Electrostatic printing is a printing technique done without any plate, ink or type form. The paper is coated with a thin layer of zinc oxide, making it an insulator in the dark and simultaneously a conductor of electricity when exposed to light.

These machines are used for printing of geographic maps. With the advancement in technology and higher speed, the machines are also being used to print small books. Electrostatic printers are used for short run printing as they are faster and also do not cost much.

Process
Electrostatic printing use a positively charged toner/inks that is attracted to paper which in turn is negatively charged. The paper is moved through a digital ink bath; positively charged particles in ink stick to the negative charge on the paper. The printers print in black and white or color as the case may be, and some handle paper up to six feet wide.

Application of Electrostatic Printing:
Electrostatic printers are widely used in different industries for short run printing. They are popular for photocopying jobs both black & white and colored. These printers are faster than inkjet printers

Some of the other popular types of printing techniques are: