Today’s printers are different from the loud and heavy machines of the past and can now communicate with your phone. Printers have improved how we produce and share files at work and at home.
This article looks into how printers have developed, ranging from simple dot matrix models to the modern smart printers that we have now.
This knowledge will help you see the evolution of printing: From dot matrix to smart printers. Whether you want to feel nostalgic or buy your next printer, you will find what you need here.
The dot matrix printer is credited with starting the modern era of printing in the 1970s. In this process, a roll of ink-coated paper was pressed against the paper, leaving a line of dots that made up the words and pictures. Even though they were state-of-the-art then, their performance was not satisfactory. Dot matrix printers were not fast or quiet and produced lower-quality prints.
Despite problems, dot matrix printers were adopted in workplaces worldwide. Because they were dependable, affordable, and capable of handling many prints, they were vital for offices using computers. Eventually, newer methods overtook the DCT, yet their development introduced electronic printing as a new technology.
In these two decades, inkjet printers became widely available, leading to significant changes in the printing industry. Unlike other types, inkjet printers spray small amounts of ink to make pictures sharp and detailed. As a result, these printers improved print quality and became very popular.
Small inkjet printers were also very quiet, making it convenient for homeowners to own one. They made it simple for people to print their documents, photos, and graphics. As a result of products from Canon, HP, and Epson, inkjet printers grew popular and soon almost every home had an inkjet printer, making colour printing available to nearly everyone.
The 1980s became the decade when laser printers were introduced to assist offices focused on higher efficiency and speedy printing. These printers made printing superior-quality pages easier by employing a laser to transfer toner from a cartridge to paper. Because of their better precision, laser printers were suitable for any document with a large amount of text.
It was especially useful that laser printers managed major printing batches without needing frequent care or adjustments. Because of this feature, they were welcomed in the corporate work environment where being dependable mattered. The cost of getting a laser printer at first was higher, but over time, it became cheaper thanks to its long life and savings on each print.
At that time, multifunction printers (MFPs) became popular, which led to a new stage in the development of printing technology. With MFPs, different single-purpose devices are no longer necessary because all these tasks are combined. This also made it easier for people to be productive.
Along with many capabilities, multifunction printers make using them much more convenient. As colours, printing, and graphical user interfaces advanced, they attracted more attention in workplaces and homes. The rise in MFPs showed that more people were looking for devices that offered various functions and fit comfortably in small spaces for a reasonable price.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology marked the beginning of wireless printing in the early 2000s. Daytime advances meant you no longer had to connect your printer to your computer with long wires. Wireless printers made it flexible and efficient for users to send and print their documents throughout the office.
This innovation benefited businesses since workers could quickly print directly from their laptops without sharing desktops. Home users also needed fewer wires with wireless printers. Before long, wireless was used in most printers, making it a standard feature that highlighted the early steps toward fully connected printers.
Printers are currently much more intelligent and typically act as part of the overall digital system. Thanks to smart printers, you can print documents from Google Drive and Dropbox by linking to smartphones, tablets, and computers. Now that mobile applications, voice assistants, and touchscreens are available, interacting with TVs is much easier.
These innovative printers are better for the environment as they help save on energy costs and use less ink. Most use advanced technology to tell users before supplies are gone. Thus, combining classic printing methods with the IoT has helped us make great strides.
Any discussion on the development of printing must mention 3D printing. This technology has changed what a printer is capable of. 3D printers create three-dimensional items by building individual layers one after another based on designs made on a computer. We can use 3D printing to create medical prosthetics and custom tools, but it’s useful for almost anything.
Although 3D printing is only a niche compared to regular printers, its potential is very high. This technology is making more progress in healthcare, cars, and fashion. Thanks to faster printing, new materials, and lower costs, more people will likely use 3D printing in the future.
New ideas and technologies are bringing positive changes to the printing industry. Artificial intelligence and machine learning make printing machines aware of issues and can choose the best settings for specific tasks. People are increasingly paying attention to eco-friendly inks and cartridges that can be recycled.
Industries are developing new forms of printing, such as nanotechnology and bioprinting. As the history of printing continues, more changes are clearly possible.
