WHAT IS THE PRINTER FOR? THE 7 MOST COMMON USES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The printer is basically used to transfer graphic and text information on a computer to paper.

It is an external hardware output device that receives electronic data from a computer or other similar device and generates an actual physical copy.

It is one of the most popular computer peripheral components and is commonly used to print from simple text writing, reports, charts, graphs, to photographs, images, posters, cards, stickers, among others.

Printers have evolved over time from their invention by EPSON in the late 1960s. Initially they used a mechanism and system similar to electric typewriters, with hammers or pistons impacting the paper at high speed.

The first impact printers transferred information with the use of color impregnated ribbon cartridges.

Later came the dot and matrix printers that impacted the paper one thin line at a time until all the text or image was printed.

Later came the non-impact printers. The first ones worked with inkjet from a cartridge at a very short distance from the paper, and later laser injection printers were developed, based on toner cartridges. Both with the most currently used.

Main uses of the printer

Today the uses of printers go far beyond the transmission of ink to a simple paper.

The following list names other uses that conventional printers also have, with which it is possible not to have to go to a specialized design and printing site.

1.- Extra functional components and evolution

The characteristics of a printer have been varied and improved with the inclusion of color, faster print speeds, and higher image resolution.

Some come with internal memories that are expandable to help print very long and complex information.

With each evolution, its uses expanded and allowed human beings a great variety of possibilities in graphic design, visual advertising and in the area of ​​high-quality professional photography.

Also printers were including other types of functional components within the same device, such as scanner, photocopier, USB reader, memory card readers, Bluetooth receivers and Wi-Fi or internet connection.

2.- Business cards

With the combination of a good color laser printer and opaline, woven, waxed or photo card stock, it is possible to create very good quality business cards at home.

There are many programs available for graphic design, but they are usually very complicated and tend to take a long time.

Currently the internet offers many pages dedicated to the development of business cards based on models.

These online applications allow you to export the card file to PDF format for more controlled printing.

3.- Large size posters

Once again, the internet offers less complex online tools than regular software to handle the printing of a large image at scale, sheet by sheet. The right printer with enough ink and the right paper will complete the task.

Once all the sheets have been printed (or on cardboard), you only have to put together the image to form the poster.

These tools scale any type of image you want, and can be achieved from the comfort of your home and with your personal printer.

4.- Personalize napkins, gift bags and photos for cakes

Thanks to the commercial existence of edible paper, with home kits it is possible to print the image or photo for the presentation of a cake. This would also include the special edible ink.

It is a good option for those who like to organize many parties and do not want to overpay a special bakery for this job.

There are both physical and online stores where you can buy ink cartridges and edible paper.

Likewise, the conventional printer is capable of printing on napkin paper and paper bags.

On the internet it is possible to find pages with design tools to make photo models for cakes, napkins, bags, among others.

5.- Fabric and personalization of clothing items

There are several techniques for transferring printer ink to fabrics. One of them is to print on white cotton fabric. First, it is necessary to have treated the fabric with a product that allows you to fix the ink at the time of printing.

Once dry, the fabric is ironed together with waxed paper to leave them glued. In this way the fabric is ready to feed the printer and properly absorb the ink.

Once ready, it is only cut and sewn to the shirt, flannel, sweater, jacket, pants, skirt, etc.

6.- Transparent labels

With the use of thick (transparent) packaging tape and conventional paper printing, it is possible to make labels for glass or plastic jars.

Only the desired text, image, or design should be printed on paper. The packing tape is then attached covering the design and the shape is cut out.

It is then immersed in water for a few minutes until all the paper can be removed from the plastic tape.

The impression will be incredibly transferred to the transparent tape that can be immediately pasted on the bottle, jar or even on the window glass.

7.- Wood

By printing on the glossy paper sheets where the decals or stickers come, it is possible later to transfer the text or image to the surface of a wooden sheet.

Once printed on the glossy paper, it should not be touched to prevent the ink from smearing. The paper is flipped over the wood and spread evenly. The surface of the wood must be bare to absorb the ink.

References

1. Margaret Rouse (2012). Printer - Definition. Tech Target - What is. Recovered from whatis.techtarget.com
2. Matt Safford. Top 10 Secret Uses for Your Printer. Computer Shopper. Recovered from computershopper.com
3. Computer Hope (2017). Printer. Recovered from computerhope.com
4. Vangie Beal. Printer - Characteristics. Webo Pedia. It Business Edge. Recovered from webopedia.com
5. Patrick Allan (2014). Four Uses for Your Printer (Beyond Basic Paper). Life Hacker. Recovered from lifehacker.com