Chk Chk Chk Whirrrrrrrr!! Sounds Familiar?

By Author: Kanika Gupta
Total Articles: 20
Comment this article

Ahh, Old Memories! For folks who thought Typewriter, it's also the sound of a Dot Matrix Printer. Did you know - in this era of technology where new is supposed to be the best, almost 40 year old dot matrix printer is still being used? In fact, a new dot matrix may actually cost more than some inkjets and lasers. Use of dot matrix printers is seen in day to day life, yes surprisingly even today. And no, I am not kidding. Here is a proof - Check your grocery receipts. I am sure you'll find one with an impact printing on it. Gotcha!!

Now you might be wondering, where else can you find impact printing. Some of the applications of dot matrix printers are:

Printing Multipart forms
Printing receipts at cash registers
ATM receipts
Point-Of-Sale (POS) Terminals
Real Time Data logging
Printing Labels
Printing Banners
Printing multiple copies or carbon copies
Library receipts

Why not use an inkjet or a laser printer for these applications, rather than the slow and noisy dot matrix printer? ...
... This is because dot matrix printers have few advantages over inkjets and lasers:

A single line is printed at a time making dot matrix an ideal printer for data logging and receipts. For receipts, you can print as much as you want and then tear the rest of the paper, thus saving that extra paper for the next print.
Dot matrix printers require continuous paper feed instead of single sheets. Printing on continuous paper is idle for data logging so as to keep a record of each entry.
Dot matrix printers have the lowest printing cost per page. They need only ink ribbons and paper supplies. These supplies are cheaper than the supplies for inkjet and laser printers. Moreover, ink ribbons do not dry easily and so do not need frequent replacements.
Dot matrix printer are robust and do not break easily. They can last for as long as 10-15 years, even in the hot and dirty operating environment found in various industrial settings.
As the printer runs out of ink, printing quality fades. It doesn't stops printing in between a job.
It is hard to tamper with impact printing since they leave an impression on the paper and whatever you do, original information is still visible.

Are you among the few who still use a dot matrix printer? Why? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment form.