Laser printers are great for those who often print large text documents. They produce razor-sharp black-and-white prints and typically cost less to operate than inkjet models, thanks to lower toner costs. Many modern laser printers also come with multifunction features like scanning and faxing. This means they are a good option for those working from home and must meet all their professional needs in one machine.
High-Quality Printing
Print quality largely depends on the resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI) or pixels per inch (PPI). Higher resolutions produce sharper, more detailed images. In addition to a high resolution, a laser printer produces a higher volume of prints and provides a more consistent printing experience than an inkjet model. Consider the number of documents you’ll need to print each month, then select a model with a monthly duty cycle that can handle that amount without jamming or failing. Larger workgroups benefit from a laser printer’s high-volume, speedy output. Laser printers at RetailMeNot are typically capable of churning out documents much faster than inkjet models, with some offering 50 pages or more per minute. They can also produce color documents with medium-quality rendering, although they must be built to print gallery-quality photos. Choose a laser printer compatible with your office paper types, and keep it in an area free of excessive heat and moisture to prevent thermal stress on the images and documents you print. Ideally, set it up away from computer towers and CRT monitors that may radiate excess heat and windows that might introduce humidity or water vapor into the air. This will help prevent damage to your prints, improving their overall appearance and longevity. In addition, look for an energy-saving model with an eco-setting or automatic sleep mode to reduce your printing and power consumption.
Convenience
Laser printers are designed for high-volume printing, making them faster and more economical than inkjet printers. They use a laser beam to trace a document onto a selenium drum, then roll it in toner, a dry powder type of ink. The toner is fused to the paper with heat and pressure, which creates the printed image. They also consume less energy than inkjets and don’t need to be refilled as often, making them ideal for business environments. Most modern laser printers have large paper trays that hold up to 500 sheets of various sizes and weights. This allows you to print large documents without making multiple trips to the machine. In addition, many more advanced laser printers come with automatic duplex printing capabilities that allow you to produce two-sided documents automatically. They also come with energy-saving features like sleep modes and eco-settings that help reduce your printing costs. If you choose a laser printer that supports Wi-Fi, you can connect it to your network and print wirelessly from any device, including mobile devices. This eliminates the need to keep a cable connected to the printer, which can reduce downtime in your office and boost productivity. You can also opt for an all-in-one laser printer with a scanner and copier, increasing your workflow efficiency.
Environmentally Friendly
Laser printers utilize electrophotographic technology. Print commands sent by a PC are converted into laser light that is then irradiated (exposed) onto a cylindrical photosensitive drum covered with powdered ink toner. Static electricity attracts only the exposed toner, removing it from the drum and depositing it onto printer paper. The paper is then rolled into heated rollers, where heat and pressure bond the toner to the paper, producing your printed documents. Consider a laser printer’s resolution (measured in dots per inch or DPI). Higher resolutions create crisper, more detailed prints. It would be best to look for an all-in-one model with scanning and copying capabilities to streamline printing tasks. Multifunction models are also more energy-efficient than single-function printers, which use less power to perform multiple functions. As long as your office is well-ventilated and the machine is not in use, you should not be concerned about inhaling VOCs or ultrafine particles produced by laser printers. However, for some people, working near a printer can result in respiratory irritation, and it may even cause cardiovascular problems or cancer in the long term. To reduce your environmental impact, recycle your used printer cartridges. Industry leaders, including Hewlett Packard, offer large-scale cartridge recycling programs that help the environment. You can also find local businesses that recycle printers and their cartridges. Additionally, only use printers compatible with your chosen media formats. This will prevent unnecessary damage to your equipment and ensure that your print jobs turn out correctly.
Easy to Operate
Adding a laser printer to your office can significantly reduce printing costs, as these models use fewer resources than their inkjet counterparts. Whether you need to print documents, photographs, or business logos, a laser printer can help. Investing in an all-in-one model can save even more time and space, combining the functions of multiple devices into a single machine. When shopping for a new laser printer, look for models that combine performance, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Some features include paper handling capabilities, print speed, and monthly volume. Understanding the amount of printing you need each month can help prevent a logjam in your printing suite and ensure your device can handle the load. Look for a monochrome laser printer for basic text-based printing or a color model to print photos, graphics, and designs. Some models also offer duplex printing, allowing you to print on both sides of the paper. Some laser printers can scan and copy documents, reducing paperwork clutter in your home office. If you want to connect several laser printers, look for a network-ready model that uses Wi-Fi to enable you to print from multiple devices in the same room. This type of printer can be beneficial for small offices and home-based businesses. Some models come with touchscreen displays that make them easy to operate.
