A method of printing documents by using a ink ribbon and a small matrix of 9-24 pins pressed against a paper to create images.
They are used for:
- Point Of Sale in receipts
Process
- Raster image is made from input
- Paper is put into the tractor feed
- Print head touches ink ribbon
- Print head pushes down to leave a mark on paper
Components
Tractor Feed
Special paper with holes a the side are fed into clips that will use those holes to drag the paper into the printer.
The holes can be removed after print.
Print Head
The matrix of pins used to print.
Draft quality: 9-pin
Near letter quality (NLQ): 24-pin
Ribbon
A circular fabric ribbon coated in ink.
These ribbons often come in a proprietary model.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good for making multiple copies at the same time | Loud printer |
| Low cost per page | Poor quality graphics |
| Low carbon usage |