How laser printing works in quick simple steps A laser printer page is printed using six different processes. 1. Apply charge to the drum The charge roller starts the operation by applying a consistent charge to the photo conductor drum's surface. Photoconductor drums are very advanced components that are carefully constructed to match the laser print engine's power and wavelength. 2. The laser beam create the electrostatic image The laser pulses up to 65 million times per second on the photo conductive drum, causing a chemical reaction that discharges the negatively charged spots, resulting in an electrostatic image. 3. The toner adder roller paints the developer roll with toner While electrostatically charging the particles, the toner adder roller paints the developer roll with toner. A leveling instrument called a doctor blade evens the toner thickness to about 15 microns as it is placed on the development roll. It's about the same thickness as a thread of silk. The negatively charged toner is drawn to the discharged portions of the drum as the developer role and photo conductor drum come into contact. 4. Image transfer process The transfer roller imparts a little electrical charge to the paper as it passes under the drum, allowing the toner to flow from the drum to the paper. The drum rotates up to two revolutions per second, synchronized to the exact speed of the paper, ensuring a full image transfer. 5. Heating and pressuring The image is then rendered permanent using a mix of heat and pressure that is properly regulated. As the paper gets closer to the fuser rollers, the temperature rises to 225 degrees Celsius. The powdered toner reaches its melting point in a fraction of a second and blows onto the page. Toners have a melting point that is carefully designed for printer fuser temperatures, ensuring good prints and extending fuser life. 6. Cleaning process The cartridge is prepared to print a new page in the final step of the imaging process. The drum is ready to be written on after the cleaning blade gently eliminates any stray toner particles. This electrophotographic process is performed more than 100,000 times during the life of an ordinary cartridge.
