The dots created a minuscule, so small that several fit on each millimeter of printing material (the dots themselves are more narrow than a human hair) and are multi-colored, which allows for sharp images to be created.

Inkjet Cartridge Components

Inside of an ink jet, the print head contains the core of the mechanical technology which controls the nozzles. When you install the ink cartridge, the stepper motor is used to control the movement of the cartridge across the printing medium, creating the mechanical process that develops the image. A standard belt is utilized to connect the print head to the step motor, while a stabilizer ensures a predictable, steady motion. The printing medium, most commonly paper, is controlled by a paper feeder and a series of rollers which ensures that the printing process moves in coordination with the output.

From that point, there are two primary technologies used by inkjets to transfer ink.

Lexmark Z640 Thermal Printer

Thermal Transfer Method

The most common thermal method uses heat to create ink bubbles which expand and contract to create images on the printing medium. This method utilizes hundreds of nozzles to improve image quality, which allows for a high resolution image without the cost of laser toner. Generally, the more nozzles that an inkjet has, the better the image resolution will be. Today's ink jet printers offer a high level of resolution, at near laser-quality.

Piezo Electric Method

Another electric technology controls the ink flow through electric transfer which can improve the level of detail in the images, although this method is less commonly used. With this method, each nozzle contains a crystal which holds a charge that creates a vibration which controls the flow of ink. Since this method is controlled by a mechanical, programmed process, the variation in output is lower and the overall level of quality is higher. Today's photo jet printers can achieve resolutions of over 1440 dots per inch, which allows for creation of lifelike, photo quality pictures.