The quality of printing by the laser plates’ technology when compared to inkjet plate technology is far more superior. The difference lies in the speed of printing and the resolution. Even cheaper monochromatic laser printers can print at speeds of 20 pages/per minute while inkjet printers print out at the rate of 6 pages/per minute. Also with the superior laser plates’ technology, one can print smaller fonts in a better/sharper manner than that compared to inkjet printers. Advanced inkjet printers are however providing an alternative to the high cost laser plate printers. In fact many photo print shops prefer inkjet plate printers due to the affordable computer to plate solution.

The materials used for making an inkjet plate include latest nanoporous and aluminium ion technology. These plates are suitable for pigment ink and water based dye ink too. These plates support high ink coverage and also give precision and color accuracy. As far as the laser printers are concerned, for both CO2 and YAG lasers, the absorption of wavelengths is different on different materials. The YAG lasers while slower give better resolution and are costlier than the CO2 lasers. The CO2 models are cheaper and also print at higher speed. The laser plates have a base material of aluminum coated with polymers. The printer works by etching an image on the plate and removing the coating where the image is present.

Finished laser plates need to be hardened or baked prior to installation. Apart from this, no other special handling is required. For storing some laser plates, especially water-washout ones, one needs to monitor the humidity levels and store the plates in temperature controlled environment. Inkjet nozzle technology provides gold, palladium or nickel coating on the inkjet plate. This is to prevent corrosion caused by the ink. Inkjet plate technology is sued in printing large mural posters in shopping malls, and movie theaters. They can also be used in industrial printing like bar codes on shipping cartons etc. Electrostatic laser plates can be used in printing business cards, invitations, newsletters, announcements and sales literature.

Advantages of laser plates are that they provide excellent results for business cards, newsletters etc. They can work with all kinds of inks-soy based, rubber, oil and acrylic etc. Laser plate printer technology eliminates hazardous waste and provides safer system for employees. Inkjet plate printers are useful in high resolution printing jobs, commercial printing and food and pharmaceutical prints. In these printers, the accuracy of orifice plates determines the resolution. Inkjet plates are also used in silk printing, textile industries etc. The life of laser plates is up to 30,000 impressions and laser etching does not require chemicals. The inkjet prints eventually fade after a while and color balance may also change. Print lifetime of both printers depends on quality of paper and ink used.