Laser printing

Laser printing is a digital printing process in which a laser forms an electrostatic image on a photosensitive surface, attracting toner that is transferred and fused onto paper.

Electrophotography: A printing and copying process that forms images with electrostatic charge and light-sensitive materials. Laser printing is a digital implementation of this broader image-forming process.
Raster image: A digital image represented as a grid of pixels. The printer converts page content into pixel data that controls laser exposure.
Inkjet printing: A printing process that forms images by ejecting droplets of liquid ink onto a surface. It deposits liquid ink directly, rather than transferring fused toner.
Digital printing: A printing method that produces images directly from digital data without a fixed printing plate. Laser printing is one major technology within this broader production method.
Personal computer: A general-purpose computer designed for use by one person at a time. Affordable laser printers made high-quality digital documents practical at personal-computer desks.
Photoconductor: A material whose electrical conductivity increases when it absorbs light. The drum’s light-exposed regions change charge so toner can form the page image.
Electrostatic charge: An imbalance of electric charge on or within a material. Charge differences create the attraction that positions toner on the drum.
LED printer: An electrophotographic printer that uses a row of light-emitting diodes to expose its drum. It replaces the scanning laser with a stationary array of emitters.
Color laser printing: Laser printing that combines toner layers in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to produce color images. Multiple toner stations build color images through successive transfers.
Desktop publishing: The creation of page layouts and publications using personal computers and software. Laser printers let designers inspect near-final page layouts without commercial press runs.

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