Computers use inkjet printers to create printed work executed by command by contact of tiny ink droplets on paper. It is the most widely use printer and comes in a variation of sizes with a range of prices for whichever work its intended for. It has been around for a long time and its performing ability has been made better making the purchasers range even wider.

The technology behind this printer is in two ways. First we have continuous inkjet and the idea behind this is charged droplets entering an electrostatic field at high speed, a huge amount of this ink is recycled therefore a small amount is actually used in printing. Printing by this technology is quite fast thus printing speed cannot be a problem.

There is also the drop on demand technology which is further divide into two, thermal and piezoelectric. Thermal inkjet printers technology employs passing of a current pulse through a heating element which results in quick vaporization of ink to a bubble, increasing pressure and thereby propelling an ink droplet on the paper. Its ink is normally aqueous as it easily forms vapor bubbles. It is worth noting that the technology behind this printer is different from thermal printers.

Piezoelectric inkjet uses piezoelectric material unlike the other which uses a heating element. It is flexible for a variety of ink as it does not require volatile component.

Ink used on these type of printers should be aqueous and also cheap to manufacture only problem being that it is not easy to control the ink on a media surface. The inks are to be used with thermal heads as they need water so as to be used. Inks come in different types, soluble ink, hard soluble ink, mild soluble ink, UV curable dyes sublimate ink. The outcome of the printed work of these types of ink varies by quality standard of the printed work an d also the durability.

There are two main types of inkjet head. First is the fixed type which comes built into the printer and is expected to last the life of the printer replacement is expensive and for some it might require replacement of the printer itself. Second type is a disposable head which is part of replaceable cartridge. This means if a print head gets damaged replacing it will not be difficult in fact it is just like refilling an exhausted ink cartridge.

When ink dries up it may clog the nozzles and this calls for cleaning. Some come with a manual cleaning mode which the operator can clean it manually. A clogged nozzle may be soaked in water so as to unclog.

As compared to earlier types of printers, inkjet printers do not make as much noise and they print better detail. In comparison to more expensive types of printers, they take short warm up time, its printing costs as per page are cheaper in comparison other than with laser printers. It disadvantages that is expensive ink and cartridge has been sorted out by third party manufacturers.