Offset printing presses use inks created by mixing color pigments with bases derived from either petroleum or soybeans. Such inks are often formulated with additional chemical additives to speed-up drying times. Digital presses, on the other hand use toner to apply color to sheet of paper. In other words, a toner-based press is another term for a digital press.
What is Toner?
Toner is a finely granulated powder consisting of plastic polymers and coloring pigments. Toner is typically supplied in a sealed container — one for each of the four CMYK inks (i.e., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).
How Do Toner-Based Presses Work?
A toner-based digital press is, in essence, a larger version of the common desktop laser printer. The toner powder receives an electrical charge (positive or negative) when placed in the press; a laser creates a negative (or positive) charge of the design to be printed on a drum/roller for each toner color (in a 4-color printing). As the paper substrate passes through the press, it receives the electrical charge and the toner clings to those areas on the paper. A heated roller then melts and fuses the micro plastic polymers in the toner to the paper.
If you have any questions about Digital Toner-Based Presses, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
