Dry toner is a powder used in xerographic digital printing to transfer images and color onto paper. This process involves applying the toner to the paper in a relatively thick layer, which can result in a glossy or shiny finish.
In essence, dry toner is the key component in laser printers and digital presses that allows them to create text and images on paper. Unlike wet toner (used in some other printing processes), dry toner is, as the name suggests, a dry, fine powder.
Here's a breakdown of how dry toner works in the xerographic process:
- Charging: A drum or belt within the printer receives an electrostatic charge.
- Exposure: A laser beam or LED array selectively discharges areas of the drum corresponding to the image being printed. This creates a latent electrostatic image.
- Development: Dry toner particles, which are also electrostatically charged, are attracted to the discharged areas of the drum, making the image visible.
- Transfer: The toner image is transferred from the drum to the paper.
- Fusing: The toner is permanently bonded to the paper using heat and pressure.
Key players in the dry-toner digital printing industry include companies like Xerox, Ricoh, Konica-Minolta, and Kodak. Their printers are widely used in both office and commercial printing environments. The choice of dry toner offers distinct advantages in terms of speed, reliability, and image quality for various applications.
