Transparency Laser Printer Paper

What Is Transparency Film?

Learning from pages displayed with an overhead projector in school is a memory shared by many before technology advanced to smart displays and video connectivity. Transparency film, or paper, can be used with a laser printer to create sheets for overhead projection, as laser printers are one way to get black text and images onto transparent material.

How does an overhead projector work?

The technology behind this widely used educational tool is uncomplicated, functional, and fixable.

• The base of the projector contains a light source that shines through a clear surface. The transparencies are placed on this glass surface so the light can go through them, allowing their details to be shown.
• An adjustable arm is attached to the base, and the head of the arm houses a mirror, which reflects the light coming from the base. The glass lens of the head then projects the transparencies onto the surface at which it is pointed.
• The arm can be adjusted to allow focusing and aiming of the unit and moving it up and down changes the size of the projected image and the focus as well.

How does a laser printer work?

Laser printers use static to create text and images on materials that enter them.

• The photoreceptor drum inside the printer is given a positive charge. The laser is then used to give a negative charge to the areas that will create text and images on the paper. The positively charged areas make up the background, or unprinted, parts of the paper.
• The drum is covered in toner, which only sticks to the negatively charged areas. Paper or other material is pressed against the drum to transfer the toner dust in the printed areas.
• A fuser ensures that the toner is fused onto the material used. The toner is only black, but this works well with transparencies.

How is a transparency printed?

The type of transparency paper determines which printer type is appropriate to use.

• Transparency paper designed for inkjet printers should only be used with inkjet printers. The process of creating images and text with an inkjet is very different than with laser, as inkjets work by spraying liquid ink onto the surface of the receiving material.
• Laser transparency paper should only be used with a laser printer. The paper is designed to be receptive to toner dust and the fusing process that occurs.
• After the transparency film is printed, it is ready to be used with an overhead projector. Care should be taken when handling films as they may crack or oils and other debris can stick to them, and anything that is not clear will be shown in the projected image.