A dot matrix is a pattern matrix used to display characters, symbols, and images in technology such as mobile phones and printers. Dot matrix printers use a print head that strikes an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper, creating characters and graphics. Unlike typewriters or daisy wheel printers, dot matrix printers can produce varied fonts and graphics. While considered outdated and expensive compared to inkjet and laser printers, dot matrix printers have the advantage of being able to print multiple copies of text at the same time with carbon copying.
FAQ
What is a Dot Matrix?
A dot matrix is a two-dimensional pattern matrix, used to represent characters, symbols, and images. Most types of modern technology use dot arrays to display information, including mobile phones, televisions, and printers. The system is also used in seamed, knitted, and woven textiles.
How does a Dot Matrix Printer work?
In a dot matrix printer, characters and letters are made up of a matrix of dots. A print head, which has many pins, moves in the required direction and strikes a cloth ribbon that is soaked in ink, leaving a mark on the paper. The dots are closely spaced in a particular shape to create the desired character. This closely resembles the printing mechanism of typewriters and daisy-wheel printers. However, dot matrix printers are different in that many different characters and graphics can be printed. A character printed by a DMP is actually an accumulation of many of these dots on a small area of the paper.
What is a Dot-Matrix Printer?
A dot-matrix printer or impact-matrix printer refers to a type of computer printer with a print head that moves back and forth across the page and prints by impact, striking a ribbon of ink-soaked cloth against the paper, like a typewriter. Unlike a typewriter or daisy wheel printer, letters are drawn from a dot matrix and thus varied fonts and arbitrary graphics can be produced. These printers are generally considered outdated as they are unable to create high-quality prints and are also expensive. However, they do have a certain specialty that other printers like inkjet and laser printers do not: as they use impact for printing, they can be used to print multiple copies of text at the same time with the help of carbon copying.
