Printer Types Lesson 007: Impact Printers

Impact Printers

One of the oldest types of printers that are still valued for their unique functionality in specialized settings.

What are impact printers also known as?

Dot Matrix Printers.

How does an impact printer print?

By using a mechanism to push a ribbon saturated with ink against the paper, creating marks or characters on the printout.

What is an impact printer similar to in basic concept?

A typewriter.

How does an impact printer use the ribbon inside?

By using small pins in the printhead to strike the ribbon in patterns that form characters or images.

What does the resolution of an impact printer depend on?

The number of pins it has and how densely arranged they are.

What does DPI stand for?

Dots Per Inch.

Dots per Inch

Level of measurement for the resolution of impact printers.

What does a high DPI result in concerning impact printers?

A higher print resolution.

What is the typical DPI of an impact printer?

100 to 240 DPI.

Why are impact printers still in use?

They work well with multi-part forms, where multiple copies of documents are necessary.

What industries commonly use impact printers?

Automotive repair, logistics, or healthcare.

What kind of paper are impact printers able to use?

Carbon copy paper.

For what use case is carbon copy paper most often seen?

When signing multiple copies of the same document at once.

What process do impact printers normally use?

A tractor-fed paper process.

What kind of paper is used in a tractor-fed paper process?

A continuous roll of paper with perforated edges and holes on the side.

What are the holes in the paper used in a tractor-fed paper process used for?

For connection to the tractor feed mechanism in an impact printer.

What does the tractor feed mechanism ensure in an impact printer using the tractor-fed paper process?

That it moves smoothly through the machine and stays aligned.

What does the tractor-fed paper process ensure?

Ensures that multiple copies of documents are perfectly aligned throughout the printing process.

Outside of use case, why do businesses continue to use impact printers?

They are durable and have a rugged, long-lasting reputation, and are capable of handling tough environments.

What is another reason impact printers are still popular today regarding maintenance?

They require less of it.

Why might using an impact printer be considered a good business decision, despite its higher upfront cost?

They cost less overtime to utilize and use ribbons, which are cheaper and last a long time.

What general environments are good to use an impact printer in?

High volume, low resolution printing.