Dot Matrix printer can be defined as a type of impact printer, that print images and text on substrate by striking presided pins. Actually, the printhead of dot matrix printers have a number of presized pins that first strike against ink-soaked ribbon, and then presses on substrate to form pattern.
Features of Dot Matrix Printers
Following are some incredible features of Dot Matrix Printers.
Best Impact Printing Mechanism
Dot Matrix Printer have the ability to produce multiple copies of same document due to having best impact printing mechanism. Because the printhead in this printer consists of many small tiny pins that create impression on substrate after taking enough ink from an ink-soaked ribbon by striking on it.
So, because of having very defined printing mechanism by using predefined and presided pins, this printer is highly used to produce multiple copies by using both carbon or carbonless paper.
Sharper and Detailed Print
Dot Matrix Printers produce prints of high quality and resolution because printhead creates text and image patterns by using grid or matrix of tiny dots. Usually, the matrix has dots in 5×7 or 9×9 patterns, and typically, has 9, 18, or 24 pins.
Moreover, the resolution and quality of printers depends on the number of pins used in matrix. More the number of pins in matrix, more the changes of getting near-letter quality output. This is the sole reason why 24-pin printer gives the best print.
Continuous Paper Handling
Dot Matrix Printers are best for continuous paper handlin, because the paper feed system in this printer consists of tractor feeds that have side perforations. These side perforations pull the paper continuously to keep the constant paper flow during whole printing process.This feature makes this printer suitable for high-volume printing environments by eliminating the need of constant paper replacement.
Simple and Reliable Printing Technology
Dot Matrix Printer works on simple electromechanical mechanism, in which only pins present in printhead move.So, during the printing job, not all the parts within the printing machine move. This reduces the chances of system breakage, requires only minimal maintenance. The dependence on simple mechanical mechanism makes these printers best for busy printing environments.
Economical and Durable
These printers are very economical because they use fabric ink ribbons.These ink ribbons are long-lasting and inexpensive and a single ribbon can provide enough ink for printing thousands of pages.Moreover, these printers are less sensitive to dust, humidity, and temperature. So, they are also best for industrial and commercial environments.
Track Audible Operations
Dot Matrix Printer is best to track smooth and continuously printing job in with its audio-creating feature. Although, noise always considers negative factor, but in terms of tracking operations in industrial noisy environments, this feature makes these printers to stand out among other printers such as laser and inkjet printer that perform printing job very quietly.
Types of Dot Matrix Printers
Dot Matrix Printers can be classified into different types based on the number of pins in printhead, and type of the printing method. Each type has its own unique features and use for specific tasks.
9-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
9-Pin Dot Matrix Printer can be defined as special type of printer whom printhead contains only 9 pins. These 9-pins arrange vertically in a single column and form charaters by arranging theselves in different combination patterns.
As, the resolution depends on the number of pins, so 9-pin dot matrix printer gives relatively low resolution as compared to 24-pin dot matrix printer. However, this printer is highly used in busy printin enviroments, where quality is not much critical factor, but high speed printing is required. This is the main reason why 9-pin dot matrix printer is highly used to print receipts, invoices, and shipping forms.
24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer can be defined as a type of dot matrix printer, that have 24 pins in printhead. All these 24-pins are vertically arranged in 2 columns with 12 pins in each. This type of dot matrix printer is often used to attain Near Letter Quality (NLQ) printing, because due to having 24-pins, this printer creates more finer and detailed characters and graphics. This is the sole reason why 24-pin dot matrix printer is used in banking and formal billing systems.
Serial Dot Matrix Printer
Serial Dot Matrix Printer can be defined as a printer that prints character one by one due to horizontal movement of printhead from left to right across the substrate.
