Dot Matrix Printers: an Insight

Author: AngieKTurner | Posted: 29.05.2012

Records suggest that the printing business had begun as early as 14th century. During the period spanning from 1450-50 various printing workshops were held all over the globe leading to the evolution of those printers into the modern ones. Owing to the innovation and perfection spanning over centuries many types of printers such as the offset printers, inkjet printers, solid ink, dye sublimation printers, dot matrix printers and so on have been launched.

Dot matrix printer also known as the impact printer is a special type of computer printer, which uses the ink soaked cloth, ribbon technique to print numbers and alphabets on the paper. The technique used by these printers is very similar to that of the yester year typewriters. The ribbons of these printers move up and down and back and forth to create an image or writing on the paper. When viewed carefully, it can be seen that the letters and numbers that are printed on the paper are composed of tiny dots, hence the name dot matrix printer. The dots that are seen on the paper are produced by the help of tiny metallic rods or pins that is driven forward and backwards by an electromagnetic tape more precisely a solenoid. The moving portion is known as the print head.

This machine is very durable. But sometimes users have complained about facing certain problems. These problems usually arise when the ink invades the guide plate of the print head. Some other types of dot matrix printers are- LA180, LA120, LS120, LA34, LA38, LA12. Many of the leading manufacturers of these printers have used the color impact printing techniques through a multi color ribbon technique. But this technique was not widely accepted by all.

The USP of this printer is that they, like their contemporaries can make carbon copies. Also when the ink runs out while printing the writing usually fades instead of stopping suddenly which makes these printers worth a try.



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