Whether you’re an artist, architect, engineer, or designer, you’ve likely run into the need for a printer—and a good one at that. Due to the wonders of modern technology, there are many printers to choose from, and narrowing down your choices can be quite the harrowing task. Fortunately, we can break printers down into two main categories and compare them to get a better idea of which printer is best for your application. If you’re ready to start your search on the right foot, look at inkjet vs. laser printers and which is right for you.
The Pros of Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers create images by dotting ink from the ink cartridge onto a piece of paper. This method allows the printer to generate high-quality, vibrant images, making it better for printing photos and graphics. You can also print on various mediums beyond regular printer paper, such as fabric, vinyl, photo paper, and much more. Inkjet printers are also the more cost-effective option.
The Cons of Inkjet Printers
While the upfront cost of inkjet printers is relatively low, where you’re really going to be spending your money is on ink cartridges. As you may already know, ink cartridges are very expensive, and replacing them isn’t cheap. The unfortunate reality of inkjet printers is that you lose quality if you print continuously, but your inkjet cartridge will also dry up if you don’t use it consistently. If you’re not willing to deal with clogged ink cartridges and ink cartridge maintenance, inkjet printers may not be the best option for you.
The Pros of Laser Printers
Laser printers use electricity to attract powdered toner onto a drum cylinder, and the cylinder rolls the toner onto the paper and fuses it with heat to create an image. This makes them suitable for fast, high-volume printing. Also, they’re great at producing sharp texts and fine lines. While laser printers are more expensive, you don’t have to spend a fortune on ink, saving you more in the long run. Plus, laser printers are also much more durable and long lasting compared to inkjet printers.
The Cons of Laser Printers
For many people, the biggest downside to laser printers is their lack of versatility. Laser printers aren’t great at printing things in color, and you can’t use any heat-sensitive materials. This means that you can really only print on specific types of paper and can’t get creative with your prints. Also, if you’re health and environmentally conscious, you may not like toner. It can be pretty toxic to humans and the environment.
Which One Is Right for Your Application?
When it comes to inkjet versus laser printers, neither is better than the other. But the real question is which printer is right for you. The answer lies in what your application is. If you need a printer that can produce vivid, high-quality images like graphics, photos, or general visual content, an inkjet printer is going to be your best bet. If you need crisp, detailed, clean text, laser printers are better for your application. Keep in mind that laser printers can print in color. However, you’re not going to get the same vibrancy you would with an inkjet printer.
Fortunately, the Plotter Paper Guys have you covered no matter what your printing needs are. We sell what you need to print high-quality images, so you don’t have to shop from store to store to hunt down printing supplies. Because we have everything from wide format bond paper to backlit film and beyond, we can meet all your printing needs every time.
