Can you use copier transparency paper in laser printers?

Answer 1

While I support TravisO's answer, I would like to clarify a couple things. First, laser printers do not "burn" toner onto the paper to complete the printing cycle. Instead, they actually just melt the toner so as to bond it to the paper. This is accomplished by the fusing assembly which is quite simply a Teflon-coated glass tube with an old-tech vacuum tube or other heat source inside. It generates about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 177 degrees Celsius) of heat which melts the fine plastic powder that is the toner and bonds it to the paper.

Second, as TravisO said, standard transparencies are not usable in printers because in a laser printer, the heat of the fusing assemly will soften the plastic of the transparency and potentially turn it into a viscous sludge which will gum up the fuser and/or other parts inside the printer, requiring costly repairs. In an inkjet printer, standard transparencies will not work because they are not designed to absorb standard ink designed for paper. Instead, they are designed to be marked upon by wet erase markers (and, therefore, the reason that to clean off such transparencies, one holds them under a stream of water). So, in both cases, one must get transparencies that are designed for the appropriate type of printer. Any office supply store such as Staples should have either of these in stock.

Answer 2

No, traditional transparency paper is simple clear plastic. Laser printers use heat to burn toner onto paper to print. Traditional transparency paper will melt and stick to the rollers if used. There are transparency sheet specifically made to support laser printers and you should go to your local office supply store to find some. If the box doesn't specifically say compatible with laser printers then it isn't. Don't forget ink jets use liquid, which can't print on the smooth transparency surface.

Answer 3

Yes - because the laser printer doesn't actually print directly onto the paper (or, in this case, transparency). In a laser printer, the image is scanned onto a static-charged drum, which then picks up powdered toner. The toner is then transferred to the print medium.

Answer 4

You have to use the ones that are intended for lasers printers - look on the box. If you use the wrong transparency paper it could melt in your printer an cause HUGE problems!

Answer 5

Yes i do use plain white paper in my laser printer but i think i need a new printer cause my printer cant print at all. My answer is correct its just that its not recomended.

Answer 6

Color photo paper can be used in a laser printer as long as you use paper that is heat resilient. An example of this type of paper is called laser paper.