Brother MFC-J5955DW: High-Volume Inkjet Printing for the Modern Office

Inkjet Printing: More Than Just Tiny Dots

Inkjet printers are everywhere. From homes to offices, these ubiquitous devices quietly churn out documents, photos, and everything in between. But have you ever stopped to wonder how they actually work? It’s more than just spraying ink on paper; it’s a fascinating blend of physics, chemistry, and engineering. We’ll explore this technology, using the Brother MFC-J5955DW Wireless Inkjet Multifunction Printer as a case study to illustrate key concepts.

A Colorful History (Briefly)

The concept of inkjet printing isn’t new. Early attempts date back to the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century that the technology became commercially viable. Companies like HP and Canon were instrumental in developing and popularizing inkjet printers, turning them from a niche technology into the mainstream workhorses we know today.

Inside an Inkjet Printer: The Basics

At its heart, an inkjet printer is all about precision. It creates images and text by propelling incredibly tiny droplets of ink onto paper. Think of it like a miniature, high-precision spray gun, capable of firing thousands of these droplets per second with pinpoint accuracy. Each droplet is smaller than the width of a human hair, and their precise placement creates the images we see.

Two Ways to Squirt: Thermal vs. Piezoelectric

There are two primary ways inkjet printers achieve this droplet ejection: thermal and piezoelectric.

• Thermal Inkjet: This is the most common type. Imagine a tiny kettle inside the print head. A small heating element rapidly heats the ink, creating a vapor bubble. This bubble expands, forcing a droplet of ink out of the nozzle and onto the paper. It’s like a microscopic explosion, precisely controlled to deliver the right amount of ink at the right spot.

• Piezoelectric Inkjet: This technology, often favored by Brother and Epson, uses a different approach. Instead of heat, it relies on a piezoelectric crystal. When an electric current is applied to this crystal, it changes shape. This deformation creates pressure that forces a droplet of ink out of the nozzle. Think of it like squeezing a tiny, flexible tube – the pressure you apply forces the liquid out. The Brother MFC-J5955DW utilizes this piezoelectric technology, which is often praised for its durability and ability to work with a wider range of inks.
  

Ink: More Than Meets the Eye

The ink itself is also a marvel of engineering. It’s not just colored water; it’s a complex mixture of pigments or dyes, solvents, and other additives.

• Pigment-based inks use tiny, solid particles of color suspended in the liquid. They tend to be more resistant to fading and water damage, making them ideal for documents that need to last.

• Dye-based inks use colorants that are fully dissolved in the liquid. They often produce more vibrant colors, making them a good choice for photos.

The Brother MFC-J5955DW uses pigment based inks.

And how do you get all the colors of the rainbow from just a few ink cartridges? The answer is CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). By combining these four colors in varying proportions, inkjet printers can create a vast spectrum of hues.

The INKvestment Tank: A Better Way to Deliver Ink

Traditional inkjet printers often use small ink cartridges that seem to run out quickly, leading to frequent replacements and higher printing costs. Brother’s INKvestment Tank system, featured in the MFC-J5955DW, addresses this issue. Think of it like the difference between a car with a small gas tank and one with a large, fuel-efficient tank. The INKvestment Tank uses high-yield cartridges (LC406XL) that hold significantly more ink. This means you can print thousands of pages – up to 6,000 in black and 5,000 in color – before needing a replacement. This not only saves you money but also reduces the hassle of constantly changing cartridges.

Putting it All Together: Features of the MFC-J5955DW

The Brother MFC-J5955DW combines these core inkjet technologies with a range of features designed for productivity:

• Print Speed: The printer is capable of printing up to 30 pages per minute. This speed is achieved through a combination of efficient ink delivery, a precise print head, and optimized paper handling.
• 11x17 Printing: The ability to print on larger 11x17 inch (Ledger size) paper expands your options, allowing you to create posters, brochures, or large spreadsheets.
• Paper Handling: With dual 250-sheet paper trays and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, you can load different paper sizes and types, reducing the need for frequent paper changes.
• Scanning: A Word of Caution: While the MFC-J5955DW excels at printing large formats, it’s important to note that its scanner has a significant limitation. The automatic document feeder (ADF) is only 8.5 inches wide. This means you cannot scan 11x17 documents, despite being able to print them. This is a crucial point, and one that has been highlighted by users, such as P.B. Desmond, who noted, “This is not a machine that can […] scan 11 x 17,” and Tkc, who called it a “downgrade” from a previous model.
• Connectivity: The printer offers dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for a reliable wireless connection, as well as Ethernet and USB options, providing flexibility for different network setups.
• Security: Features like Triple Layer Security and an NFC card reader help protect sensitive documents and prevent unauthorized access to the printer.
  

The Future of Printing

Inkjet technology continues to evolve. We can expect to see further improvements in ink efficiency, print speeds, and print quality. There’s also a growing focus on sustainability, with manufacturers exploring more eco-friendly ink formulations and printer designs.

Conclusion

Understanding the technology behind inkjet printing can help you appreciate the intricate engineering that goes into these everyday devices. The Brother MFC-J5955DW, with its INKvestment Tank system and focus on efficiency, represents a significant step forward in making printing more affordable and convenient. However, it’s also a reminder to always carefully consider all aspects of a product’s features, such as the scanner’s limitations in this case, to ensure it meets your specific needs. The capabilities of a printer are more than just a collection of tiny ink drops on paper; they’re built from decades of engineering, science and innovation.