Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Printer

A printer is a hardware output device used to print text and images on paper. It is one of the most common computer peripheral devices and can be found at home, office and schools. There are many different types of printers that can print in both 2D and 3D. The most commonly used ones are Laser, Inkjet and Thermal printers. The device converts soft copies into hard prints using a series of minuscule dots to represent the image or text. The type of paper chosen has an important impact on the quality of printed results. It is available in various surface options, from matte to luster, and in thicknesses from extremely thin to very thick. In the case of fine art printing, acid-free rag paper is preferred.

Several things can go wrong with a printer and cause poor print quality. The most common problem is paper jams which can occur when a piece of paper gets stuck in the printer rollers or feed mechanisms. This can result in time-consuming and frustrating delays in the production process. Other problems include faulty ink cartridges and paper that does not absorb the ink properly.

Purchasing a new printer can be a major investment, so it is important to consider all of the costs associated with it. A local dealer will be able to provide you with a better price for the actual machine and also help you avoid expensive ink and paper cartridges by providing you with bulk rates. It is also important to factor in downtime costs if you purchase from a major retailer, as they will often charge high prices for cartridges in order to maintain their margins.