what is dot matrix printer

 

A dot matrix printer is a piece of computer hardware that prints text and graphics by moving an entire grid of inked pins across a printing medium, usually paper. 

 

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The printing action is repeated per character (or other symbol), row, or column to produce the desired letter or symbol."

 

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What makes a dot matrix printer different from an inkjet or laser-based printer? Print speed is one difference. 

 

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Dot matrix printers are sometimes called impact printers since the print head moves with great force when it prints characters and images.

 

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Dot matrix printers are usually slower than inkjet or laser printers. 

 

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They can be made faster with the use of a narrow, high-speed screen that vibrates instead of moving to print. Another similarity between dot matrix and inkjet/laser printers is that both can have paper trays that store multiple sheets for printing.

 

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Dot matrix printers are often used with older computer operating systems such as DOS, CP/M and Microsoft Windows 1.0 and 1.1, as well as with older word processing programs such as WordStar 3.1 to produce hardcopy output for documentation or newsletters.

 

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Printing technology is based on the concept of a matrix. A dot matrix uses an array of pins or wires in place of the ink. Each pin can be independently switched on or off to create a pattern of dots, analogous to how ink is used in an inkjet/laser printer. 

 

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Multiple pins can also be set on or off at once by using a grid arrangement. The particular arrangement varies between printer manufacturers, but common arrangements include:

 

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The pins may either be pressed directly against the paper, with the pin below riding up and down as needed, or they may be raised up slightly above the paper and strike it when fired (an "upstrike" printer). 

 

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For "downstrike" printers, a rubber sheet may be attached to the pins to dampen shock.

 

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Printers also have a roll of paper fed in from the left or right. This is used for printing out longer documents with multiple pages, like manuals, newspapers or even books. In most dot matrix printers though, this capability is optional due to their lower speed and high cost compared to laser and inkjet printers.

 

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Dot matrix printers are typically not the best choice for science or engineering labs since they use low-quality printer inks and paper which tend to bleed through (particularly when printing graphs and high-contrast lines). However, they are still in use for many purposes, including printing business cards and brochures.

 

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Dot matrix printers were also widely used in early automated teller machines (ATMs), where the printer was often connected to a computer display. A cassette tape or floppy disk containing cash records was inserted into the printer and data was printed onto paper strips, allowing automated retrieval of the records to replenish cash drawers. 

 

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Many modern ATMs can print more directly on paper by using a laser printer and higher-quality inks.

 

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Dot matrix printers are also used in desktop publishing applications; their high speed is one of the main advantages over inkjet or laser printers.