A printer refers to a peripheral device that produces readable representations of text or graphics on paper or similar. There are laser printers for common documents and the inkjet printers that generate high-quality photographic outputs (Savage & Vogel, 2009). A printing life cycle begins with the extraction of the various raw materials. The design of a printer and its cartridges is a complex process that involves several chemical processes and components. Printer cartridges are of various micro-engineered electronics and plastic mixtures. As such, there is a need to dispose of them in an environmentally sensitive manner.
A printer’s ink cartridge consists of two principal components- the container and the printhead. Steel is among the materials used in the manufacture of cartridges. Manufacturers use coking coal and iron ores are the chief inputs into steel production. Steel is critical since it plays a role in plastic extraction. The manufacture, refinement, and the subsequent transportation of crude oils involve the use of steel. Steel is also an essential component in the cartridge itself.
Steel production uses coal in the melting of the various elements. Since coal is a fossil fuel, burning it leads to the emission of carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas (Reddy, 2013). As a result, the extraction of materials for manufacturing printers amounts global warming. Secondly, the manufacturing of printers leads to the rejection of several environmentally unfriendly chemicals such as silicon and zinc. Governments in printer-manufacturing nations face the difficulty that comes forth from the global warming. There is a need, therefore, to regulate the amount of coal used in heating the various raw materials for making printers.
Critical Comment
The task handled is beneficial since it contributes to the learner’s bank of knowledge. However, it seems to be too specific in nature. As a result, it denies the researcher a chance to make explorations and acquire a better understanding of the topic in question. The paper requires that a researcher establishes only the environmental impacts of raw material extraction in the printing cycle. In my view, the instructor ought to have allowed the researchers to explore other possible effects other than environmental. They also need to have asked the learners to investigate the effects on other parties not only the government.
References
Reddy, P. J. (2013). Clean Coal Technologies for Power Generation. London: CRC Press.
T. M. Savage, K. E. Vogel. (2009). An Introduction to Digital Multimedia (1 ed.). New York: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
