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What is an Impact Printer?
Impact printers, also known as dot impact printers, are a type of printing device that uses a physical mechanism to transfer ink onto paper or other printing surfaces. Unlike modern inkjet or laser printers, which produce printed images by spraying ink or toner onto the surface, impact printers work by striking a ribbon or similar ink transfer mechanism against the paper, leaving behind an imprint.
How do Impact Printers Work?
Impact printers rely on the impact of a print head to create images on paper. The print head contains a matrix of tiny pins or hammers that strike against an inked ribbon, transferring ink onto the paper to form characters or images. The paper is typically pressed against a platen, a rubber roller or similar surface that provides support for the paper and allows for consistent image transfer.
Types of Impact Printers
There are several types of impact printers available, each with its own unique mechanism for creating printed output. The most common types include:
1. Dot Matrix Printer: A dot matrix printer is perhaps the best-known type of impact printer. It uses a matrix of pins to strike against an inked ribbon, forming dots on the paper that combine to create characters and images. Dot matrix printers offer relatively low-resolution printing but are known for their durability and ability to print on multipart forms.
2. Daisy Wheel Printer: A daisy wheel printer features a wheel or disk with pre-formed characters that stamp against an inked ribbon. The wheel rotates to position the desired character in front of the ribbon, and then a solenoid strikes the character against the paper. Daisy wheel printers were popular in the past for their high-quality output but have largely been replaced by other technologies.
3. Line Printer: Line printers are high-speed impact printers that print one line at a time. They employ a chain or band of characters that strike against an inked ribbon, producing a line of text or images. Line printers are commonly used in settings that require continuous, high-volume printing, such as mainframe computer systems.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Impact Printers
Advantages:
– Durability: Impact printers are typically more robust and well-suited for harsh environments compared to non-impact printers.
– Carbon Copies: Impact printers can easily create multiple copies of a document using multipart forms.
– Relatively Low Cost: Impact printers are often more affordable compared to modern non-impact printers.
Disadvantages:
– Noise: Impact printers tend to be noisy due to the physical impact of the print head against the paper.
– Limited Print Quality: The print quality of impact printers is generally lower compared to non-impact printers, especially for complex graphics or high-resolution images.
– Slower Speeds: Impact printers are generally slower in terms of printing speed compared to non-impact printers.
Conclusion
Impact printers, or dot impact printers, offer a different approach to printing by using physical impact to transfer ink onto paper. While they are not as widely used today as non-impact printers, they still have their advantages in terms of durability and ability to create carbon copies. Understanding the various types and characteristics of impact printers can help in determining their suitability for specific printing needs.
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