Printers are devices that convert digital documents into physical copies. They are mainly classified into Impact Printers and Non-Impact Printers based on their working mechanism.
1. Impact Printers
Impact printers work by physically striking the paper to print characters. These are older technologies but are still used in some industries.
(a) Dot Matrix Printer
📌 Definition: A printer that prints by striking an ink-coated ribbon against the paper using tiny pins arranged in a matrix.
📌 Example: Used in banks for printing receipts.
(b) Daisy Wheel Printer
📌 Definition: A type of impact printer where a rotating wheel with pre-formed characters strikes the ribbon to produce text.
📌 Example: Used for high-quality letter printing in offices.
(c) Line Printer
📌 Definition: A high-speed impact printer that prints entire lines at once rather than character by character.
📌 Example: Used in industrial applications like bank statements.
(d) Drum Printer
📌 Definition: A printer that has a rotating drum with raised characters, which press against an ink ribbon to print on paper.
📌 Example: Used for bulk document printing.
2. Non-Impact Printers
Non-impact printers do not use mechanical impact to print. They are quieter and faster than impact printers.
(a) Inkjet Printer
📌 Definition: A printer that sprays tiny droplets of liquid ink directly onto the paper to create an image or text.
📌 Example: Used for home and office printing.
(b) Laser Printer
📌 Definition: A printer that uses laser beams and toner powder to produce high-quality prints.
📌 Example: Used in corporate offices for fast and sharp printing.
(c) Thermal Printer
📌 Definition: A printer that uses heat-sensitive paper and a heated print head to create images.
📌 Example: Used in billing machines and ATM receipts.
(d) 3D Printer
📌 Definition: A printer that creates three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer based on a digital model.
📌 Example: Used in manufacturing, medical, and design industries.
Comparison Table: Impact vs. Non-Impact Printers
Conclusion
Printers have evolved from impact to non-impact technology, making printing faster, quieter, and more efficient. The choice of a printer depends on cost, speed, and quality requirements.