Dot matrix printer

dot matrix printer or impact matrix printer is a type of computer printer with a print head that runs back and forth, or in an up and down motion, on the page and prints by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper, much like a typewriter.

dot matrix printer

dot matrix printer

Advantages

  • Dot matrix printers make carbon-copies.
  • These printers have one of the lowest printing costs per page.
  • They are able to use continuous paper rather than requiring individual sheets, making them useful for data logging.
  • They are good, reliable workhorses ideal for use in situations where printed content is more important than quality.

Disadvantages

  • Impact printers are usually noisy.
  • They can only print low resolution graphics, with limited colour performance, limited quality and comparatively low speed.
  • Single-sheet paper usually has to be wound in and aligned by hand, which is relatively inconvenient and time-consuming.

dot matrix example text

dot matrix example text

Application

Applications where noise is not an issue and copies have to made, e.g. industrial environments
Dot Matrix Printers are perfect for heavy-duty applications and multi-part forms dedicated printing. 
Examples include Car sales, repair companies and manufacturing sites.

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