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Dot matrix printing
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<p>Dot matrix printing, sometimes called impact matrix printing, is a <a href="/facts/Computer_printing/PnDF2QuF">computer printing</a> process in which ink is applied to a surface using a relatively low-resolution <a href="/facts/Dot_matrix/Bz3AbzYe">dot matrix</a> for layout. Dot matrix printers are a type of <a href="/facts/Printer_(computing)/PnDF2QuF">impact printer</a> that prints using a fixed number of pins or wires and typically use a print head that moves back and forth or in an up-and-down motion on the page and prints by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper. They were also known as serial dot matrix printers. Unlike <a href="/facts/Typewriter/CHE43FWP">typewriters</a> or <a href="/facts/Line_printer/QyWwtNBJ">line printers</a> that use a similar print mechanism, a dot matrix printer can print arbitrary patterns and not just specific characters. </p><p>The perceived quality of dot matrix printers depends on the vertical and horizontal resolution and the ability of the printer to overlap adjacent dots. 9-pin and 24-pin are common; this specifies the number of pins in a specific vertically aligned space. With 24-pin printers, the horizontal movement can slightly overlap dots, producing visually superior output (<a href="/facts/Near_letter-quality_printing/DsVls8os">near letter-quality</a> or NLQ), usually at the cost of speed. </p> <p>Dot matrix printing is typically distinguished from non-impact methods, such as <a href="/facts/Inkjet_printer/YWnIfRmG">inkjet</a>, <a href="/facts/Thermal_printer/Lc0I2XGJ">thermal</a>, or <a href="/facts/Laser_printing/fJ2GrUBj">laser printing</a>, which also use a <a href="/facts/Bitmap/Fr80ySnT">bitmap</a> to represent the printed work. These other technologies can support higher dot resolutions and print more quickly, with less noise. Unlike other technologies, impact printers can print on <a href="/facts/Multipart_stationery/MUvSDCpe">multi-part forms</a>, allowing multiple copies to be made simultaneously, often on paper of different colors. They can also employ endless printing using <a href="/facts/Continuous_paper/87DLrnRW">continuous paper</a> that is fanfolded and perforated so that pages can be easily torn from each other. </p>