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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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Application: Mechanisms
Application: Mechanisms
- Deposits small droplets of ink: [Space 1]
- Uses toner, a drum and a heated fuser: [Space 2]
- Builds a physical object in layers: [Space 3]
Interactive exercises for Module 2 and beyond require an active plan.