A study is made of the features required of a printer
capable of producing a visible record of transient data.
Particular attention is paid to the output requirements of
digital electronic computers. A literature survey of high
speed printers, both mechanical and non-mechanical, is
given. Two feasibility studies are described, the first of
a xerographic printer and the second of a laser printer.
A description is given of experimental work in which
optical information was printed xerographically at speeds
in excess of 5,000 lines per minute. The reasons for
discontinuing this line of research are stated.
A proposed laser printer is then described together
with the experimental work performed to determine the
feasibility of the principal process involved. This
process, the fusing of powdered ink onto paper, is also
considered theoretically in terms of heat transfer.
An evaluation is made of the acceptability of the
images produced. The areas where further research is required
to complete the study to the stage of operational printing
are indicated
