Guide to Inkjet Printers: Features and Buying Tips

Comprehensive overview of inkjet printers

Inkjet printing is a process where digital images are recreated by ejecting tiny ink droplets onto surfaces like paper or plastic. These printers are popular worldwide and range from affordable consumer models to high-end professional units. Although inkjet technology emerged in the early 20th century, significant advancements occurred in the 1950s and late 1970s, leading to modern printers capable of producing high-quality images from computers.

Learn about different inkjet printing technologies, ink types used, top models available, and essential buying tips.

What are the primary inkjet printing technologies?

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) — An older technology where ink droplets are ejected at high speeds (around 20 m/s). This method allows printing at high speeds and prevents nozzle clogging, enabling the use of volatile solvents that help ink dry quickly and adhere well to surfaces from a distance.

Drop-on-Demand (DOD) — This technology primarily includes thermal and piezoelectric methods. Thermal DOD uses heat to create bubbles that propel ink onto paper, while piezoelectric DOD employs pressure pulses generated by a piezoelectric component to eject ink drops. Both methods are suited for water-based inks and produce precise prints.

What types of inks are used in inkjet printing?

Aqueous inks are most common, made from water, glycol, and pigments or dyes. They're affordable and widely used for home or office printing.

Solvent inks contain organic compounds and VOCs, suitable for printing on various surfaces with durable, pigment-based colors. They are favored in professional settings.

UV-curable inks, composed of acrylic monomers, are cured instantly under UV light, ideal for specialty applications requiring quick drying and durability.

Top-rated inkjet printers in the market

Brother MFC-J460DW — Priced around $89, this all-in-one device offers scanning, copying, printing, and faxing. It features a 1.8-inch color display, supports duplex printing, and has wireless and Ethernet connectivity, along with Google Cloud and AirPrint compatibility.

Dell E310DW — At approximately $84, this mono laser printer delivers fast printing (up to 27 pages per minute), supports duplex printing, and connects via USB, Ethernet, or WiFi. It also integrates with cloud services for easy document management.

How to choose the best inkjet printer?

Determine your printing needs, considering home versus office usage and user volume.

Research various brands and models based on your requirements.

Visit electronics stores to evaluate print quality firsthand.

Compare prices online and in-store, and check for warranties.

Wait for seasonal sales for discounts and special deals if your purchase isn't urgent.