The Evolution of the Laser Printer

The global market for laser printers is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.1% from 2024 to 2030. In offices, schools, and businesses of all kinds, laser printing remains the backbone of professional document production. Yet, few people stop to consider how we got here or why laser printers continue to be the gold standard for business printing.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas, we’ve spent nearly 40 years working with laser printers, partnering with Xerox—the company that invented them—to provide cutting-edge printing solutions. We’ve seen laser printers go from room-sized machines to compact, high-speed workhorses.

This article dives into the history of the laser printer, how the technology has advanced, and why it’s still the best choice for businesses that need fast, reliable, and cost-effective printing.

The Birth of the Laser Printer: A Xerox Innovation

Laser printers exist today because of one man: Gary Starkweather. In 1969, while working at Xerox, Starkweather had the groundbreaking idea of using a laser beam to create high-quality printed images. He modified a Xerox copier, and by 1977, Xerox introduced the Xerox 9700, the first commercial laser printer. This invention revolutionized office printing, setting a new standard for speed, efficiency, and durability.

The Xerox 9700

Before laser printers, businesses relied on impact printers like dot matrix or daisy wheel printers, which were slow, noisy, and produced low-quality text. Laser technology changed everything by offering crisp, smudge-free prints at unmatched speeds. They became a go-to for businesses that handled high volumes of documents.

Want to see how printing technology has evolved over time? Read: A History of the Printing Industry.

How Laser Printers Work

At the core of a laser printer is a complex process that combines static electricity, heat, and powdered toner to create sharp, professional-quality prints. Here’s how it works:

1. Charging: A drum inside the printer is charged with static electricity.
2. Laser Writing: A laser beam selectively discharges areas of the drum, forming an invisible version of the image or text to be printed.
3. Toner Application: Positively charged toner particles stick to the negatively charged areas of the drum.
4. Transfer: The toner is transferred to a sheet of paper.
5. Fusing: Heated rollers permanently fuse the toner to the paper, producing a clean, crisp print.

Unlike inkjet printers, which spray liquid ink onto paper, laser printers use this dry toner method, making them faster, cleaner, and more cost-efficient over time. 

The Evolution of Laser Printers: Key Milestones

1980s: The rise of personal computing led to the introduction of smaller, more affordable laser printers. HP released the LaserJet in 1984, bringing laser printing to the mainstream. Xerox continued developing high-speed models for large enterprises.

1990s: Businesses embraced networked laser printers, allowing multiple users to print from their computers without needing direct connections.

2000s: Multifunction laser printers became popular, combining printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one machine. Energy-efficient models also emerged, reducing power consumption and operating costs.

2010s to Today: Modern laser printers feature WiFi connectivity, mobile printing, cloud integration, apps, and AI-powered efficiency tools. They’re smarter, more secure, and easier to maintain than ever before.

How is AI shaping the future of printing? Read: How AI is Transforming Printers Today.

Why Businesses Choose Laser Printers Over Inkjet

If you’re in charge of office printing, you’ve likely asked the question: Inkjet or laser? Here’s why laser printers remain the top choice for businesses:

• Speed & Efficiency – Laser printers can churn out 30–100+ pages per minute, making them ideal for high-volume printing. Learn more about print volume here.
• Cost-Effectiveness – While the upfront cost is higher than inkjet printers, laser printers save money in the long run due to lower cost per page and longer-lasting toner.
• Reliability & Durability – No clogged ink cartridges, no smudging—just consistent, professional results every time.
• Professional-Grade Output – Text is sharper, blacks are deeper, and graphics are crisper. They’re ideal not only for client proposals and reports, but also for high-quality color documents, marketing materials, and presentations.
• Multifunctional & Smart Features – Scan, copy, and fax all in one device, with added features like cloud printing and security protections.

For offices that print frequently, laser printers are the clear winner.

Why Xerox Laser Printers Stand Out

Since Xerox invented the laser printer, they’ve remained at the forefront of innovation. Here’s why Xerox laser printers are a solid investment for businesses:

• Unmatched Reliability – Built to last, Xerox printers handle heavy workloads without frequent maintenance.
• Advanced Connectivity – Print from anywhere using WiFi, mobile apps, or cloud integration.
• Top-Tier Security – Xerox’s security features protect sensitive business documents from cyber threats.
• Sustainability & Cost Savings – Xerox models are designed with energy efficiency and eco-friendly toner technology to reduce waste.

Whether you need a high-speed workhorse or a compact multifunction device, Xerox has a laser printer to fit your business needs.

A Xerox PrimeLink C9200 Series multifunction printer with finishers.

Want to see how Xerox stacks up against competitors? Read: 4 Xerox Features That Stand Out Against Other Printer Brands.

The Future of Laser Printing

Laser printing technology isn’t slowing down. Expect to see:

• AI-driven print management – Automating printer maintenance and reducing downtime.
• Cloud-based printing solutions – Secure printing from anywhere, on any device. Discover Y Soft SAFEQ Cloud.
• Eco-friendly advancements – Lower energy consumption, recyclable toner, and reduced emissions.

Laser printing is here to stay, evolving to meet the changing needs of modern businesses.

The Bottom Line: Why Laser Printing Still Matters

From early innovations to today’s AI-powered technology, laser printers continue to shape the modern workplace. If your business needs a high-speed, reliable printing solution, a Xerox laser printer could be the perfect fit.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas, we help businesses find the perfect printing solutions. If you’re looking for a high-performance laser printer, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to speak with an expert about finding the best printer for your office’s needs.

Or, click on the image below to explore our Xerox laser printer lineup on your own with our product configurator.