Take data produced by computer and turn into human-readable form. Output= sometimes operate another
device.
Inkjet printers:
Most common form. Range of prices. Often sold at or below production cost. Price of ink cartridges
increase dramatically. Many=not print black/white if out of colour, cheaper water-soluble ink usually
smears with smallest amount of moisture.
Laser printers:
Dry powdered ink called toner- colour or monochrome. Businesses mostly use these; fast + reliable. Print
quality excellent.
Dot Matrix printers:
AKA Impact printers. Similar to typewriters, strike inked ribbon imprinting dots to form letters on a page.
Useful when multi-part stationary required, work effectively damp/dirty atmosphere. Noisy/poor print
quality and expensive to buy.
3D printers:
Print using filament, powdered resin, ceramic/metal power or paper.
Can manufacture prosthetic limbs or orthotics (cheaper and greater limb accuracy per patient).
Reconstructive/general surgery- can try out procedure first ensuring actual surgery is more accurate;
produce accurate parts for procedures.
Print parts for older, no longer manufactured cars, substantially cheaper, prototypes for design, fashion
and art= save costs.
Radio Frequency ID (RFID):
RFID = input/output devices. Transponder and receiver. Powered receiver emits radio frequency,
transponder antenna in item becomes energised by the radio waves. Transponder can send data to
receiver.
Security control points/ ID of people, goods, animals or valuables; shipping and supply-chain tracking for
goods. Banking and fast-payment systems and a potential replacement for barcode systems.
Passive and active tags:
Passive transponders have no power source for themselves and rely on radio waves from receiver for
energy. Active tags use large, battery powered beacon broadcasting own signal to receivers up to 300m
away.
Actuators:
device.
Inkjet printers:
Most common form. Range of prices. Often sold at or below production cost. Price of ink cartridges
increase dramatically. Many=not print black/white if out of colour, cheaper water-soluble ink usually
smears with smallest amount of moisture.
Laser printers:
Dry powdered ink called toner- colour or monochrome. Businesses mostly use these; fast + reliable. Print
quality excellent.
Dot Matrix printers:
AKA Impact printers. Similar to typewriters, strike inked ribbon imprinting dots to form letters on a page.
Useful when multi-part stationary required, work effectively damp/dirty atmosphere. Noisy/poor print
quality and expensive to buy.
3D printers:
Print using filament, powdered resin, ceramic/metal power or paper.
Can manufacture prosthetic limbs or orthotics (cheaper and greater limb accuracy per patient).
Reconstructive/general surgery- can try out procedure first ensuring actual surgery is more accurate;
produce accurate parts for procedures.
Print parts for older, no longer manufactured cars, substantially cheaper, prototypes for design, fashion
and art= save costs.
Radio Frequency ID (RFID):
RFID = input/output devices. Transponder and receiver. Powered receiver emits radio frequency,
transponder antenna in item becomes energised by the radio waves. Transponder can send data to
receiver.
Security control points/ ID of people, goods, animals or valuables; shipping and supply-chain tracking for
goods. Banking and fast-payment systems and a potential replacement for barcode systems.
Passive and active tags:
Passive transponders have no power source for themselves and rely on radio waves from receiver for
energy. Active tags use large, battery powered beacon broadcasting own signal to receivers up to 300m
away.
Actuators:
