Inkjet Printing - Operating Cost Tradeoffs

Operating Cost Tradeoffs

Many inkjet printers have lower initial purchase prices than laser printers, but the cost per page when using original ink is usually significantly higher compared to a laser printer. The use of third-party compatible inks and toners may lower operating costs with either technology.

Inkjets use solvent-based inks which have much shorter expiration dates compared to laser toner, which has an indefinite shelf life. Inkjet printers tend to clog if not used regularly, whereas laser printers are much more tolerant of intermittent use. Inkjet printers require periodical head cleaning, which consumes a considerable amount of ink, and will drive printing costs higher especially if the printer is unused for long periods.

If an inkjet head becomes clogged, third-party ink solvents/head cleaners and replacement heads are available in some cases. The cost of such items may be less expensive compared to a transfer unit for a laser printer, but the laser printer unit has a much longer lifetime between required maintenance. Many inkjet printer models now have permanently installed heads, which cannot be economically replaced if they become irreversibly clogged, resulting in scrapping of the entire printer. On the other hand, inkjet printer designs which use a disposable printhead usually cost significantly more per page than printers using permanent heads. By contrast, laser printers do not have printheads to clog or replace frequently, and usually can produce many more pages between maintenance intervals.

Inkjet printers have traditionally produced better quality output than color laser printers when printing photographic material. Both technologies have improved dramatically over time, although the best quality giclee prints favored by artists use what is essentially a high-quality specialized type of inkjet printer.

Laser printers are usually preferred in an office environment, since inkjet printers are generally much slower and may require more maintenance on a less-predictable basis. Specialized aftermarket continuous ink systems (CISS) for inkjets are available which allow higher volume inkjet printing without pausing for ink refilling, but these systems cannot increase the speed of the basic mechanism.