What Is The Difference Between Toner And Ink Cartridges?

In a general observation, toner and ink cartridges aren’t looking the same. Toner is powder while ink is available in a liquid form. All of the physical appearance of these both is significantly different in terms of setup and fillings.

The key purpose of both these cartridges is to print documents or photos. However, the methods that individually a laser and inkjet printers are performing the task are completely different. A basic knowledge regarding printer’s technology is required to understand the main difference between toner and ink cartridges.

Printing technology is not only limited to inkjet or laser printers. Latest innovations such as Xerox Dubai-oriented productions from reputable manufacturers are taking the turn on been second to none.

Toner vs Ink Cartridges

Let’s see a closer look on different printer’s functionality to understand how toner and ink perform in a dissimilar way and what the difference between toner vs ink cartridges is.

Laser Printers

Toner is based on two components known as plastic resin and iron oxide. The printing is initiated as soon a laser draws the electrostatic pattern of the input document on a rolling drum of metal. The drum is covered in a light sensitive material which either stay on positive or on negative charge.

Later, an accurate laser presents an electrical charge on different parts of the drum according to the input signal. This is then coated with magnetically charged particles of toner. The paper (magnetically charged) move into the drum which draw the toner particles away. Finally, a fuser is responsible for setting the image by actually melting and warming the toner particles.

Inkjet Printers

This is a bit easier technology as compare to laser one. These printers require liquid ink which is locked inside the cartridges in a sealed foil section. Print head is the next section which is responsible for loading the cartridges tailored with several microscopic nozzles of ink.

Different inkjet models do have dissimilar technologies for controlling the jets. Like Xerox Dubai based developed technology, the thermal bubble and piezoelectric inkjet printers are performing the print process by heat and electric charged vibrations respectively.