Can inkjet printers print envelopes?

5,880

Solution 1

After reading online it looks like most can but only certain ones do it without constantly jamming. Here are some printers others have had good luck printing on envelopes with.

Edit: If you want a real envelope printer try Here.

Solution 2

If the problem with the laser printer is just that it's bending the envelopes, can you just open the back tray of the printer so that it has a straighter paper path?

Solution 3

In the past I have had inkjet printers that let me adjust the input tray for envelopes or even had a separate slot to put them in to make sure they were guided properly through the works of the computer.

5,880

SLaks

Schabse Laks Developer, C# MVP (2010 - 2018) Contact: [email protected] Twitter: @Schabse I've been programming since I was 12. I started with VB6, then moved to C# 2 Beta 2 when I was 14. I never liked VB6, but I found my calling in C#, and I've stuck with it ever since. Since then, I've also mastered web development with jQuery. I also wrote a jQuery tutorial. I'm now working at Google within the Google Docs team. My best of SO: Tracking down a bug in the .Net runtime An exercise in psychic debugging (see the question history) Working around a C# compiler limitation Decoding a Javascript virus jQuery selector magic Simple coroutines using iterators Understanding Javascript scoping in inline event handlers WM_NCHITTEST magic A bug in the C# compiler

Updated on September 17, 2022

Comments

SLaks almost 2 years

I occasionally need to print about a hundred envelopes (a couple of times per year).

I have a laser printer which bends the envelopes as it prints them, rendering them almost unusable, and an inkjet printer which leaves random blotches of ink around the edges of the envelopes.

The inkjet printer is dying and needs to be replaced.
Are there any inkjet printers that can print bulk envelopes well?

I'd prefer not to get a second laser printer.
- jjnguy over 13 years
  
  Christmas letter season?
- SLaks over 13 years
  
  @jjnguy: Not at all. Statements & fundraisers for a non-profit.
- jjnguy over 13 years
  
  dam. Bad guess.
- hyperslug over 13 years
  
  The alternative is Avery 5160/8160 mailing labels; acceptable for a non-profit I'd think.
- SLaks over 13 years
  
  @hyperslug: We print our logo and mailing type in the corner. Also, printed envelopes look much better than labels.
SLaks over 13 years

However, that's five years old.
MaQleod over 13 years

Was just about to post that. It is a bit old, printer models are out of date, but technology hasn't changed much since then. What it boils down to is that most inkjets will handle mild envelope printing, most these days will even have tray adjustments to allow it, but none will be ideal for the task.
Supercereal over 13 years

@SLaks, not much has changed with ink jets in 5 years. Wifi connectivity? Thats about it.
RSMoser over 13 years

A printer with a the option of a straight paper path would be a plus for printing envelopes.
Supercereal over 13 years

@RSMoser, good point.
Supercereal over 13 years

+1 great idea if possible on the printer.
BillN over 13 years

Many HP Laser printer pick up from the front when using the paper tray, causing the paper to make a 180 deg turn to go over the fuser, then another 180 deg turn to exit the printer on the top. Using the Manual feed tray, eliminates the first 180 turn, and opening the back eliminates the second. So the paper goes straight through. You may see a bit of curl due to heat, but you may be able to adjust the temps on the printer itself.
SLaks over 13 years

I have a Borther HL4040CN. I wasn't aware of this option; I'll try it. Thanks.
SLaks over 13 years

Unfortunately, my printer can't do this. welcome.solutions.brother.com/bsc/public_s/id/eu/eu_ot/en/… No face-up tray (no straight paper path).
SLaks over 13 years

I ended up getting a Canon MX870 (the sequel of the one recommended in that link), and it worked very well.