# Printing Technologies

- **Track:** Cambridge IGCSE™ Computer Science (0478 / 0984) (CAMBRIDGE IGCSE 0478)
- **Module:** Section 3: Hardware & Architecture
- **Estimated Duration:** 10 minutes
- **Access:** Open Theory (All-Access for Interactive IDE & Autotests)

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## Theory & Conceptual Background

## Three different mechanisms

An inkjet printer propels small droplets of ink onto paper as the head moves. It is useful for relatively low-volume colour documents or photographs; ink and replacement cartridges affect running cost.

A laser printer uses a laser to create a charged image on a drum. Toner adheres to the charged pattern, transfers to paper and is fused using heat and pressure. It is suitable for fast, repeated document printing; the initial cost can be higher.

A 3D printer builds a physical object layer by layer from a model, for example by depositing melted material. It suits a prototype or customised component, but building can be slow and materials/size are constrained.

## Worked choice

A designer needs a physical casing to test whether a circuit board fits. A 3D printer can produce the shape; a laser print of the drawing cannot test physical fit. An office needing many text pages may instead choose a laser printer.

## Independent comparison

Choose a printer for occasional colour photographs and one for large batches of letters. Explain the choice using output requirements and running costs rather than saying one technology is always best.

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## Interactive Exercises & Autotest Specifications

### Exercise 1: Application: Mechanisms (Fill in blank, 30 XP)

**Instructions:**
Work out each answer before submitting. Deposits small droplets of ink: Uses toner, a drum and a heated fuser: Builds a physical object in layers:


**Starter Code:**
```text
{"prompt":"Application: Mechanisms","template":"1. Deposits small droplets of ink: [blank_1]\n2. Uses toner, a drum and a heated fuser: [blank_2]\n3. Builds a physical object in layers: [blank_3]","blanks":[{"id":"blank_1"},{"id":"blank_2"},{"id":"blank_3"}],"word_bank":["inkjet","laser","3D printer","dot matrix","thermal printer"]}
```