Final answer:
The component in a laser printer that applies heat and pressure to bond toner to paper is called the fuser, which contains heated pressure rollers to melt and adhere the toner to the paper fibers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of laser printers, the component that applies heat and pressure to bond toner to paper is known as the fuser. This is a critical stage in the printing process where after the toner is electrostatically attracted to the positively charged regions of the drum and transferred to the paper, the paper with the toner passes through the fuser unit.
The fuser unit comprises heated pressure rollers that melt and press the toner particles, permanently adhering them within the fibers of the paper, thus resulting in a sharp and smudge-free printout.