Dot Matrix Impact Printers

Dot-matrix impact printers have mechanical print heads that strike a printer ribbon to print a series of dots on paper. An impact printer can have between nine and 24 pins and offers a print quality ranging from 100 to 400 dots per inch (DPI). They are devices for printing text but they can produce basic ASCII and bitmap graphics. Usually inexpensive to run due to fewer electrical components and minimal mechanical parts, the dot matrix printer can print on multi-page forms, which other types of printer cannot. These printers can work in harsh environments and require very little user input, making them suitable for warehouses, laboratories and dusty environments. Finally, even 24-pin dot-matrix printers offer a cost-per-printed page equivalent to 10% of other printing methods, making them beneficial if you are operating on a tight budget or are looking to keep costs down.

Dot Matrix Impact Printers Offer a Cost-Effective Printing Solution

Dot-matrix printers have very few moving components and minimal electrical parts, reducing the need for ongoing maintenance and replacements. The replacement printer ribbons are also inexpensive and provide lubrication for moving parts. As a result, serial dot matrix printers have a cost per printed page roughly 10% of other printers. They are ideal for those operating on a shoestring budget or looking to minimize overheads like printing costs and save on office equipment.

Are Dot Matrix Impact Printers Suitable for Dusty and Humid Environments?

The lack of electrical components makes dot-matrix devices suitable for challenging environments. The lubrication provided by printer ribbons maintains the printers so they can be reliably used in environments with no air-conditioning and in extreme temperatures. They offer reliability in garages, warehouses, laboratories, stock rooms and industrial units, which are all environments where other printers struggle. The impact of the hammer striking the ribbon means that dot matrix impact printers are one of few printing technologies that print multi-part forms. A single pass reproduces the print on up to 10 copies of carbon paper.

Dot Matrix Printer Options

Serial dot matrix printers come with 9, 18 or 24-pin printer heads. A 24-pin dot-matrix printer provides the highest print quality and can produce near letter quality pages. A 9-pin model offers quicker print speeds and lower acquisition costs than 24-pin options. USB printers connect easily to a PC or network, and they offer plug-and-play capabilities for quick setup. Also, if you print in draft mode, there is no discernible difference in print quality and it can lower your cost per page. Measured in characters per second, speeds vary from 200 to 1,000 or more. You may also see print speed measured in inches per second. If you require higher quality prints, opt for a 24-pin dot matrix printer, but for the lowest cost per character and maximum speed, choose a 9-pin model. Additionally, 9-pin printers provide increased durability over those with more pins due to the larger size of individual components on the print heads.

Dot Matrix Printers

Dot Matrix Impact Printers Offer a Cost-Effective Printing Solution

Are Dot Matrix Impact Printers Suitable for Dusty and Humid Environments?

Dot Matrix Printer Options