A laser printer has six distinct processes that it performs to create a single printed page. What is the fusing process?
A) A laser beam is used to charge a photosensitive drum
B) The charged photosensitive drum is exposed to loose toner powder
C) Powder on the photosensitive drum is transferred to paper
D) Heat and pressure permanently attaches toner powder to the paper
The answer: D) Heat and pressure permanently attaches toner powder to the paper
If the paper coming out of a laser printer feels warm, it’s because the paper was most likely subjected to nearly 400 degrees Fahrenheit of heat. This heat, combined with the pressure of rollers, permanently melts and attaches loose toner powder to the piece of paper.
The incorrect answers:
A) A laser beam is used to charge a photosensitive drum
The writing or exposing process is the reason we call these “laser” printers. The laser is used to “etch” an image onto the photosensitive drum.
B) The charged photosensitive drum is exposed to loose toner powder
Now that the photosensitive drum has been exposed, the drum is passed through toner powder. The toner sticks to the part of the photosensitive drum that was exposed to the laser.
C) Powder on the photosensitive drum is transferred to paper
The transfer process moves the toner from the photosensitive drum onto the paper.
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Want to know more? Watch “Introduction to Printers and Scanners.”What’s the difference between an inkjet printer and a laser printer? How does a thermal printer work? How is a flatbed scanner different than a drum scanner? Get these answers and much more in this CompTIA A+ training video on printers, scanners, and all-in-one devices! |