recent years, 3D printers have expanded the concept by depositing material layer by layer to create three-dimensional objects.

Key specifications include print speed, usually measured in pages per minute (ppm), and resolution, measured in dots per inch (dpi). Color capability, media handling (types of paper or specialty substrates), and multifunction features (scanning, copying, faxing) are also important. Modern printers commonly support USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cloud or mobile printing, enabling flexible use across devices and networks.

Historically, printers evolved from early line printers and impact devices to sophisticated digital machines. Today, they are essential tools for producing documents, photographs, labels, and other media. Environmental considerations include cartridge recycling, energy use, and responsible disposal of obsolete devices.