Nowadays, there are many types of printers on the market: laser printers, inkjet printers, thermal transfer printers, thermal printers... When we buy a printer, we may wonder what type it is. In this blog, I will introduce you to many ways to recognize whether your printer is an inkjet printer.
What Is an Inkjet Printer?
Simply put, an inkjet printer is like a precision painter who "sprays" ink onto paper. The core secret lies in the "ink cartridge" and "nozzle": Its core is a removable ink cartridge (filled with liquid ink) and a print head covered with ultra-fine pores.
Working way: When printing, the print head is like an excellent spray bottle spout. It moves very quickly left and right while accurately spraying tiny ink droplets onto the paper. These tiny ink dots combine to form text, pictures, or colors.
The biggest feature: Because it uses liquid ink, it can usually print colorful photos and images, making it especially suitable for home printing of photos or color documents. The entry-level price is also relatively affordable.
In addition, if you want to know more, these blogs can help you
Way 1: Based on Print Dialog Box
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Check the Printer Type in the Software |
Step 1: Open the Print Dialog Box From the document or image you want to print, click "File" in the menu bar. Select "Print" from the drop-down menu. This will open the print settings dialog box. Step 2: Access the Printer Properties In the Print dialog box, find and click the name or icon representing your default or selected printer. Next to the printer, find and click the "Properties" or "Preferences" button. This will open a window with more detailed settings for that printer. Step 3: Identify the Printer Technology In the newly opened printer properties/preferences window, carefully examine the various tabs (such as "General," "Features," "About," etc.) or the window title itself. Look directly for descriptions that include the word "Inkjet." Sometimes, the model name (such as "DeskJet," "PIXMA," or "EcoTank") can also indicate that it is an inkjet printer. |
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Confirm via Maintenance Options |
Step 1: Open Printer Properties/Preferences Repeat steps 1 and 2 from "Check the Printer Type in the Software" to open the printer's Properties or Preferences window. Step 2: Find the Maintenance Tab In the printer's Properties/Preferences window, look for a tab called "Maintenance," "Tools/Utilities," or "Options" and click it. Step 3: Identify Inkjet-Specific Tools Under the "Maintenance" or similarly named tab, look for buttons containing the following keywords: Nozzle Check; Print Head Cleaning; Print Head Alignment. |
Way 2: Based on Ink Cartridge
1. Observe the Shape and Structure of the Ink Cartridge
The ink cartridge of an inkjet printer is usually small and rectangular or square. Its most notable feature is the fine metal nozzle plate or dense metal contact points on the bottom or side. This is used to communicate with the print head and deliver ink. If you see this type of consumable inside the printer, or if the printer you purchased comes with this type of consumable, it can generally be identified as an inkjet printer.
2. Identify the Ink Cartridge Label Information
Carefully check the label or printed text on the ink cartridge itself. The label of the inkjet cartridge usually clearly states the word "ink" or "Ink", and clearly shows the brand and specific model. This is in stark contrast to the common "toner", "toner", "drum" or "Drum" labels on laser printer consumables. The label information is a direct basis for quickly distinguishing the type of printer.
3. Shake the Ink Cartridge
The inkjet cartridge is encapsulated with liquid ink. If you shake the cartridge very slightly, you can sometimes hear a subtle sound of the liquid flowing inside. However, this operation requires great care. Because shaking vigorously may cause ink leakage or air intake in the nozzle, which may cause a malfunction. In contrast, the toner cartridge of a laser printer contains dry powdered toner, which is usually silent or only has a rustling feeling when the powder is rubbed.
Way 3: Based on Printed Paper
A notable characteristic of inkjet printing is that the ink may not be completely dry immediately after printing, especially on glossy photo paper or when using high-quality mode (which uses more ink).
You can lightly and quickly run your finger over the text or image area on a newly printed page. Use quick strokes, not firm pressure.
If you feel a slight dampness or see ink smearing, this indicates an inkjet print.
This is because the ink, deposited as a liquid on the paper surface, takes time to absorb and evaporate. In contrast, laser printers use high temperatures to permanently fuse solid toner particles to the paper fibers. As a result, the print is completely dry and does not smear or feel damp when you run your finger over it.
Way 4: Based on the Printer Itself
1. Observe Printer’s Internal Structure.
First, open the printer's top or front cover.
Then examine the core components:
Inkjet printers: You will see several small, colored boxes, usually black, blue, red, or yellow. These can be removed individually, are made of plastic, and may have tiny holes on the bottom. These boxes hold ink.
Laser printers: You will see one or more long, black boxes or cartridges. These are large, shaped like a thick stick or a long drawer, with a smooth surface and no visible holes. This is likely a laser printer. It contains powdered toner.
Thermal transfer printers: You will see two spindles, like paper racks. One spindle holds a roll of label paper. The other holds a roll of black ribbon. This is usually a thermal transfer printer. It requires both label paper and ribbon to print.
Thermal printers: You will see a single spindle. This spindle holds a roll of special paper, usually the kind used for cash register receipts. You will not see a separate roll of black ribbon next to it. This is probably a thermal printer. This printer doesn't require ink, toner, or ribbon! It uses heat from the print head, which causes the special paper to darken and reveal the text.
2. Identify by Printer Model
The brand and model of your printer can provide clues as to its type. Most major printer brands offer different lines of inkjet and laser printers. Here are some examples:
(1) HP
Inkjet models: HP DeskJet, HP ENVY, HP OfficeJet, HP Photosmart
Laser models: HP LaserJet, HP Neverstop Laser
(2) Brother
Inkjet models: Brother MFC-J series, Brother DCP-J series
Laser models: Brother HL-L series, Brother DCP-L series
(3) Canon
Inkjet models: Canon PIXMA, Canon MAXIFY
Laser models: Canon imageCLASS
If your printer belongs to one of the inkjet lines listed above, it is most likely an inkjet printer.
Way 5: Based on the User Manual
The user manual that comes with your printer contains detailed information about its specifications and features. Look for the section that describes the type of ink or ink cartridges your printer has. If the manual mentions terms like "cartridges" or "inkjet technology," you have an inkjet printer. If you don't have a paper manual, you can usually get one online at the manufacturer's website.
Conclusion
Determining whether your printer is an inkjet printer is crucial. This helps with proper printer maintenance, troubleshooting, and purchasing supplies. In this blog, we've covered several methods for confirming your printer's type, including inspecting the print dialog box, the ink cartridges, checking the paper, observing the printer itself, and consulting the user manual. By doing this, you can confidently determine your printer's type.
