If you need to print multi-part forms, you’ll want to make sure you have the right printer for the job.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a printer for this purpose, so here’s a guide to help you choose the most suitable printer for multi-part forms.
Top 10 Best Dot Matrix Printers
Dot Matrix Printers
Dot matrix printers are very similar to inkjet printers. They both use a moving head to print in a line-by-line motion. However, dot matrix printers are typically used for text printing while inkjet printers are used for photographic printing.
Dot matrix printers are different from inkjet printers because they use an impact ‘head and ribbon’ method to print. This is similar to how a traditional typewriter prints, by punching tiny holes through the ribbon and into the page.
Dot matrix printers are often seen as old-fashioned devices, but they can be very useful for invoicing and for creating multiple copies of packing/packing slips in a warehouse setting.
They can also print multiple sheets at the same time. Generally speaking, dot matrix printers are more reliable than laser or inkjet machines, especially when used in dirty environments such as warehouses or car garages. They are effective for printing on multi-part forms but create a lot of noise.
Whare are the Advantages of dot matrix printer?
The advantages of using a dot matrix printer:
- Has lower printing costs compared to a laser or inkjet printer.
- Can print on multi-part forms and make carbon copies.
- Reliable and durable in hot conditions and industrial environments.
- Low maintenance costs compared to other printers.
- They use paper continuously unlike other printers that need to be changed often.
- The printout gradually fades instead of stopping suddenly. This gives you plenty of time to change the ribbon.
What are the Disadvantages of dot matrix printer?
The disadvantages of using a dot matrix printer:
- Creates a lot of noise while the pins strike the ribbon on the paper.
- Limited print quality and color printing.
- Low printing speed since a character has to be created by multiple passes to print a line.
- Character sizes are limited by the resolution of the dot matrix.
Line Printers
Line printers are high-speed printing machines that print a line of text at a time. They were developed to print on punch cards.
But nowadays, they are mostly replaced by laser printers. However, they remain useful in some business applications because they’re low-cost and can print multi-part carbonless forms.
Line printers were once commonly used in data centers.
They print by having a belt of characters that rotates quickly, and a bar full of hammers that fire when the correct character is in front of the hammer.
These printers are very loud and rely on continuous-feed forms which are not widely available.
However, they are more durable than laser printers. They use fewer consumables, which means they’re also cheaper and better for the environment.
Laser printers are great for printing large volumes of documents, but they have a limited number of pages that can be printed in one day.
On the other hand, line printers are only limited by the number of hours in a day.
The price to purchase a Line printer will be more expensive than a laser printer, but they have lower operating costs and are more environmentally friendly.
Line printers are well-suited for places with a lot of dust, humidity, and high temperature.
If you’re looking for a printer that can handle a lot of printing and has a lot of long-term, durability, then you should consider using a line printer.
Daisy wheel printer
A daisy wheel printer is a type of printer that was popular in the 1970s. It prints by using keys that have letters, numbers, and symbols on them.
The printer became popular because it is fast and the printing looks good. But later, in the 1990s, people stopped using this type of printer.
Daisy-wheel printers first appeared in 1972 as a replacement for typewriters.
These printers were slower than the typewriters, but they produced prints that were just as good.
As technology advances, laser printers replaced daisy-wheel printers as the standard for fine printing. Of course, daisy wheel printers are also loud.
Factors to Consider when Purchasing a Dot-Matrix Printer
Dot matrix printers are practical and economical. They can help you save money on your printing costs.
But there are some things you should consider before buying one.
Print Head
Dot matrix printers have pins in a line that goes up and down. Most dot matrix printers today have either 9 pins or 24 pins.
The 24-pin printers create better quality prints, but they cost more.
You should compare the number of pins on different dot matrix printers to figure out the resolution of the printer.
The choice of printer will depend on what you want to use it for.
If you need more detailed printing, then you should choose a printer with more pins. This also affects how much the will equipment cost.
Print Quality
The higher the number of dots per inch (dpi), the better the print quality. This is expressed as a ratio.
However, don’t compare this with other types of printers, because it won’t tell you which one is better. 24-pin options are usually better quality than nine-pin models.
Print Speed
The speed of a printer is measured by how many characters it can process in one second.
The higher the number, the faster it can print. This is important to compare with other printers because it tells you how fast the printer prints.
The slowest printers are about 80 cps and the faster ones are around 1,000 cps or more.
Most people don’t need a printer that prints very fast, so 300 or 400 cps is good for home use.
Characters
The amount of time a tape lasts is measured by the number of characters that can be printed before the ink runs out.
Dot matrix printers are cheaper if the number of characters is low.
But if the number of characters is high, the printer will be more expensive.
You will save money in the long run if you find a printer with a good balance between price and character count.
Connection
Dot matrix printers can be connected to different systems that print invoices.
This is why you need to think about how your printer will be connected.
Will it be by USB cable or network cables?
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle is how many pages a printer can print each month without it degrading the quality of the print.
Lower-usage printers can print around 5,000 pages per month without it being a problem.
These are good for home offices or people who don’t print often.
Higher-end models can print up to 10,000 or 50,000 pages per month without any problems.
Paper
Dot Matrix printers can print different kinds of documents, including invoices and labels.
Some printers can print on A4-sized paper, while others print on smaller paper that is in rolls. Select the best paper size that is suitable for the information you want to print.
You should also think about how to reload the printer paper. Some printers use continuous paper, while others need to be reloaded by hand.
Ribbon
Dot matrix ribbons can last for a long time. Some ribbons are easier to replace than others. If you do not use the ribbon for a few weeks, you might have to replace it.
Auto Cutter
When looking for a dot matrix printer, find out if it has a tear bar or auto-cutter. An auto cutter can help save you time and make your work easier.
Durability
Dot matrix printers are known for their durability in busy work environments. Make sure to read reviews to see if the printer will be suitable for your workspace.
Energy Efficiency
Dot matrix printers are very tough machines that can run for a long time without stopping. It is important to consider a printer that uses less energy and less paper.
This will help the environment and also save you money in the long run.
Price and Budget
Dot matrix printers can cost anywhere between $300 to $600. However, they last longer than inkjet and laser printers and also don’t require as much maintenance.
You do not want to purchase a printer that is too expensive. You should think about how much you are willing to spend on a printer.
You also need to think about what you will use the printer for the most. If you need to print a lot of invoices, receipts, or spreadsheets, then you should consider a multifunctional printer.
Keep in mind that not all expensive printers are worth the money.
Final thoughts
Dot matrix printers are still in use today, but they are not the most common type of printer.
Inkjet and laser printers are much faster and quieter to operate.
However, they cannot print on multi-part forms as dot matrix printers can.
If you need to print multi-part forms, you will need to reload the forms more often because of the printer’s limited paper tray.