3.7 - Impact Printers

Question 1

Dot-matrix (impact) printers

Answer 1

• Print head with a small matrix of pins
  – Presses against a ribbon to make a mark on paper
• Good for carbon/multiple copies
• Low cost per page
• NOISY
• Poor graphics
• Relatively niche use cases

Question 2

Dot-matrix printer head

Answer 2

• Moves back and forth
  – Pins hit ribbon and paper
• One matrix - Must move across the page to print

Question 3

Printer ribbon

Answer 3

• Fabric
  – One long ribbon - Never ending circle
• Easy to replace - Once single unit
• Proprietary size - Specific to printer model

Question 4

Tractor feed

Answer 4

• Paper pulled through with holes on the side of the paper
  – Instead of using friction
• Continuous paper feed
  – Perforations between pages
• Holes have to line up perfectly
  – Tractor paper can be perforated to remove holes