Dot-matrix printer

Dot-matrix printer is a type of computer printer that uses a print head that moves 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 the print mechanism on a typewriter. However, unlike a typewriter or daisy wheel printer, letters are drawn out of a dot matrix, and thus, varied fonts and arbitrary graphics can be produced.

History

Dot-matrix printers were introduced in the late 1970s as an advancement over fully mechanical and teletype machines. They became popular for their ability to produce both text and graphics using the same technology. The flexibility and durability of dot-matrix printers made them suitable for industrial and commercial applications where high-quality text and graphics printing was not the primary concern.

How It Works

A dot-matrix printer operates by having a print head run back and forth, or in an up and down motion, on the page and print by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper, similar to a typewriter. The print head can be thought of as containing several tiny pins or dots (hence the name "dot matrix"). These pins are pushed forward to strike the ribbon and the paper behind it, forming a character or an element of a graphic. The number of pins typically ranges from 9 to 24. The quality of the printout is determined by the number of pins: printers with more pins can produce a higher resolution output.

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the main advantages of dot-matrix printers is their durability and low cost of operation. They can handle multipart forms, making them ideal for printing invoices, receipts, and other carbonless forms. They are also capable of printing on continuous paper, making them suitable for data logging and similar applications.

However, dot-matrix printers are generally louder than other types of printers and produce lower resolution output, which makes them less suitable for applications requiring high-quality graphics or text. Additionally, the speed of dot-matrix printers is relatively slow compared to laser and inkjet printers.

Applications

Despite the rise of laser and inkjet printers, dot-matrix printers are still used in various applications where their specific advantages outweigh their limitations. These include:

• Point of sale systems
• ATM machines
• Industrial environments
• Back-office applications

Current Status

With the advancement of printing technology, the use of dot-matrix printers has declined significantly. However, they are still in use in niche markets and applications where their unique features are required.

See Also

• Printer (computing)
• Inkjet printer
• Laser printer
• Computer hardware

Dot-matrix printer Resources
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