When the page is arranged, the raster image processor (rip) takes the page data, either as a whole or piece by piece, and breaks it down into an array of tiny dots. Back in the early 90s, Hewlett packard realized that customers were put off by the $500+ price tag of Inkjet printers. When web-fed newspaper presses were introduced, varnishes were replaced as a vehicle by mineral oils. To complement these products, we offer state-of-the-art flip-chip and wire-bond semiconductor packaging services and a full range of electronic plating services.

For example, thermal bubble inkjets need ink that is stable at higher temperatures then piezoelectric printers. I don't know what it really costs to make an Inkjet printer (that's a trade secret, of course), but i do know that the wholesale price of the printer is awfully close to the manufacturer's total cost.

More about Micr Printer.   See also: Micr Ink and Blank Check Paper.