Definition

1. Noun:
   • A printer that uses an electric charge to deposit toner on paper: An electrostatic printer is a type of computer printer that creates an image by first applying a static electrical charge to a special drum or paper. This charged pattern then attracts and transfers dry ink powder (toner) onto the paper, which is finally fused in place using heat.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The office purchased a new electrostatic printer for high-volume document printing.
  • Older electrostatic printers were often used for computer output before laser printers became common.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In technical discussions, "electrostatic printer" often refers to the foundational technology behind modern laser and LED printers, which are more advanced forms of electrostatic printing.
  • The laser printer is a direct descendant of the electrostatic printer.

Variants and Related Words

• Electrostatic printing (n): The printing process or technology itself.
  • Electrostatic printing revolutionized computer output in the 1970s.

Synonyms

• Non-impact printer: A broader category of printers that form characters without striking the paper, which includes electrostatic, inkjet, and thermal printers.

Related Terms (Technical Context)

• Laser printer (n): A common, refined type of electrostatic printer that uses a laser beam to create the charge pattern.
• Toner (n): The dry powder ink used in electrostatic and laser printers.
• Photoconductor (n): The light-sensitive drum in a laser printer that holds the electrostatic charge.

Noun

1. a printer that uses an electric charge to deposit toner on paper