Which Is Better - An Inkjet Or Laser MFP? How Do They Differ And What To Choose For The House?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

When choosing a multifunctional device for home or office, many buyers simply get lost in a wide variety of options. Buyers are wondering which type of device is best for inkjet or laser? Both equipment options can perform the same functions, while they will have different characteristics.

Description of MFP

The abbreviation MFP speaks for itself. One unit can perform the functions of several machines: copier, scanner and printer … The technique of this type has become widespread not only in offices, copy centers and photo salons, but also in domestic conditions.

The equipment is often used by people who work with a large volume of documents and students who often need to prepare abstracts, reports and perform other tasks. Having your own MFP significantly saves money that could be spent on the services of printing centers. Also, you do not have to leave home to scan a document, make a copy or print.

To make a choice in favor of slim or laser technology, first you need to compare the characteristics of both options, as well as familiarize yourself with their principle of operation.

Jet

Inkjet multifunctional devices appeared on the electronics market before laser ones, however, they have retained their relevance today. Despite the different specifications, all inkjet MFPs are similar to each other.

The equipment without fail includes the following parts:

mechanism for printing

device control unit

apparatus for feeding paper

control circuit (this element is significantly molded, depending on the model)

The printing mechanism is equipped with a head located in the center of the device itself. There are also containers with ink. It is a liquid consumable. Experts recommend using proprietary inks for each brand. Otherwise, color rendering will be impaired .… It also includes a stabilizer, which reduces vibrations during operation, increasing the clarity of the print.

The system that feeds paper into the MFP consists of a specific size tray and roller wheels. An engine is also installed, with the help of which the sheets are scrolled, enter the mechanism and come out with a printed image.

Most of the power supplies used by modern brands are standard. They are practical, compact and powerful.

No MFP is complete without a wiring diagram. This is a vehicle management system. Its main task is to decode data. Without this, synchronization of the device with the computer would be impossible.

Manufacturers currently use two types of consumable (ink) spraying:

thermal bubble feed

piezoelectric system, its main feature is the use of special crystals

Laser

A mirror is an indispensable element of every laser device. It beats off the beam that comes from the drum. During the operation of the MFP, a special imaging drum winds a sheet of paper over itself. Nearby is a consumable - toner. When you transfer it to paper, an image is obtained. The process involves a roller for supplying toner. To ensure that the toner is securely attached to the sheet, the MFP heats the paper to the required temperature using a miniature oven. She is in the back. The toner has a powdery consistency and will simply slide off the paper without heating.

Each laser cartridge is equipped with a PCR (primary charge roller or primary charge roller). This element has many functions, one of which is to handle used toner.

To clean the powder from the drum, a squeegee is installed.

Many modern models are equipped with a blade to guard the paper.

Separately, it is worth noting a special mechanism that monitors the even distribution of consumables.

The compartment where the cartridges are placed consists of such parts

Magnetic shaft

Seals

Bunker

Seals

Pros and cons of models

To understand the differences between the two types of equipment, it is imperative to compare the pros and cons of using each option.

The main advantages of laser MFP models are as follows

High speed of work. This mainly concerns printing. However, most laser devices scan and copy images faster than inkjet models

The cost per printed page is very low

High-quality equipment can handle large volumes of products without any problems

Even under heavy loads, toner is consumed slowly

High image quality

Printed images are resistant to moisture

Virtually silent operation

Now let's look at the disadvantages of the equipment

• High price … The price of some models significantly exceeds the price of inkjet equipment.
• During operation, the equipment consumes a lot of electricity .
• Refilling toner cartridges at home will not work … For work, you will need special equipment, tools and a separate room.
• The toner contains elements that are harmful to health … Therefore, it is advisable to ventilate the room after each printout.

Pluses of inkjet equipment

• Affordable cost , compared to laser MFPs. Outdated models that are still sold in stores are very cheap.
• Compared with the above equipment, inkjet devices consume much less electricity about 10 times.
• Inkjet technology can be used without the need to connect to a computer … Due to this function, it is possible to print files directly from the camera. You can find models with Wi-Fi support on sale. In this case, you can transfer files from the media to the printer without using cables.
• Excellent print quality color image.
• Big choice models.
• Compact dimensions for comfortable placement in a small room.
• Self-refueling capability cartridges.
• Simple sync with many digital media.
• The consumable is safe for human and animal health.

Experts and ordinary users noted the following as disadvantages

The ink is susceptible to water. If liquid gets on the paper, the image will be damaged

Slow work

High sensitivity to paper and settings

If you use the printer frequently, you will need to refill the cartridges frequently

If you do not use the print function, ink will dry out and clog the nozzles

The price of a printed page is very high compared to a laser MFP

As you can see, the difference in technology is significant, despite the same capabilities.

Comparison of characteristics

Multifunctional devices for working with color and black-and-white footprints differ in the following main parameters.

• Consumable material … Inkjet printers use liquid ink.
• Laser models use powder as a consumable called toner.
• Equipment structure … In the first paragraph, we described what each type of MFP includes.
• Principle of operation … We also indicated this parameter in the first section of the article.

Other characteristics that distinguish modern devices

Dimensions

Price

Functionality

Print quality

The speed of work

We compared these and other parameters when we considered the pros and cons of each option.

Similar characteristics

Both techniques perform the same tasks, although different principles of operation are used to print the image. A function such as scanning (transferring an image from paper to electronic form) is performed in the same way. As for copying, the process of scanning a document on paper is carried out according to a single scheme, and printing takes place taking into account the peculiarities of the mechanism.

Note: Inkjet and laser MFPs may have color photocopy functionality. This does not depend on the type of equipment.

What is the best choice?

When choosing equipment for your home, be sure to consider the following.

• Those users who intend print large volumes of products at frequent intervals, it is recommended to purchase laser equipment … Despite the high price of the equipment itself, the cost of one printout will be much lower.
• Inkjet printers are great for printing color photos with high precision, clarity and saturation .… This is the optimal ratio of the affordable cost of technology and image quality. However, if financial resources permit, you can purchase a laser MFP for printing photos.
• If technique will be rarely used, it is better to purchase a laser printer … Unlike ink, toner does not dry out and must be stored in cartridges.
• In the House, where small children and animals live, it is better to use an inkjet MFP … Since the ink does not carry any harm to health.
• If for the user the main meaning is speed of work and comfort, then in terms of these characteristics even the highest quality inkjet technology cannot be compared with laser .
• It is impossible to accurately answer the question of which is better - inkjet or laser equipment. It all depends on the task for which the equipment is purchased … Working conditions and financial capabilities are also of great importance.

Regardless of what equipment the buyer chooses, when buying, you should focus on the following parameters

• The manufacturer is of great importance … Trademarks that have been working in the field of manufacturing equipment for several years value their reputation. Each unit of production is thoroughly tested before being sent to the store.
• When choosing an inkjet model, the cost of cartridges plays an important role .as well as the price of ink. Remember that this material is quickly consumed.
• The final price is significantly affected by the availability of additional functions. To fully appreciate all the capabilities of modern equipment, you should purchase the model with the maximum set of features .
• Size matters in some cases … For comfortable placement of equipment on a small table, it is recommended to purchase a small-sized model.