Laser vs. Inkjet Printers: Which Option is Better?

Finding the best printer and copier starts with your unique operational needs, as both inkjet and laser technologies have their own benefits and limitations. While some buyers have specific preferences, the general question of which printer type is superior has no easy answer. Every business owner has distinct priorities, making it difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all solution without knowing the full scope of a planned implementation. If you’re looking for the perfect fit, it’s important to first understand the basics of how inkjet and laser printers work.

• Laser printers use toner cartridges filled with a fine powder to print (mostly) black-and-white documents, though more expensive models do allow for color printing. The toner is applied with the help of a heated fuser, which bonds the ink-like powder to paper once activated. This printer type is often found in office settings, in part because of its high-volume printing capabilities.
• Inkjet printers use liquid inks of varying colors and are capable of printing anything from black-and-white documents to high resolution photographs, though cheaper models may not offer color printing. The liquefied ink is sprayed onto the paper with precision through near-microscopic nozzles. This type of printer is widely used across a variety of personal and commercial applications, largely because of its vibrant colors.

When it comes to price, most inkjet and laser printers have comparable initial costs. Depending on the model you select, a high-end laser printer and copier may be more expensive upfront, especially if you need color printing capabilities. The main benefits of laser printing technology are its high printing speeds and low average “cost per page,” which also rings true for large-scale labeling deployments. But what about inkjet copiers and printers?

The Benefits of Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are a popular choice because of their ability to produce high resolution images and labels with noticeably vibrant colors. Businesses looking to produce professional, eye-catching labels often prefer inkjet technology because of its consistent and reliable performance on smaller scale printing jobs. While inkjets are not as quick as laser printers, they do offer an unbeatable final quality and require minimum corrective maintenance. Additionally, ink replacements typically cost less than the pricier toner cartridges, making it an affordable choice for business owners.

Which Inkjet Printer is Right for You?

There are a number of reliable inkjet printers to choose from, each with its own specialized uses and benefits. Dye-based inkjet printers offer brighter and more lively colors for your images and labels, capable of producing gorgeous final products with professional print qualities. They work nicely with almost all label substrates, including glossy synthetic, but are best suited for non-industrial applications. If you are in need of a gloss color label printer, check out the Epson TM-C7500G.

In contrast, pigment-based inkjet printers have a difficult time printing on glossy media, but are perfect for industrial labels that will spend time outdoors, in laboratories or on products that will be exposed to water, UV light and chemicals. While the colors are not as vibrant, pigment-based inks offer more durability for important printing jobs like GHS BS5609-compliant labels. If you’re looking for large-scale color labels with staying power, check out the Epson TM-C3500 or TM-C7500.