The Story of Xerox Phaser Printers
Xerox Phaser printers place an image on paper by melting solid ink and spraying it through nozzles onto a drum and then pressing it onto paper. This process is the closest to traditional off set lithography. The results can be astounding with vibrant colors and tactile, upraised ink that feels like quality printing. Unlike laser printers and ink jets, this technology allows for the same quality on all surfaces. More information on how the Xerox Phaser printing process works can be found on Wikipedia.
Phaser technology was developed by an electronics company in Oregon know for making test and measurement equipment. Its roots are in the post-WWII electronics revolution. They pioneered solid-ink printing technology in the mid-1980s selling it, along with the Phaser name, to Xerox in 2000.
Xerox has taken the technology and ran with it. They have improved print speed, print resolution, trimmed the unit’s footprint and reduced the power requirements. Innovations in the manufacturing process have brought the price down and make the technology a penny-wise choice for schools and homes.
Phaser printers apply ink on top of the paper surface where color remains saturated and gives some protection to the underlying fibers. Ink-jets spray liquid ink onto paper where it soaks into the paper fibers. This means Phasers are able to print on cheap copy paper or expensive linen with the same result. The ability to deliver high-quality color images on cheaper paper is a big money saver. An added bonus is Phasers can print equal quality on both sides of a sheet without the bleed through of ink jets.
Although some Phaser printers use lasers as a heat source, the technology differs from traditional laser printing. A traditional laser printer has complicated mechanisms that apply powder ink to paper using static electricity and heat. These mechanisms are expensive and difficult to repair. The powder ink is messy to change and can clog the machine resulting in frequent servicing. Phaser ink is a solid, like a crayon, and is easier and cleaner to change.