Updated: 2023-08-19
What does ADF stand for on a printer?
The acronym ADF stands for automatic document feeder, a device on a printing machine that will bring a photo, a sheet of paper, or another small document into the printer, so you do not have to insert it manually.
The automatic document feeder can hold several documents at once and conveniently print multiple copies of the same type of document. The ADF is crucial for organizations that need to print out large quantities of the same document.
The ADF automates the process of copying or scanning documents that have been placed on the glass, but it only works with a copier, printer, or scanner that is equipped with one.
Table of Contents
- What does ADF stand for on a printer?
- What are the DLP and DMD acronyms used in 3D printers?
- What do the letters FNW or FDN mean in the printer model name?
- PGBK ink and BK ink, what is the difference?
- What does a WSD printer mean?
- What does WPA, WPA2, or WPS mean on a printer?
What are the DLP and DMD acronyms used in 3D printers?
DLP (Digital Light Processing) or DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) are display technologies used in a variety of applications, including digital projectors, large-screen video displays, and rear-projection televisions.
The newest DLP televisions, for example, are so thin that they can be mounted on the wall just like a painting, and they can produce a full high-definition 1080p image for your viewing pleasure.
A DLP projector is a very different beast since it’s designed for larger venues, such as lecture halls and movie theaters. A projector is suitable for any large venue and can display a high-definition image in practically any setting.
DLP in 3D printing refers to the projector that flashes across the printer platform to cure all points at once.
What do the letters FNW or FDN mean in the printer model name?
When you are buying a new printer and comparing various models as part of a survey, you can wonder what the letter combinations in the model name mean. Printer manufacturers often use the following letters to indicate model features.
D – duplex printing, you can print on both sides of the paper
F – fax, this is usually an all-in-one, multifunction printer that can fax files
N – network, printer has an Ethernet cable port
W – wireless, the printer can be connected to the computer directly without the need for cables.
For example, HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn supports duplex printing and Ethernet wired connection but is not WiFi enabled. HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction M479fdn supports fax, printing on both sides, wired network but no WiFi. However, HP Laserjet Pro M180nw uses both wired and wireless connections.
PGBK ink and BK ink, what is the difference?
If you have a newer type of inkjet printer, you can notice that there are two black ink cartridges in your printer, one labeled PGBK, and the other one BK.
The PGBK (PaGe BlacK or PiGmented BlacK) ink is used for printing standard text-based documents. It does not hold on to coated paper well.
In contrast, the BK cartridge is designed to last longer when printed on coated photographic paper.
In general, a printer defaults to PGBK for text, lines, etc. – unless they are part of a photo.
What does a WSD printer mean?
WSD is an acronym for Wireless Direct, a printing protocol used by some printers to make wireless printing easier. It is a convenient, but not essential, feature to have.
The primary use for WSD is to connect to a printer without the need for a router or network. Instead, the printer broadcasts on a specified wireless frequency. The computer or mobile device like a phone or tablet can then connect directly to it without the need for a wireless router.
This can be useful in homes that have a wireless router but no Ethernet ports, or it can be helpful in homes where the router is in a different location to the printer.
What does WPA, WPA2, or WPS mean on a printer?
In wireless security, the acronym WPA stands for WiFi Protected Access. This term refers to a collection of technologies that protect WiFi networks. WPA security protocols are used in consumer-grade wireless routers and access points and some laptops, smartphones, and other WiFi devices. The primary security protocol, WPA2, is commonly used with newer WiFi devices.
The WPA acronym can also refer to the WPA/WPA2 security protocol standards defined in a series of documents published by the WiFi Alliance.
WPS is a standard for encrypting your home networks and allowing devices (e.g., printers and PCs) on the network to communicate with each other. The technology is now secure enough that it’s no longer essential to turn off all guests from using WPS.
