Dot Matrix Printer

What does Dot Matrix Printer mean?

A dot matrix printer is a computer printer that creates images by striking pins against an inked Ribbon to transfer ink onto paper. The pins are arranged in a matrix, usually 9 or 24 pins wide, and can produce a range of characters and graphics by striking the corresponding pins at different locations. Dot matrix printers were popular in the early days of personal computing, but have since been largely replaced by laser and inkjet printers.

Dot matrix printers operate by using a print head containing a series of tiny pins, typically arranged in a rectangular Array. The print head is moved back and forth across the paper, and as it moves, the pins are selectively struck against an inked ribbon. This causes the ribbon to transfer ink onto the paper, creating a series of dots that form the desired image.

Dot matrix printers are capable of producing both text and graphics, although the resolution of the output is typically lower than that of laser or inkjet printers. However, dot matrix printers are often faster and more economical than other types of printers, making them a suitable choice for applications where speed and cost are more important than Print Quality.

Applications

Dot matrix printers are still used in a variety of applications today, including:

• Receipt printing: Dot matrix printers are commonly used in retail and hospitality businesses to print receipts. This is because they are fast, reliable, and able to produce clear, legible text on plain paper.
• Inventory tracking: Dot matrix printers are also used in warehouses and other inventory management applications. This is because they can easily print barcodes and other identifying marks on labels or tags.
• Data Logging: Dot matrix printers are sometimes used in data logging applications, where a continuous record of data is printed out for later analysis. This is because they are able to produce large volumes of output quickly and inexpensively.

History

The first dot matrix printer was invented in 1968 by Okidata. However, it was not until the early 1980s that dot matrix printers became widely adopted by personal computer users. At the time, dot matrix printers were the most affordable option for home and small business users, and they quickly became a standard feature in many offices.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, dot matrix printers began to be replaced by laser and inkjet printers. This was due to the fact that laser and inkjet printers offered higher print quality and resolution. However, dot matrix printers remained popular for many years in applications where speed and cost were more important than print quality.

Today, dot matrix printers are still used in a variety of applications where speed, reliability, and cost are important considerations. They are a particularly good choice for applications where large volumes of output are required, such as receipt printing and inventory tracking.