What are dot and line matrix printers, how do they work, and what can they do for your organization? Today we'll answer all these questions and more by taking a closer look at two pieces of specialized equipment that might just change the way you look at printers forever.
A Crash Course in Dot & Line Matrix Printers
When it comes to specialized equipment, you may not know exactly what to expect. These machines tend to look like printers, and in many ways, they act like printers--but that's where the similarities stop. With specialized equipment like dot and line matrix printers, you'll have new processes to learn, new materials to work with, and new opportunities to explore--with a few familiar elements along the way.
Here's a crash course in dot and line matrix printers (and why it matters for your business).
Dot matrix printer
Dot matrix printers aren't a new technology, but that doesn't mean they're obsolete. This specialized equipment works by using small wire pins to tap an ink ribbon positioned over your paper. The resulting ink dots create your data in a continuous flow, made possible by an especially long type of paper that just keeps going--unlike traditional paper, which is limited to those pesky 8.5x11" dimensions.
Why use a dot matrix printer instead of your good old inkjet? Well, dot matrix printers can create multiple copies of a print at the same time through carbon copying. They're low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and perfect for compact spaces--plus, they're pretty cool.
Line matrix printer
Line matrix printers are all about speed. They can print up to 3,000 lines per minute--and in multiple languages, too. They're affordable, just like their dot matrix cousins, but they're also known for their high-speed, high-volume capabilities. These machines can last up to 10 years, all while working harder than just about any printer you've ever seen.
Which is best?
If you've just fallen in love with these two pieces of specialized equipment, you're not alone. To decide between dot and line matrix printers, consider these things:
- print volume
- print speed
- budget
- available space
- print environment
Conclusion
Goodbye, laser and inkjet--hello, dot and line matrix! These printers offer features and functions your regular old printer just can't match, and they do it all with a long list of impressive benefits. Adding specialized equipment to your fleet might just be the best printer decision you ever make.
Interested in dot & line matrix printers? Looking for other specialized equipment? Contact us today!
