# inkjet printer

> type of computer printer

**Wikidata**: [Q108766](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108766)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inkjet_printer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/inkjet-printer

## Summary
An inkjet printer is a type of computer printer that produces text and graphics by spraying tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. It is a common peripheral device used for both home and office printing tasks.

## Key Facts
- Inkjet printers use ink-jet print technology, ink cartridges, and inkjet printing processes to create images on paper.
- The HP DeskJet brand was founded in 1988 in the United States.
- Inkjet printers are classified as a subclass of printers in technical taxonomies.
- The technology is known by various aliases including "inkjet printers," "ink jet printer," "impresora de inyección de tinta," and "Tintendrucker."
- Common classification codes include UNSPSC code 43212104 and Dewey Decimal Classification numbers 681.62, 621.3987, and 004.77.

## FAQs
### Q: What is an inkjet printer used for?
A: An inkjet printer is used to print text documents, photographs, and graphics by spraying liquid ink onto paper through microscopic nozzles.

### Q: How does an inkjet printer work?
A: An inkjet printer works by propelling tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper using either thermal or piezoelectric technology to create text and images.

### Q: What are the main advantages of inkjet printers?
A: Inkjet printers offer high-quality color printing, relatively low initial costs, and the ability to print on various paper types including photo paper and specialty media.

## Why It Matters
Inkjet printers revolutionized personal and small business printing by making high-quality color output accessible and affordable. Before inkjet technology, color printing was largely limited to expensive laser or dye-sublimation printers used in professional settings. The development of inkjet technology democratized color printing, enabling home users, students, and small offices to produce professional-looking documents, photographs, and marketing materials without significant capital investment. This technology has become fundamental to modern communication, education, and creative industries, allowing for the physical manifestation of digital content in ways that support learning, documentation, and artistic expression. The versatility of inkjet printers in handling different media types and their relatively quiet operation have made them indispensable tools in both personal and professional environments.

## Notable For
- Being one of the most common types of computer printers worldwide, with widespread adoption in homes and offices
- Enabling affordable color printing for consumers, previously only available through expensive professional equipment
- Supporting diverse printing applications from document printing to high-quality photo reproduction
- Continuous technological evolution including improvements in print resolution, speed, and ink efficiency
- Compatibility with various paper types and specialty media, expanding creative and professional printing possibilities

## Body
### Technology Overview
Inkjet printers operate by propelling microscopic droplets of liquid ink onto paper through a print head containing multiple nozzles. The technology can be categorized into two main types: thermal inkjet (used by manufacturers like HP and Canon) and piezoelectric inkjet (used by Epson). Thermal inkjet technology uses heat to create a vapor bubble that forces ink through the nozzle, while piezoelectric technology uses electric charges to expand and contract crystals that push ink through the nozzles.

### Historical Development
The inkjet printing concept emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with commercial products becoming available in the mid-1980s. The HP DeskJet, introduced in 1988, was one of the first widely successful inkjet printers for personal computers. Canon's Bubble Jet technology, introduced around the same time, represented another significant advancement in the field. Over subsequent decades, manufacturers have continuously improved print quality, speed, and reliability while reducing costs.

### Applications and Use Cases
Inkjet printers serve a wide range of applications beyond basic document printing. They are extensively used for photo printing, producing high-quality images that rival traditional photographic prints. Many artists and designers use specialized inkjet printers for fine art reproduction, taking advantage of archival inks and premium papers. The technology is also used in industrial applications such as textile printing, signage production, and even 3D printing with specialized materials.

### Technical Specifications
Modern inkjet printers typically offer resolutions ranging from 300 to 9600 dots per inch (DPI), with higher resolutions available for specialized applications. Print speeds vary significantly based on quality settings, ranging from 5 to 20 pages per minute for black text and 2 to 10 pages per minute for color documents. Most consumer inkjet printers use either four-color (CMYK) or six-color ink systems, with some photo printers incorporating additional colors for expanded color gamut.

### Market and Manufacturers
The inkjet printer market includes major manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother, each with distinct technological approaches and product lines. HP and Canon primarily use thermal inkjet technology, while Epson specializes in piezoelectric systems. The market encompasses everything from compact home printers to large-format professional devices capable of printing posters and fine art prints.

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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BabelNet
4. Quora
5. KBpedia
6. Wikibase TDKIV