If you are new to reproducing documents, you may wonder what a MICR printer is. Many of the best printers, feature different designs and capabilities and include MICR models. So what exactly is a MICR printer, do you need one, and what benefits do they bring to the table? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- MICR printers use magnetic ink, which is why they are also called Magnetic Ink Character Rendition printers.
- However, this type of printer does not have to use ink, as there are laser versions available that use MICR toner cartridges.
- MICR models excel at printing checks via paper trays and printing other financial documents.
MICR Printers Defined
MICR printers use magnetic ink, dissimilar to when learning the definition of a thermal printer. As a matter of fact, MICR stands for “Magnetic Ink Character Rendition,” though knowing the meaning of the acronym will not help if your wireless printer is not working. Despite the name. MICR printers are available with ink cartridges and toner for laser printers, so keep learning about plotter printers to finish your education here.
Insider Tip
MICR printers are out of reach to normal consumers, as they are extremely expensive to both purchase and run.
What are MICR Printers Used For?
There is basically one thing this type of printer is used for. MICR printers use their specialized ink or toner to print the numbers on the bottom of personal checks and business checks. In other words, financial institutions primarily use these printers to get a handle on check fraud and ensure financial security for various consumers. The magnetic ink used by MICR printers is difficult to duplicate, reducing the chances of fraud (if you know what to look for.)
Beyond checks, MICR printers make all kinds of vital documents in several fields, including the financial and medical sectors.
Benefits of MICR Printers
There are a number of benefits to using MICR printers, though this type of printer is predominantly for business use over residential use.
Reduced Check Fraud
As previously mentioned, the primary use for MICR models is to reduce the chances of check fraud. Regular folks do not easily duplicate the magnetic ink used with this type of printer, and neither is the string of numbers on the bottom of checks. Banks and financial institutions all over the world have been using this type of printer to print checks and related financial documents for decades.
STAT: Did you know that 47% of companies experienced fraud in the past 24 months? To put that in perspective, that’s about a $42 billion loss due to fraud. (source)
Ink and Toner
You are not automatically married to ink when using MICR printing techniques, as there are also laser MICR printers that use toner for check printing and the like. This increases the integration possibilities for business and enterprise users.
