International Paper - Direct Imaging Processes

International Paper
Knowledge Center
Magnetography
Magnetography is similar to ionography except that the drum that is used is magnetic. The electronic image is converted to a magnetic charge on the drum, which attracts a toner containing iron particles. The toners are very opaque so the process is best suited for spot colors rather than four color process printing, which requires transparent colors in order to work properly.
Magnetography is used for applications, which require variable imaging such as labels, business forms, direct mail pieces, tickets, and barcoding, which is the main product created with the process. Because the toners are so opaque, they are well suited for barcode printing, which requires a thick black colorant.
The print resolution is lower with magnetography than with some of the other processes, but the printing speed is very fast. Press speeds as high as 460 feet per minute can be attained.