There are different types of printer types out there, which can make it a tad bit difficult to keep up with all the other models. Printers also keep on evolving, and most have various unique features you have to consider.
While it may seem like a difficult task, learning more about printers is easier than you would expect. We look at one of the most debatable topics in this industry: the “ink tank printer vs. laser printer” argument.
Ready to get started? Let us dive right into it!
What is an Ink Tank Printer?
These are integrated bulk in systems, refillable ink systems that don’t feature in-built print head structures like the ink cartridge types. Instead, these types feature an integrated bulk in feature.
Such a system works to supply the printer continuously with ink from the printer’s tank. The main benefit of this approach is that it reduces the need for having to use replacement cartridges.
Even if ink tank printers tend to be costly, they also provide excellent cost-per-page savings. Ink tanks don’t have an in-built print head. They use specialized color tanks that sit alongside black ink tanks. Owners of such printers can top them up as required using an ink bottle.
Benefits
As with every other innovation in the planet’s history, ink tank printers have both benefits and drawbacks. The benefits of ink tanks can include:
- The printing costs of refillable ink printers are low, even for high-quality prints.
- The page yields of ink tank printers are exceptional and can average up to 7,000 pages.
- Ink tank printers also guarantee better print quality results.
- An integrated bulk ink system will overcome the hassles of third-party manufacturing.
- It also helps reduce the risk associated with using counterfeit printer cartridges.
- Ink tank printers are also less prone to the risk of damage.
Disadvantages
- The average cost of ink tank replacement procedures is excessive.
- The main challenge of using ink tank printers is the average setup cost.
- It takes a lot of time to realize significant cost savings
Who is it Best For?
Ink tank printers are best for people who have to print regularly. That is because the traditional ink tank printer can support up to 7,000 pages per month, which is an excellent duty cycle level.
Laser Printers
Laser printers work through electrostatic digital printing procedures. Usually, laser printers are famous for their ability to produce high-quality images and graphics. The laser printer does this by repeatedly sending a laser beam forwards and backward over a specialized cylinder structure. Xerox PARC is responsible for creating the first well-known laser printer in the 1970s.
The cylinder structure goes by the tame drum, and it carries a negative charge. The drum then picks up electrically charged ink with a positive electrical charge and applies it selectively on the platform. The process might involve heating procedures to help etch the images or text permanently on the paper.
Similar to most other tech devices, the average cost of printers has reduced notably over the years. The first laser printer sold for over $3,000 and weighed around 30kg. However, as of 2024, the average cost of laser printer averages at $70.
The average speed of a traditional laser printer can average at over 200 monochrome pages per minute. Color laser printers are relatively slow and can only print up to 100 pages each minute.
The high-end printers are standard for specialized applications such as credit companies or product packages. Various factors come into play in the average cost of an ink tank printer, including:
- The cost of the paper.
- The cost of the toner
- The drum maintenance procedures
- Cost of maintaining other items such as the assembly systems.
Laser printers also support duplex printing, which offers paper use costs and refilling amounts. Most high-end laser printers also come with specialized software systems. This software helps to optimize printing metrics such as speed, efficiency, and maintenance durations.
Benefits of a Laser Printer
- A laser printer can produce high-quality images and prints.
- It’s also available with user customization software.
- The printers are also relatively affordable
Disadvantages of a Laser Printer
- The cost of ink cartridges is excessive
Ink Tank Printer vs. Laser Printer – A Head-to-Head Battle
We take a quick look at some of the main benefits of both ink tank and laser printers:
I. Resolution
Resolution is a vital printer metric, and it refers to “dots per inch.” The number of dots is crucial as it helps determine the sharpness level of an image. Expect an excellent printer to provide up to 600 dpi for documents and 1200 dpi for quality images. There is no significant quality difference when you surpass the 1200 dpi level.
Below are the resolution metrics to expect with both printers:
- Inkjet printers can provide a 5,000-dpi level. A good example would be the Canon Ip11- which supports an exceptional 9600 x 2400 dpi level.
- Laser printers can support high levels of resolution quality, with a good example being the HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw printer.
II. The Average Printer Speed
Laser printers have designs to help accommodate productivity in traffic-prone settings such as the traditional workplace. However, inkjet printers are relatively slower, and below are their average metrics:
- Laser printers can support up to 20 to 100 pages each minute.
- Inkjet printers can support up to 20 pages per minute.
III. The Average Print Volume
The term refers to the amount your printer can produce at a specific time. Usually, laser printers tend to be more productive thanks to their ability to work fast. Since most inkjet printers are for personal use, expect their printing volumes to be slightly lower. Below is a comparison table to help you get a better perspective of printing volumes:
| Capabilities in Time Periods | HP LaserJet Pro M401n | Canon PIXMA TS6220 (Inkjet) |
| Pages Per Minute | 40 ppm | 20 ppm |
| Monthly Print Volume | 1000 – 3,100 pages | 300 – 600 pages |
The type of printer you settle for largely depends on your personal preferences, especially those that relate to printing metrics. An ink tan printer is an excellent choice because its easy to maintain, and offers quality prints. A laser printer guarantees high quality prints, but comes with cartridges that are difficult to maintain.