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GelJet vs InkJet – What’s the Difference?
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When looking for a new printer, people usually head straight for either inkjet or laser. However, there is a new kid on the block – the Ricoh GelJet printer.
GelJet printers combine features of both inkjet and laser, making them a great option for both the home or a small office. They might not be as well known as laser or inkjet, but can be just as effective and efficient, if not more.
Here are some advantages of the GelJet printers:
• Extensive range – The range of GelJet printers is extensive, consisting of 8 different models, offering colour, black and white, a4, a3, multifunctional options and even a battery operated device.
• Viscous Ink – Ricoh’s unique viscous ink sets instantly, drying upon contact with paper, producing a solid image on plain paper, and is designed for high-speed and duplex printing.
• No bleed or smudging – Most inkjet printers use dye-based or pigment-based inks. Dye-based ink soaks into the paper – causing bleed, pigment-pased inks are slow to dry which can smudge if touched shortly after printing. In contrast, GelJet dries on contact with paper, and is water insoluble, meaning that it can be exposed to water, without running.
• Dual Tank System – The GelJet uses a dual tank system. The viscous ink is vacuum-packed in ink cartridges, then each colour is fed through a tube to the print head tank unit. The print head tank is re-filled whenever the volume falls below a certain level, ensuring ink is continuously supplied.
• Zero waste ink – When the ink cartridge is completely empty, a notification is given. The print head tank unit will still have some ink in it, so printing won’t stop.
• Belt transfer – inkjet printers rely on a roller feeding system to transfer sheets when printing is taking place. This often leads to paper rippling, causing the paper feed to be unstable, with ink droplets being transferred inaccurately onto the paper. In contrast, the GelJet system uses a belt system – like those found in laser printers, this ensures the paper stays flat, enabling high speed, high quality printing.
• Energy Efficient – The Ricoh GelJet printers don’t have a heater, meaning it saves energy, while reducing start-up time, making the printer more cost-effective than an inkjet printer.
Are you interested in GelJet printers? Email info@midshire.co.uk to find out more.
