If you have a printer, you may be curious as to how documents make it through the printing process. Both ink and toner are used to transfer images and documents from your computer to paper, but the process is a bit different between an inkjet and a laser printer. Learn more in this guide about the differences between ink and toner.

What Is Ink?

Printer ink is used by inkjet printers. It is oil-based and derived from soybean, linseed, or petroleum. The ink is combined with a mixture of water, dyes, and pigments, then placed inside a cartridge that your printer uses to print digital images onto paper. The printer ink color system consists of four main colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Also known as the CMYK system, these colors are combined to form all of the colors of the rainbow. 

What Is Toner?

Toner is powder-based and used in laser printers. It is also commonly used in commercial multifunction printers and copiers. While each manufacturer has their own proprietary formula, standard toner ingredients include finely-ground plastic and organic compounds like zinc and iron. Toners follow the same CMYK color system as inks and are better suited for high-volume printing. 

How Do They Work in Printers?

Ink cartridges have several chambers that hold each ink color. These chambers have elements that are heated by an electrical current within the printer, causing a pressure increase that forces the ink to spray onto the paper in controlled patterns while printing. Because toner is in powder form, a laser printer uses an electrostatic charge combined with heat to fuse the powder onto the paper. A laser inside the printer creates a negative charge that the positively-charged toner can then adhere to during the printing process.

If you are interested in purchasing a new inkjet or laser printer, contact Laser Line in Jessup. Since 1989, they have been providing high-quality printers and copiers to businesses throughout Maryland, D.C., and northern Virginia. They are also one of HP®'s Premier Platinum Solutions Partners. For more information, visit them online, or call (410) 636-1700 to speak with a team member.