Scribd
Upload
7 views3 pages

Week 7 - Impact Printers

Uploaded by

Dhruvi Soni
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views3 pages

Week 7 - Impact Printers

Uploaded by

Dhruvi Soni
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

PRINTERS

This is another type of output device. The output we get from a printer is called
hardcopy output.

Printers have two main categories:

1. Impact printers
2. Non-impact printers.

Impact Printers:

They are printers which make noise while printing. This means that, there is always
contact between the print heads and the paper which result into noise.

Examples of Impact printers;

i. Dot matrix printers.


ii. Daisy wheel

Non-Impact Printers

They are printers which does not make noise while printing.

Examples of non-impact printers

i. Laser Printers
ii. Ink Jet Printers
iii. Thermal Printers.
Dot Matrix Printer
The dot matrix printer is one of the oldest type
of printer and the first to become widely popular
for use at home and businesses alike. The
printing mechanism of a dot matrix printer is
very much similar to that of the traditional
typewriter. The head of the dot matrix printer
contains pins which strike the ink ribbon and
produce different kinds of patterns. Dot matrix
printer is a type of impact printer because it
involves mechanical impact on the paper while
printing.

Dot matrix printers often use continuous stationary: long,


continuous strips of paper (rather than separate sheets of A4 like
ink-jet and laser printers use).

After printing, the printout is torn off from the long strip.

Dot matrix printers are commonly used in banks, retail outlets, and
ATMs.
Advantages:

1. Dot matrix printers are cheap. They are also less expensive to maintain.
2. Dot matrix printers can be used to make carbon copies as they are impact printers.
3. Printing cost is very low. The ink ribbon of dot matrix printers is available very cheaply and
lasts for a long time.
4. Dot matrix printers are also very robust and will last for many years before requiring
replacement.
5. Unlike other printers, the ink of the dot matrix printer doesn’t become empty suddenly. The
print quality starts to gradually fade giving you ample time to replace the ink.
6. Dot matrix printers can be used in rough environments like industrial establishments.

Disadvantages:
1. The print quality of dot matrix printers is low. Though color printing is possible, the quality is
low as well. This makes dot matrix printers unsuitable for many kinds of printouts.
2. The printer creates a lot of noise when operating.
3. Dot matrix printers are slow in comparison to inkjet and laser printers.
4. Fixing paper jams is more tedious.
5. The printhead may get damaged due to bending of pins.

Dot matrix printers are the best option if you need heavy duty printing and want to keep the costs
low. However, if quality of printouts is essential, it is better to go for inkjet or laser printers.

You might also like