241 Questions
What is the most basic type of printer known as?
Impact printer
What type of printer uses a paper feed mechanism called a tractor feed?
Impact printer
Which technology is relatively expensive for the home user?
Color laser printing
What are the two major types of impact printers?
Daisy-wheel and dot-matrix
What type of paper does an impact printer's tractor feed require?
Continuous feed paper with holes running down both edges
Which type of printing technology will be covered in a primer at the end of the sections?
3D printing
What moves the print head in an inkjet printer?
The stepper motor
What dictates the pattern of ink dots sprayed on the paper in an inkjet printer?
The control circuitry
What is the purpose of the duplexing assembly in some inkjet printers?
For two-sided printing
What happens after the print head completes a pass across the page in an inkjet printer?
The paper feed stepper motor advances the page
When does the print head get parked in an inkjet printer?
Once printing is complete and the final page is ejected
What determines whether the print head returns to the beginning of the line and prints again in the same direction only or moves backward across the page in an inkjet printer?
The model of the printer
What component of an inkjet printer contains small nozzles that spray ink onto the page?
Print head
Which method of spraying ink out of the cartridge involves heating elements causing ink vaporization?
HP method
What components make the print head move back and forth during printing?
Head carriage, belt, and stepper motor
What is the purpose of the maintenance station in an inkjet printer?
To keep the print head in working order
How are the pickup rollers in an inkjet printer cleaned?
With mild soap and water
Where is the paper fed into an inkjet printer placed before being fed into the printer by the paper feed mechanism?
Paper tray in the front of the printer
What is the purpose of calibration in an inkjet printer?
To bring the printer within functional specifications, typically after installing new ink cartridges
What is the role of the printer driver in the printing process?
Convert the data being printed into a format that the printer can understand
What initiates the inkjet printing process?
Clicking the Print button in the software
What is the function of the power circuits in an inkjet printer?
Convert standard wall outlet voltages into the voltages that the inkjet printer uses
What is the role of interface circuitry in an inkjet printer?
Connect the physical interface to the control circuitry and convert signals from the computer into the data stream that the printer uses
What happens if the printer has not printed in a while?
It activates a cleaning cycle to purge the print heads of any dried ink
What distinguishes daisy-wheel printers from dot-matrix printers?
Daisy-wheel printers contain a wheel with raised letters and symbols, while dot-matrix printers use a print head with a row of pins triggered in patterns.
What was a common issue with early dot-matrix printers' image quality?
Draft quality
How do inkjet printers form the image on the page?
By spraying ink on the page
What is a characteristic of older inkjet printers?
Messiness
What are some main parts of inkjet printers?
Print head/ink cartridge, head carriage, belt, and stepper motor
What does the term 'bubble-jet printers' refer to?
Inkjet printers that spray droplets of ink in a high-definition dot-matrix pattern
Most of the time, when faced with the decision of purchasing a printer, you’re going to be weighing performance versus __________.
cost
Impact printers, as their name suggests, use some form of impact and an inked printer ribbon to make an imprint on the __________.
paper
Impact printers also use a paper feed mechanism called a __________ feed that requires special paper.
tractor
There are two major types of impact printers: __________-wheel and dot-matrix.
daisy
Specifically, we are going to look at five classifications of classic printing: impact, inkjet, laser, thermal, and __________, and then finish up with a primer on 3D printing.
virtual
Impact Printers are in the category known as an __________ printer.
impact
Dot-matrix printers work similarly to daisy-wheel printers, with a print head containing a row of pins triggered in patterns to form letters and numbers.
dot-matrix
______ printers spray ink on the page to form the image and typically use a reservoir of ink, a pump, and a nozzle.
Inkjet
______ printers are now affordable, with some models priced at $40 to $50, offering print quality that rivals basic laser printers.
Inkjet
The term '______ printers' is copyrighted by Canon and refers to inkjet printers that spray droplets of ink in a high-definition dot-matrix pattern.
bubble-jet
Types of ______ and Inkjet Printers
Impact
______ printers allow printing on multipart forms and are relatively inexpensive compared to laser printers of the same vintage.
Daisy-wheel
Once the page is finished, the feed stepper motor is actuated and ejects the page from the printer into the output tray
The stepper motor moves the print head another small step; the process repeats all the way across the page
Some nicer models of inkjet printers have a duplexing assembly attached to them, either at the back of the printer or inside it. It’s used for two-sided printing
Depending on the model, either the print head returns to the beginning of the line and prints again in the same direction only or it moves backward across the page so that printing occurs in both directions
The motor is moved one small step, and the print head sprays the dots of ink on the paper in the pattern dictated by the control circuitry
After the first page is printed, it’s fed into the duplexing assembly, turned over, and fed back into the paper feed assembly. Then the second page can be printed on the back side of the original piece of paper
An important skill for an A+ candidate is to ______ the parts of an inkjet printer
identify
Calibration is the process by which an inkjet printer is brought within functional specifications, typically running a ______ routine every time new ink cartridges are installed
calibration
The printer ______ converts the data being printed into a format that the printer can understand and sends the information to the printer via the connection method being used
driver
If the ______ has not printed in a while, it activates a cleaning cycle to purge the print heads of any dried ink
printer
Paper feed ______ tell the printer when it is out of paper or when a paper jam has occurred
sensors
The inkjet ______ process consists of several steps initiated by clicking the Print button in the software
printing
Printer companies make the majority of their profits from ink cartridge sales, as cartridges have a high profit margin.
Ink cartridge sales
The print head in an inkjet printer contains small ______ that spray ink onto the page, and it is usually part of the ink cartridge.
nozzles
Ink cartridges have small chambers with ______ used to spray ink on the page to form characters and images as patterns of dots.
pinholes
There are two methods of spraying ink out of the cartridge: ______.
heating elements causing ink vaporization (HP method) and piezoelectric elements flexing when energized (Epson method)
After printing, the print head moves back to the ______, which contains a small suction pump and ink-absorbing pad to keep the print head in working order.
maintenance station
The ______ are components that make the print head move back and forth during printing, with the stepper motor moving in precise increments.
head carriage, belt, and stepper motor
The ______ picks up paper from the paper drawer and feeds it into the printer, consisting of pickup rollers and separator pads to ensure only one sheet goes into the printer.
paper feed mechanism
What is the purpose of the cleaning step in the EP imaging process for laser printers?
To remove residual toner and prevent ghost images on the printed page
What is the purpose of the transfer corona wire in the EP imaging process for laser printers?
To transfer the image from the drum to the paper
What makes thermal direct printers have long lives compared to other printers?
They have few moving parts
What is the special characteristic of thermal paper used in thermal printers?
It turns black when heat passes over it
What distinguishes thermal transfer printers from thermal direct printers?
They use a heat-sensitive ribbon instead of heat-sensitive paper
What is the primary difference between thermal direct and thermal transfer printers?
The method of applying heat to the paper
What does the fusing assembly in a laser printer use to fuse toner particles to the paper?
Pressure and heat from two rollers
What is the purpose of the transfer corona assembly in a laser printer?
Transfers toner from the photosensitive drum to the paper
What is the function of the printer controller assembly in a laser printer?
Converts computer signals into commands for the printer's components using rasterizing
What is the purpose of the ozone filter in older laser printers?
To remove ozone created by high-voltage coronas inside the printer
What allows modern laser printers to print on both sides of the paper?
Duplexing assembly
What are the two types of transfer corona assemblies in a laser printer?
Wire and roller
What is the first step in the Electro-Photographic (EP) process used by laser printers?
Charging
What is the purpose of the transferring step in the EP process of laser printers?
Attracting toner to the paper due to opposite charges
What is the role of the EP cartridge in the laser printer's EP process?
Constantly cleaning the drum
Which component plays a key role in the EP process of laser printers by transferring toner to the exposed areas on the drum?
Developing roller
What manages the EP process in a laser printer, orchestrating each step in sequence?
Printer's controller
What makes the toner image permanent by melting it into the paper with heat and pressure in the EP process of laser printers?
Fusing
What component of an EP printer holds toner, a black carbon substance mixed with polyester resins and iron oxide particles?
Toner cartridge
What is the function of the transfer corona assembly in an EP printer?
To make toner stick to the exposed areas on the photosensitive drum
In an EP printer, what is the role of the laser scanning assembly?
To expose the photosensitive drum to light, scanning the image onto it
What is the purpose of the DC power supply (DCPS) in an EP printer?
To convert high voltages used in the EP process into low voltages
What does the high-voltage power supply (HVPS) do in an EP printer?
It converts AC current from a standard wall outlet into higher voltages
What does the paper transport assembly consist of in an EP printer?
A motor and rubberized rollers for moving the paper through the printer
What is the electrophotographic (EP) imaging process primarily used in?
Laser printers and inkjet printers
Who were the pioneers in developing the laser printer technology?
Xerox, Hewlett-Packard, and Canon
What technology uses a combination of static electric charges, laser light, and toner?
EP process laser printers
What is the role of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the EP imaging process?
To create the image on the drum
When were the scientists at Xerox credited with developing the EP imaging process?
1971
What is the primary difference between the two major types of page printers using the EP imaging process?
The method of writing the image onto the drum
During the transferring step, the toner is attracted to the paper due to ______
opposite charges
Charging step involves applying a strong, uniform ______ to the photosensitive drum
negative charge
Different components like the charging corona, ______, and fuser rollers play key roles in the EP process
developing roller
The EP process involves steps like charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing, and ______
cleaning
The EP process is managed by the ______, which orchestrates each step in sequence
printer's controller
The exposing step uses a ______ to reduce the drum’s charge in areas to be printed
laser
Thermal printing technology is used in many point-of-sale (POS) terminals and older fax machines. (Newer fax machines usually use inkjet or ______ technology.)
laser
The printer places a uniform –600VDC charge on the photosensitive drum by means of a charging ______.
corona
The image is then transferred from the drum to the paper at its line of contact by means of the transfer corona wire (or corona roller) with a +600VDC ______.
charge
The printer uses a rubber scraper to clean the photosensitive ______.
drum
The only unique part that you might not be as familiar with is the paper feed assembly, which often needs to accommodate a roll of paper instead of ______.
sheets
Thermal direct printers typically have long lives because they have few moving parts. The only unique part that you might not be as familiar with is the paper feed assembly, which often needs to accommodate a roll of paper instead of ______.
sheets
EP printers using EP imaging process contain nine standard assemblies: ______, laser scanner, high-voltage power supply, DC power supply, paper transport assembly, transfer corona, fusing assembly, printer controller circuitry, and ozone filter.
toner cartridge
The ______ cartridge holds ______, a black carbon substance mixed with polyester resins and iron oxide particles, and contains the EP print drum coated with a photosensitive material.
toner
The laser scanning assembly exposes the ______ photosensitive drum to light, discharging it only in the exposed area, thus scanning the image onto it.
EP
The high-voltage power supply (______) converts AC current from a standard wall outlet into higher voltages used during the EP process.
HVPS
The ______ consists of a motor and rubberized rollers for moving the paper through the printer.
paper transport assembly
The ______ is where toner sticks to the exposed areas on the photosensitive drum.
transfer corona assembly
Two types of ______ corona assemblies exist: wire and roller, with the roller supporting higher speeds.
transfer
The fusing assembly uses pressure and heat from two rollers to fuse toner particles to the paper.
fuser
The printer ______ assembly converts computer signals into commands for the printer's components using rasterizing.
controller
Ozone, created by high-voltage coronas inside the printer, is removed by an ______ filter in older printers to prevent damage to components.
ozone
The electrophotographic (EP) imaging process in laser printers consists of seven major steps, including processing, charging, exposing, ______, transferring, fusing, and cleaning.
developing
Printing cannot start until the ______ is in a ready state, indicated by an illuminated Ready LED light or a specific display message.
printer
Xerox, Hewlett-Packard, and Canon were pioneers in developing the laser printer technology we use today. Scientists at Xerox developed the electrophotographic (EP) imaging process in 1971. HP introduced the first successful desktop laser printer in 1984, using Canon hardware that used the EP process. This technology uses a combination of static electric charges, laser light, and a black powdery ink-like substance called ______. Printers that use this technology are called EP process laser printers, or just laser printers. Every laser printer technology has its foundations in the EP printer imaging process. Let’s discuss the basic components of the EP laser printer and how they operate so that you can understand the way an EP laser printer works.
toner
Laser Printers Laser printers and inkjet printers are referred to as ______ because they receive their print job instructions one page at a time rather than receiving instructions one line at a time. There are two major types of page printers that use the electrophotographic (EP) imaging process. The first uses a laser to scan the image onto a photosensitive drum, and the second uses an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create the image on the drum. Even though they write the image in different ways, both types still follow the laser printer imaging process. Since the A+ exam focuses on the laser printer imaging process and not on differences between laser and LED, we’ll focus on the same here.
page printers
Even though they write the image in different ways, both types still follow the ______ imaging process. Since the A+ exam focuses on the laser printer imaging process and not on differences between laser and LED, we’ll focus on the same here.
laser printer
Since the A+ exam focuses on the laser printer imaging process and not on differences between laser and LED, we’ll focus on the same ______.
here
Scientists at Xerox developed the electrophotographic (EP) imaging process in ______.
1971
HP introduced the first successful desktop laser printer in 1984, using Canon hardware that used the EP process. This technology uses a combination of static electric charges, laser light, and a black powdery ink-like substance called ______.
toner
What is the purpose of virtual printing?
To send the desired output to a file instead of to paper
How does the virtual printing process differ from physical printing?
Virtual printing generates a new file containing the output instead of producing an image on paper
What is the function of the 'Print To File' option in virtual printing?
It initiates the process of sending the output to a file instead of paper
When might a user choose the option of printing to a file?
When the printer is not available
How long has the option of printing to a file been available?
Around 20 years
What happens after a user selects the 'Print To File' option and clicks OK?
A new file containing the output is generated
What is the primary advantage of page-description languages like PostScript and PCL?
They move some of the processing from the computer to the printer, making print jobs faster, especially for documents with graphics and multiple fonts
What distinguishes GDI printers from PostScript and PCL printers?
GDI printers use computer processing power instead of their own
Why are GDI printers generally considered the least expensive?
They use computer processing power instead of their own
What is the main role of the printer driver in the printing process?
Convert the data being printed into a format that the printer can understand and send the information to the printer
What makes page-description languages an ideal choice for laser printers?
They move some of the processing from the computer to the printer, making print jobs faster, especially for documents with graphics and multiple fonts
What is the function of the transfer corona in the EP imaging process for laser printers?
Transfers the toner image from the drum to the paper at its line of contact
What is the primary purpose of printing to a PDF file?
To allow printing from a different machine without the application installed
Which of the following is a potential option for printing to a virtual printer?
Print to PDF
What is the primary material used in most home 3D printers?
Plastic filament
What is the role of the extruder in a 3D printer?
Heats up and melts the filament to create the object
What is another option for printing besides printing to PDF?
Printing to XPS
What is a common method for printing to PDF from Windows-based applications?
Using native support or third-party applications like Adobe Acrobat
What is the industry standard for parallel communications?
IEEE 1284
Which wired printer interface has the highest transfer rate and easy connectivity?
Ethernet
What are the three most common page-description languages for printers?
PostScript, Printer Command Language (PCL), Graphics Device Interface (GDI)
What is the latest trend in printer interface technology?
Wireless with built-in Wi-Fi interfaces or wireless network card support
What is the role of interface software in computer and printer communication?
Converting computer signals into commands for the printer's components
Which wireless standards are supported by wireless printers?
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac
What is the most common filament size for 3D printing?
1.75 mm
What is the primary purpose of the 3D printer's app or interface panel?
Facilitating the process of replacing filament
What is the function of the transfer corona assembly in an EP printer?
Transferring toner to the exposed areas on the drum
What is the role of the printer driver in the printing process?
Converting the file to a printable format
What type of communication involves sending data 1 bit at a time?
Serial communication
What can higher-end 3D printers create that demonstrates their capabilities?
Components that move, such as hinges and latches
Explain the concept of virtual printing and how it differs from physical printing.
Virtual printing sends the desired output to a file instead of to paper. From the end user’s standpoint, starting the printing process is the same, but instead of sending the output to a physical device, a new file containing the output is generated.
How do users initiate virtual printing and what are the steps involved in the process?
Users initiate virtual printing by selecting the Print option in their application, then choosing the Print To File option in the print window. They then select a destination to save the file, and the virtual printing process is complete.
What is the history of virtual printing and how long has this option been available?
Printing to a file, or virtual printing, has been available for probably 20 years or more. It allows users to generate a file containing the output instead of sending it to a physical device.
What are the advantages of virtual printing over physical printing?
Virtual printing allows the output to be saved as a file instead of consuming physical paper. It also provides flexibility, as the output can be saved in various file formats such as JPG.
Why did people traditionally choose the virtual printing option?
People traditionally chose the virtual printing option when the physical printer was not available.
What are the steps involved in enabling virtual printing and where is the output saved?
To enable virtual printing, users select the Print To File option in the print window and choose a destination to save the file. The output is saved as a file instead of being sent to a physical printer.
Explain the significance of IEEE 1284 in parallel communication for printers.
IEEE 1284 is the industry standard for parallel communications, ensuring compatibility and proper functioning of parallel cables and devices.
What are the three most common page-description languages used for printer interface software?
The three most common page-description languages are PostScript, Printer Command Language (PCL), and Graphics Device Interface (GDI).
Describe the characteristics of wireless printer interface technology and its latest trend.
Wireless printer interface technology includes built-in Wi-Fi interfaces or wireless network card support, supporting various 802.11 standards and Bluetooth. The latest trend is wireless connectivity.
What are the main advantages of using Universal Serial Bus (USB) as a wired printer interface?
USB offers higher transfer rates and easy connectivity, making it the most popular wired printer interface.
Why are parallel printers uncommon today despite the popularity of parallel communication in the past?
Parallel printers are uncommon today due to the widespread adoption of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the trend toward wireless printer interface technology.
Why is interface software essential for computers and printers to communicate effectively?
Interface software, including page-description language and driver software, is essential for computers and printers to interpret and communicate printing commands accurately.
Explain the process of printing to a PDF file from Windows-based applications and the options available for this functionality.
Users can print to a PDF file from Windows-based applications using native support or by installing third-party applications like Adobe Acrobat, CutePDF Writer, and Nitro PDF. Microsoft Office products also allow automatic creation of PDF files. Additionally, users have the option to print to XPS, which is Microsoft's version of a PDF.
Describe the components of a 3D printer and its functionality in creating three-dimensional products.
3D printers consist of primary components such as the frame, printing plate, extruder, cooling fan, PCB circuit board, and filament. The extruder heats up and melts the filament to create the object, controlled by a PCB circuit board. Some printers have electronic displays and a protective case. 3D printers utilize additive manufacturing to produce three-dimensional products by stacking thin layers of material.
What are the potential options for printing to a virtual printer and which one is considered the most useful?
Four potential options for printing to a virtual printer are print to file, print to image, print to PDF, and print to XPS, with print to PDF being the most useful.
Explain the availability and usage of 3D printers in both manufacturing environments and home use.
3D printers were initially used in manufacturing environments but have become available for home use. Most home 3D printers use plastic filament, while industrial printers can use metals.
How can users print a file as a PDF and then convert it to an image file if a program doesn't support printing to an image format?
If a program doesn't support printing to an image format, users can print the file as a PDF first and then convert it to an image file using free converters.
What are the different types of material that filament comes in, and how many options are available?
Filament comes on a spool and is compatible with different types of plastic filament, with more than a dozen options available.
What are the main differences between PostScript, PCL, and GDI page-description languages for printers?
PostScript uses English-like commands, PCL was developed by Hewlett-Packard as a competitor to PostScript and is now a de facto industry standard, GDI is a Windows component not specific to printers and uses computer processing power for rendering.
What is the advantage of page-description languages for printers, especially for documents with graphics and numerous fonts?
They move some processing from the computer to the printer, making the processing of print jobs with large amounts of graphics or numerous fonts happen much faster.
What is the primary function of GDI printers and why are they generally considered less expensive?
GDI printers use computer processing power for rendering and are generally considered less expensive because the printer hardware doesn't need to be as powerful.
How do newer printers handle both PS, PCL, and GDI, and what does this mean for users installing printer drivers?
Newer printers can handle both PS, PCL, and GDI and will automatically translate for users, making it less likely to install the wrong printer driver.
What is the role of page-description languages in the printing process for different types of printers?
They make the processing of print jobs with large amounts of graphics or numerous fonts happen much faster, making them an ideal choice for laser printers and used by nearly every type of printer.
What is the role of the processor in the printing process for PostScript page-description language?
The processor on the printer's controller interprets the English-like commands of PostScript and converts them into the print-control signals.
What are the two most popular 3D printing materials and their characteristics?
Polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are the most popular 3D printing materials, each with different characteristics.
What are the two filament sizes commonly used for 3D printing?
The most common filament size for 3D printing is 1.75 mm, with 3.0 mm (2.85 mm thick) being the original size still in use.
What are the key steps involved in the 3D printing process?
The 3D printing process involves designing the object using computer-aided design (CAD) software, exporting the file as .STL, slicing the object into layers, and sending the job to the printer.
What capabilities can higher-end 3D printers offer in terms of creating components?
Higher-end 3D printers can create components that move, such as hinges and latches.
What are the types of printer interfaces and their components?
Interface types for printers include wired (serial, parallel, USB, Ethernet) and wireless (802.11, Bluetooth) options. Printer interface components include the hardware interface, interface type, and interface software.
How do retailers and computer manufacturers make printers widely accessible?
Many retailers and computer manufacturers bundle printers with computer systems as an incentive to purchase, making printers widely accessible.
What must a printer driver be specifically written for?
The type, brand, and model of printer, as well as the computer port to which it is connected
What happens if the wrong printer driver is selected?
The computer will send commands in the wrong language
What is the role of the transfer corona in a laser printer?
To transfer the image from the drum to the paper
What is the function of the page-description language in a printer driver?
To describe the layout of the printed page
What does the term 'printer' refer to in a Windows-based operating system?
The software installed on the computer that lets you print
What is the primary purpose of the printer controller assembly in a laser printer?
To manage the printing process and coordinate the interactions between the different components
What can reduce the shelf life of a printer?
High humidity
What is a potential consequence of exposing a laser printer's photosensitive drum to light?
It may result in toner cartridge damage
What is a by-product of the printing process in laser printers that can be dangerous in large amounts?
Ozone
What is a potential consequence of using ammonia-based cleaners near laser printers?
Permanent damage to toner cartridges
What is the primary purpose of upgrading a printer's firmware?
To resolve compatibility issues
What is the benefit of adding a paper tray to a printer?
Reduction in printer operating cost
What is the primary function of Bonjour in network printing?
Automatically discover and install printers shared by other Bonjour-enabled clients on the network
What is the key feature of AirPrint introduced by Apple in 2010?
Allows mobile devices to automatically detect AirPrint-enabled printers on the local network and print to them without requiring the installation of a driver
What is the main difference between local and network printer installation?
Local printer installation involves attaching the device using a local port, while network printer installation requires telling the computer that a networked printer is being added
What is the purpose of TCP printing in network printing?
Sends print jobs directly to the printer, bypassing the need for the system to act as the print server or deal with formatting the print job
What is the role of Cloud in modern printing technology?
Allows printing to be done remotely through internet-connected services
What is the function of the separate hardware print server in network printing?
Provides print server functionality for printers that do not have an integrated print server
Which type of printer uses specific toner cartridges, and it's important to use the correct one for the model?
Laser printer
What is the potential risk of using recycled toner or ink cartridges in printers?
It can void the printer's warranty
What is crucial for high-load printers in terms of maintenance?
Scheduled maintenance
What is one way to address data privacy concerns when printing to public or shared printers?
Configuring printer properties to mitigate hard drive caching
What is a key factor to consider when choosing paper for a printer?
Basis weight
What is the purpose of the self-cleaning utilities in printers?
To extend the printer's lifespan
What is the easiest way to damage a printer?
Using the wrong ink or toner supplies
What can help resolve print quality issues in printers?
Using cleaning or maintenance kits
What environmental factor can affect printers and require specialized cleaning for thermal printers?
Heat
What is the main purpose of using high-quality, manufacturer-recommended supplies for printers?
To avoid damaging the printer or voiding the warranty
What can cause paper jams or damage in printers if not suitable for the printer?
Using low-quality paper
What is the function of impact printers and thermal printers in relation to paper?
Impact printers require special paper with tractor feed perforations, and thermal printers need to load special paper properly to avoid issues
Explain the importance of having the correct printer driver installed for the operating system and printer being used.
Having the correct printer driver ensures that the computer can communicate effectively with the printer, allowing for accurate and efficient printing. It also enables the selection of specific features of the printer, such as paper tray options and page-description language, to optimize the printing process.
What are the potential consequences of selecting the wrong printer driver?
Selecting the wrong printer driver can lead to the computer sending commands in the wrong language, resulting in errors and incorrect printing. It may also cause communication issues between the computer and printer, leading to inefficiencies and print job failures.
Describe the role of the printer driver in determining the page-description language used for printing.
The printer driver is configured to use a particular page-description language, which determines how the content to be printed is described and processed. This language plays a crucial role in ensuring that the printer interprets the print job correctly and produces the desired output.
Why is it necessary for different operating systems to have specific printer drivers?
Different operating systems require specific printer drivers because they have distinct communication protocols and system architectures. The driver must be written specifically for the operating system to facilitate seamless interaction between the computer and the printer.
How does the printer driver enable the selection of specific printer features?
The printer driver allows users to select specific features of the printer, such as paper tray options and additional functionalities, to customize the printing process according to their requirements. This customization is made possible through the configuration settings within the printer driver.
Explain the significance of the printer driver in ensuring proper communication between the computer and the physical print device.
The printer driver serves as a crucial intermediary between the computer and the physical print device, enabling seamless communication and data exchange. It ensures that the print job is processed accurately and that the physical device produces the intended output.
What potential issues can high humidity cause for laser printers? Provide specific examples of how high humidity can impact printer performance.
High humidity can cause printer paper to stick together, leading to paper jams. Additionally, humidity over 80 or 90 percent can cause issues for the printer.
What potential risks are associated with exposure to light for the photosensitive drum in a laser printer's toner cartridge?
Exposure to light could ruin the drum, even though it is encased in plastic. Extreme light sources should be avoided to prevent damage.
What are the potential health and operational risks associated with ozone produced as a by-product of the printing process in laser printers?
Ozone can cause respiratory problems in small concentrations and can be seriously dangerous to people in large amounts. It is also a very effective oxidizer and can cause damage to printer components.
What potential damage can ammonia-based cleaners cause to laser printers? Why is it recommended to avoid using such cleaners near laser printers?
Ammonia can greatly reduce the printer’s ability to neutralize ozone and can cause permanent damage to toner cartridges. It is recommended to avoid using ammonia-based cleaners near laser printers to prevent these issues.
What are the main reasons for upgrading a printer’s firmware, and how is this typically done?
Firmware is usually upgraded to solve compatibility issues or to offer newer features not available on previous versions. Upgrading a printer’s firmware is typically a matter of downloading and/or installing a free file from the manufacturer’s website.
What problem do printer-resident fonts pose, and how can adding a hard drive to a printer help resolve this issue?
Printer-resident fonts can consume storage space, and adding a hard drive to a printer allows for the storage of many fonts used during the printing process, as well as large document files being processed for printing.
Explain the potential risks associated with using recycled toner or ink cartridges in printers.
Using recycled toner or ink cartridges can be risky, potentially causing hardware damage and voiding warranties.
What is the importance of scheduled maintenance for printers?
Scheduled maintenance is crucial for printers, particularly for high-load printers, to ensure longevity and prevent print problems.
What are some common components of scheduled maintenance for printers?
Scheduled maintenance includes cleaning the printer with recommended kits, resetting page counts, and using self-cleaning utilities.
How can routine maintenance and cleaning kits help resolve print quality issues in printers?
Routine maintenance and cleaning kits, including inkjet cleaning solutions, can help resolve print quality issues in printers.
What environmental issues can affect printers, and how can they be mitigated?
Printers are susceptible to environmental issues like heat, requiring well-ventilated areas and specialized cleaning for thermal printers to mitigate potential damage.
What are the potential consequences of not using the correct toner cartridge for a laser printer?
Using the incorrect toner cartridge for a laser printer can lead to print quality issues and potential hardware damage.
Explain the importance of regular maintenance for printers and the potential consequences of neglecting proper upkeep.
Regular maintenance for printers is crucial to ensure their longevity and proper functioning. Neglecting proper upkeep can lead to issues such as paper jams, print quality degradation, and printer malfunctions, ultimately impacting productivity and incurring additional repair costs.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing paper for a printer, and why is it important to use suitable paper?
The key factors to consider when choosing paper for a printer include paper composition, basis weight, and caliper, with specifications provided in the printer's documentation. It is important to use suitable paper to avoid printout quality issues, paper jams, and potential damage to the printer.
How do cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print and HP ePrint facilitate remote printing, and what measures can be taken to address data privacy concerns?
Cloud printing services facilitate printing to remote devices through the Internet. Data privacy concerns can be addressed through features like Secure Printing offered by printer manufacturers, ensuring that sensitive print jobs are securely handled.
What are the potential consequences of using the wrong ink or toner supplies for a printer, and why is it important to use recommended supplies?
Using the wrong ink or toner supplies can damage a printer, emphasizing the importance of using recommended supplies to maintain printer reliability and avoid warranty voidance.
Why is it crucial to use high-quality, manufacturer-recommended supplies for printer maintenance, and how can using improper supplies impact the printer?
Using high-quality, manufacturer-recommended supplies for printer maintenance is crucial to avoid damaging the printer or voiding the warranty. Improper supplies can lead to print quality issues, malfunctions, and potential long-term damage to the printer.
What are the special paper requirements for impact printers and thermal printers, and why is it important to load special paper properly for thermal printers?
Impact printers require special paper with tractor feed perforations, while thermal printers need to load special paper properly to avoid issues such as print quality degradation and malfunctions.
Explain the purpose of Bonjour in the context of network printing technology.
Bonjour is an implementation of zero configuration networking by Apple, designed for automatic discovery of devices and services on local networks using TCP/IP.
What is the role of AirPrint in the context of network printing technology?
AirPrint, introduced by Apple in 2010, allows mobile devices to automatically detect AirPrint-enabled printers on the local network and print to them without requiring the installation of a driver.
How does TCP printing differ from traditional network printing methods?
TCP printing sends print jobs directly to the printer, bypassing the need for the system to act as the print server or deal with formatting the print job.
What are the two major varieties of print servers and how do they differ?
Two major varieties of print servers exist: integrated print server incorporated into the printer itself, and a separate hardware print server.
What is the primary function of a print server in a network printing environment?
Print server needs to have drivers available for all types of clients connecting to its printers (e.g., Mac, Linux, Windows 10).
In what way does cloud technology impact modern printing practices?
Cloud has replaced wireless networking as the trend du jour, and not everyone knows what it is or what it does, but they think they are supposed to have it.
Study Notes
Types of Impact and Inkjet Printers
- Daisy-wheel printers are among the oldest printing technologies, containing a wheel with raised letters and symbols on each petal.
- These impact printers have a slow speed, initially printing only two to four characters per second, and produce a lot of noise.
- Daisy-wheel printers allow printing on multipart forms and are relatively inexpensive compared to laser printers of the same vintage.
- Dot-matrix printers work similarly to daisy-wheel printers, with a print head containing a row of pins triggered in patterns to form letters and numbers.
- Early dot-matrix printers have poor image quality referred to as draft quality, but as more pins were developed, the quality improved to near letter quality.
- Dot-matrix printers are noisy but have a faster print speed, typically starting around 72 characters per second, and can use multipart forms.
- Inkjet printers spray ink on the page to form the image and typically use a reservoir of ink, a pump, and a nozzle.
- Older inkjet printers were messy, noisy, and inefficient, but the technology has improved, and they are commonly used for photo printing.
- Inkjets are simple devices, containing fewer parts than dot-matrix printers, and are inexpensive to manufacture.
- Inkjet printers have print head/ink cartridge, head carriage, belt, and stepper motor, paper feed mechanism, and control, interface, and power circuitry as their main parts.
- Inkjet printers are now affordable, with some models priced at $40 to $50, offering print quality that rivals basic laser printers.
- The term "bubble-jet printers" is copyrighted by Canon and refers to inkjet printers that spray droplets of ink in a high-definition dot-matrix pattern.
Inkjet Printers: Components and Profit Model
- Printer companies make the majority of their profits from ink cartridge sales, as cartridges have a high profit margin.
- The print head in an inkjet printer contains small nozzles that spray ink onto the page, and it is usually part of the ink cartridge.
- Ink cartridges have small chambers with pinholes used to spray ink on the page to form characters and images as patterns of dots.
- There are two methods of spraying ink out of the cartridge: heating elements causing ink vaporization (HP method) and piezoelectric elements flexing when energized (Epson method).
- After printing, the print head moves back to the maintenance station, which contains a small suction pump and ink-absorbing pad to keep the print head in working order.
- The head carriage, belt, and stepper motor are components that make the print head move back and forth during printing, with the stepper motor moving in precise increments.
- The paper feed mechanism picks up paper from the paper drawer and feeds it into the printer, consisting of pickup rollers and separator pads to ensure only one sheet goes into the printer.
- The pickup rollers are turned on a shaft by the pickup stepper motor and are cleaned with mild soap and water, not alcohol.
- Sometimes the paper fed into an inkjet printer is placed into a paper tray in the front of the printer, holding the paper until it is fed into the printer by the paper feed mechanism.
Key Components of EP Printers
- EP printers using EP imaging process contain nine standard assemblies: toner cartridge, laser scanner, high-voltage power supply, DC power supply, paper transport assembly, transfer corona, fusing assembly, printer controller circuitry, and ozone filter.
- The toner cartridge holds toner, a black carbon substance mixed with polyester resins and iron oxide particles, and contains the EP print drum coated with a photosensitive material.
- Toner also contains a medium called the developer, carrying the toner until used by the EP process.
- Some laser printers have toner and photosensitive drum as a single unit, while others allow separate replacement.
- Never ship a printer with a toner cartridge installed to avoid spillage and mess.
- The laser scanning assembly exposes the EP photosensitive drum to light, discharging it only in the exposed area, thus scanning the image onto it.
- Laser light is enclosed and only operates when the printer cover is closed to prevent eye damage.
- The high-voltage power supply (HVPS) converts AC current from a standard wall outlet into higher voltages used during the EP process.
- The DC power supply (DCPS) converts high voltages used in the EP process into low voltages for logic circuitry and motors.
- The paper transport assembly consists of a motor and rubberized rollers for moving the paper through the printer.
- The feed roller pushes one sheet into the printer, while the registration rollers synchronize paper movement with the image-formation process.
- The transfer corona assembly is where toner sticks to the exposed areas on the photosensitive drum.
Laser Printer Components and Functions
- The transfer corona assembly transfers toner from the photosensitive drum to the paper using high-voltage charge.
- It contains a static-charge eliminator strip to prevent paper from sticking to the EP cartridge and jamming the printer.
- Two types of transfer corona assemblies exist: wire and roller, with the roller supporting higher speeds.
- The fusing assembly uses pressure and heat from two rollers to fuse toner particles to the paper.
- The fuser consists of a halogen heating lamp, Teflon-coated aluminum-fusing roller, and a rubberized pressure roller.
- The printer controller assembly converts computer signals into commands for the printer's components using rasterizing.
- Ozone, created by high-voltage coronas inside the printer, is removed by an ozone filter in older printers to prevent damage to components.
- Most newer laser printers don't have ozone filters due to reduced ozone emissions from using transfer corona rollers.
- Duplexing assembly allows modern laser printers to print on both sides of the paper.
- The electrophotographic (EP) imaging process in laser printers consists of seven major steps, including processing, charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing, and cleaning.
- Printing cannot start until the printer is in a ready state, indicated by an illuminated Ready LED light or a specific display message.
- The processing step in EP imaging involves receiving the image from the computer and creating the print job accurately for producing the output.
3D Printing and Printers: Key Concepts and Components
- Polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are the most popular 3D printing materials, each with different characteristics.
- The most common filament size for 3D printing is 1.75 mm, with 3.0 mm (2.85 mm thick) being the original size still in use.
- The 3D printer's app or interface panel facilitates the straightforward process of replacing filament.
- The 3D printing process involves designing the object using computer-aided design (CAD) software, exporting the file as .STL, slicing the object into layers, and sending the job to the printer.
- Small print jobs may take over an hour, while larger ones may take days to complete, depending on the printer and object size.
- Higher-end 3D printers can create components that move, such as hinges and latches.
- Many inkjet and laser printers today offer multifunctional capabilities, including copying, scanning, and faxing.
- A printer's interface is the collection of hardware and software that allows it to communicate with a computer, with each printer having at least one interface.
- Printer interface components include the hardware interface, interface type, and interface software.
- Interface types for printers include wired (serial, parallel, USB, Ethernet) and wireless (802.11, Bluetooth) options.
- Serial communication involves sending data 1 bit at a time, while parallel communication involves receiving data 8 bits at a time over eight separate wires.
- Many retailers and computer manufacturers bundle printers with computer systems as an incentive to purchase, making printers widely accessible.
3D Printing and Printers: Key Concepts and Components
- Polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are the most popular 3D printing materials, each with different characteristics.
- The most common filament size for 3D printing is 1.75 mm, with 3.0 mm (2.85 mm thick) being the original size still in use.
- The 3D printer's app or interface panel facilitates the straightforward process of replacing filament.
- The 3D printing process involves designing the object using computer-aided design (CAD) software, exporting the file as .STL, slicing the object into layers, and sending the job to the printer.
- Small print jobs may take over an hour, while larger ones may take days to complete, depending on the printer and object size.
- Higher-end 3D printers can create components that move, such as hinges and latches.
- Many inkjet and laser printers today offer multifunctional capabilities, including copying, scanning, and faxing.
- A printer's interface is the collection of hardware and software that allows it to communicate with a computer, with each printer having at least one interface.
- Printer interface components include the hardware interface, interface type, and interface software.
- Interface types for printers include wired (serial, parallel, USB, Ethernet) and wireless (802.11, Bluetooth) options.
- Serial communication involves sending data 1 bit at a time, while parallel communication involves receiving data 8 bits at a time over eight separate wires.
- Many retailers and computer manufacturers bundle printers with computer systems as an incentive to purchase, making printers widely accessible.
Cloud Printing and Printer Maintenance
- Cloud printing allows printing to a remote device via the Internet, through services like Google Cloud Print and HP ePrint.
- Data privacy concerns arise when printing to public or shared printers, which can be addressed through features like Secure Printing offered by printer manufacturers.
- Storing print jobs on print servers can pose a security issue due to hard drive caching, which can be mitigated by configuring printer properties.
- Regular maintenance is crucial for printers to ensure their longevity and proper functioning, including replacing consumables and performing check-ups.
- Proper maintenance involves using high-quality, manufacturer-recommended supplies to avoid damaging the printer or voiding the warranty.
- The type of paper used in printers significantly impacts the printout quality and can cause paper jams or damage if not suitable for the printer.
- Paper composition, basis weight, and caliper are key factors to consider when choosing paper for a printer, with specifications provided in the printer's documentation.
- Impact printers require special paper with tractor feed perforations, and thermal printers need to load special paper properly to avoid issues.
- Using the wrong ink or toner supplies is the easiest way to damage a printer, emphasizing the importance of using recommended supplies.
- Printers can handle over 100,000 pages per month and require maintenance to ensure smooth operation and to avoid frustrating experiences due to printer malfunctions.
- The text highlights the importance of maintaining printers and using proper supplies to ensure their reliability and longevity, as well as the impact of paper type on printout quality and printer performance.
- Cloud printing services such as Google Cloud Print and HP ePrint facilitate printing to remote devices through the Internet, with data privacy concerns addressed through features like Secure Printing offered by printer manufacturers.
Printer Installation and Network Printing Methods
- Printer can print multiple pages of "garbage" if page-description language commands are printed as text instead of being interpreted as control commands.
- Standard procedure for installing devices involves attaching the device using a local port, installing and updating the device driver, calibrating the device, configuring options and settings, printing a test page, verifying compatibility with the operating system and applications, and educating users about basic functionality.
- Local network printing involves moving the print server to another location accessible to other users on the network.
- Two major varieties of print servers exist: integrated print server incorporated into the printer itself, and a separate hardware print server.
- Installing and using a networked printer is similar to installing and using a local printer, but requires telling the computer that a networked printer is being added.
- Print server needs to have drivers available for all types of clients connecting to its printers (e.g., Mac, Linux, Windows 10).
- TCP printing sends print jobs directly to the printer, bypassing the need for the system to act as the print server or deal with formatting the print job.
- Bonjour is an implementation of zero configuration networking by Apple, designed for automatic discovery of devices and services on local networks using TCP/IP.
- Bonjour makes it easy to discover and install printers shared by other Bonjour-enabled clients on the network and works on various operating systems.
- AirPrint, introduced by Apple in 2010, allows mobile devices to automatically detect AirPrint-enabled printers on the local network and print to them without requiring the installation of a driver.
- Cloud has replaced wireless networking as the trend du jour, and not everyone knows what it is or what it does, but they think they are supposed to have it.
Test your knowledge of impact and inkjet printers with this quiz! Learn about the different types of impact printers such as daisy-wheel and dot-matrix, as well as the features and advancements of inkjet printers. See how much you know about these essential printing technologies.
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