A printer is a hardware device that produces physical copies of digital documents or images from a computer or other digital devices.
How a Printer Works
- Data Processing - When a print job is initiated, the printer receives data from the computer, which includes the document or image to be printed. The printer's driver software processes this data, converting it into a format that the printer can understand.
- Print Head Mechanism - For inkjet printers, the print head moves back and forth across the paper, spraying tiny droplets of ink to form the text and images. In laser printers, a laser beam or LED light creates an electrostatic image on a drum, which attracts toner particles that are then transferred to the paper.
- Paper Handling - The printer feeds paper through its internal mechanisms, aligning it properly as the print head or laser performs its task. The paper is then ejected after the printing process is complete, resulting in a physical copy of the digital document.