Impact vs. Non-Impact Printers
Impact printers are printers that create an image by physically striking the paper with a printhead. This mechanical action leaves a mark on the paper. Examples of impact printers include:
- Dot matrix printers: These printers use a matrix of pins to create dots on the paper, forming characters and images.
- Line printers: These printers print a whole line of text at once, using a rotating drum and print hammers.
Non-impact printers create an image without physically touching the paper. They use various technologies to form the image, such as inkjets, lasers, or thermal transfer. Examples of non-impact printers include:
- Inkjet printers: These printers use nozzles to spray tiny droplets of ink onto the paper.
- Laser printers: These printers use a laser beam to create an electrostatic charge on the paper, which attracts toner particles to form the image.
- Thermal printers: These printers use heat to create an image on heat-sensitive paper.
Key Differences:
Feature Impact Printer Non-Impact Printer Printing Mechanism Physical impact on paper No physical contact with paper Noise Level Louder Quieter Speed Generally slower Generally faster Print Quality Often lower Generally higher Cost Can be cheaper (for consumables) Can be more expensive (for consumables)
In summary, impact printers use mechanical force to create an image, while non-impact printers use other technologies. Non-impact printers generally offer higher print quality, quieter operation, and faster speeds, but they can be more expensive in terms of consumables. Impact printers are often used for applications where durability and low cost are more important than print quality, such as printing multipart forms or receipts.
Impact printers are printers that create an image by physically striking the paper with a printhead. This mechanical action leaves a mark on the paper. Examples of impact printers include:
- Dot matrix printers: These printers use a matrix of pins to create dots on the paper, forming characters and images.
- Line printers: These printers print a whole line of text at once, using a rotating drum and print hammers.
Non-impact printers create an image without physically touching the paper. They use various technologies to form the image, such as inkjets, lasers, or thermal transfer. Examples of non-impact printers include:
- Inkjet printers: These printers use nozzles to spray tiny droplets of ink onto the paper.
- Laser printers: These printers use a laser beam to create an electrostatic charge on the paper, which attracts toner particles to form the image.
- Thermal printers: These printers use heat to create an image on heat-sensitive paper.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Impact Printer | Non-Impact Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Mechanism | Physical impact on paper | No physical contact with paper |
| Noise Level | Louder | Quieter |
| Speed | Generally slower | Generally faster |
| Print Quality | Often lower | Generally higher |
| Cost | Can be cheaper (for consumables) | Can be more expensive (for consumables) |
In summary, impact printers use mechanical force to create an image, while non-impact printers use other technologies. Non-impact printers generally offer higher print quality, quieter operation, and faster speeds, but they can be more expensive in terms of consumables. Impact printers are often used for applications where durability and low cost are more important than print quality, such as printing multipart forms or receipts.
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