dot matrix printer

dot matrix printer

[′dät ¦mā·triks ′prin·tər]

(computer science)

A type of printer that forms each character as a group of small dots, using a group of wires located in the printing element. Also known as dot character printer.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

dot matrix printer

(hardware, printer)

A kind of printer with a vertical column of up to 48 small closely packed needles or "pins" each of which can be individually forced forward to press an ink ribbon against the paper. The print head is repeatedly scanned across the page and different combinations of needles activated at each point.

Dot matrix printers are noisy compared to non-impact printers.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

dot matrix printer

A printer that uses hammers and a ribbon to form images from dots. Used to print multipart forms and address labels, the tractor and sprocket mechanism in these devices handles thicker media better than laser and inkjet printers. Also known as a "serial dot matrix printer."

Hammers Hit the Ribbon
The dot matrix printer uses one or two columns of dot hammers that are moved across the paper. The hammers rapidly press the ribbon into the paper, which causes the ink to be deposited. The more hammers, the higher the resolution. For example, 9-pin heads produce draft quality text, while 24-pin heads produce typewriter quality output. Speeds range from 200 to 400 characters per second (cps), which is approximately 90 to 180 lines per minute (lpm). See line matrix printer.

Dot Matrix Printer

Long after the arrival of laser printers, dot matrix printers have been used to print continuous multipart forms and mailing labels. The tractor feed contains a sprocket that grabs the perforated holes at both sides of the form and pulls it through uniformly.

Dot Matrix Print Head

Dot matrix printers print columns of dots in a serial fashion. The more dot hammers (pins), the better looking the printed results. The print head can get very hot.

Dot Matrix Print Head

Dot matrix printers print columns of dots in a serial fashion. The more dot hammers (pins), the better looking the printed results. The print head can get very hot.

Fixed Character Spacing

Unlike laser and inkjet printers, which can create characters of any size, dot matrix printers have limited options.

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