| Fax
Machines
Printing
You can choose between several types of fax printing technologies.
Thermal
Most older
fax machines employ thermal printing, which means that a small heating
element within the machine marks heat-sensitive paper. This process
is simple, reliable, and practically free of moving parts, which
can sometimes break or wear out. Unless buying an inexpensive machine
is your main priority, you probably won't like this option. The
downside is the fax paper - because it's stored on rolls, your faxes
will print on curled paper. The waxy coating on the paper is hard
to write on, the ink fades with time, and if the paper is exposed
to too much heat, it will darken.
There are a
few machines that use thermal transfer technology to print onto
plain paper, using heat to transfer ink from a ribbon on to the
page. They have a number of drawbacks, including mediocre print
quality and noisy operation.
Inkjet
Most manufacturers
offer fax machines that can print on plain paper. The least expensive
types of plain-paper fax machines print using inkjets. Although
very slow, inkjets produce relatively crisp text. They're usually
not a good choice, however, if you receive more than 30 faxes daily,
since the lengthy printing time can be frustrating.
Laser
A more expensive
type of plain-paper fax machine uses a laser or light emitting diode
(LED) printing engine. These machines utilize the same basic technology
as laser printers, producing high-quality images with toner on plain
paper.
Laser/LED printing
is quite reliable, with few service needs beyond toner and paper.
Be aware, though, that laser fax machines cost several times the
price of thermal or inkjet machines.
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