ion deposition

A printing technology used in high-speed page printers. Ion deposition is similar to laser printing, except instead of using light to create a charged image on a drum, it uses a printhead that deposits positive ions. After negatively charged toner is attracted to the positive ions, the paper is pressed directly against the drum fusing toner to paper. Ion deposition quality approaches that of a laser printer; however, the ink has not been embedded as deeply, and the paper can smear more easily. See ion.