Ink jet printers are a type of computer printer that operates by propelling tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. They are the most common type of computer printer for the general consumer due to their low cost, high quality of output, capability of printing in vivid color, and ease of use.
The emerging Ink jet material deposition market uses ink jet technologies, typically piezoelectric ink jet, to deposit materials on substrates.
In the personal and small business computer market, ink jet printers currently predominate.[citation needed] Ink jets are seen as inexpensive, quiet, and reasonably fast; and many models can produce high-quality output. Like most modern technologies, the present-day ink jet has built on the progress made by many earlier versions. Among many contributors, Epson, Hewlett-Packard and Canon can claim a substantial share of credit for the development of the modern ink jet. In the worldwide consumer market, four manufacturers account for the majority of ink jet printer sales: Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Epson, and Lexmark.
Ink jet printers use one of three main technologies: thermal, piezoelectric, and continuous.
