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Printer classification

Printer classification based on their technology. Typical printer types are:

1. Dot matrix printer

2. Ink-jet printer

3. Laser printer

4. Thermal printer

Dot Matrix Printer

A dot matrix printer or impact matrix printer refers to a type of
computer printer with a print head that runs back and forth on the page
and prints by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the
paper, much like a typewriter.

Dot-matrix technology uses a series or matrix of pins to create printed
dots arranged to form characters on a piece of paper. The speed at
which a dot-matrix printer prints is measured in the number of
characters it can produce per second. Unlike a type-writer or daisy
wheel printer, letters are drawn out of a dot matrix, and thus, varied
fonts and arbitrary graphics can be produced. Because the printing
involves mechanical pressure, these printers can create carbon copies
and carbonless copies.

The print head mechanism pushes each pin into the ribbon, which then

strikes the paper. The original dot-matrix print heads had 7 pins, while newer,

letter-quality print heads use 24 pins to produce near letter quality
(NLQ) documents. Each pin is driven forward by the power of a tiny
electromagnet or solenoid, either directly or through small levers
(pawls).

Dot-matrix printers are called impact printers because the printing
mechanism physically strikes the page. The continual motion of the pins
through the print head creates a ton of heat, so avoid touching the
print head after printing a handful of pages or more. A hot print head
can give you a nasty burn.

Paper moves through a dot-matrix printer using a tractor-feed
mechanism. Spoked wheels located on each side of the paper feed
mechanism move the paper. The spokes on the outer edges of the wheels
fit into holes on the sides of specially designed continuous form
paper. As the wheels turn, they pull the paper through the printer.

Because impact printers physically strike the page, you can use them to
create multi part forms with ease.Many offices and government agencies
use them for that very reason. Although impact printers have been
replaced in most homes and offices by newer, sexier inkjet and laser
printers , they still retain a substantial portion of the market in
their niches.

Advantages:

1.They can print on multi-part stationary or make carbon copies

2. Low printing cost

3. They can bear environmental conditions.

4. Long life



Disadvantage

1. Noise

2. Low resolution

3. Very limiter Color performance

4. Low speed  

Thermal Printers:

Thermal printers use a thermal ribbon which is soaked with a wax type ink which is melted and then transferred to the paper.

In some thermal printers a thermo sensitive paper is necessary. In this
case the paper passes over a thermal head and the carbon coating turns
black in the heated areas. Thermal printers have low noise, low cast
while they are also compact. They are also known for their low printing
speed and high running cast.

Ink Jet Printers

Ink jet printers spray a very small amount of ink onto
the media. This is done by using a piezoelectric element. When voltage
are applied to the element, in bends and creates a pressure wave to
force out a drop of ink. Ink jet printers have low cast, compact size,
low noise. Their color printing quality is affordable. Some ink jet
printers may require special paper. Usually speed of ink jet printers is
slower than laser printers.

Laser Printers:

Laser printing is the most advance technology. In Laser
printing, a computer sends data to the printer. Printer translates this
data into printable image data. This kind of printers uses xerographic
principle. A laser beam discharges photo sensitive drum. A Latent Image
is created on drum, during development process toner is attracted to the
drum surface and then transferred to the paper.

Laser printing quality is high. These printers have low noise, high
speed while they are more expensive than ink jet or dot matrix printer
and they are generally large in size.