Dot-Matrix & Impact Printers
Dot-matrix and impact printers press pins through an inked ribbon to strike the paper, forming characters from dots. Because they physically strike the page, they can print multipart (carbonless) forms in a single pass — a capability no inkjet or laser has. They remain useful in logistics, finance, and industrial settings.
Last reviewed: October 2026
How the printing mechanism works
A printhead of small pins strikes an inked ribbon against the paper as it moves across the page, building characters and graphics from a grid of dots. The impact is what lets the pressure pass through multiple layered sheets at once.
Paper is typically pulled through by a tractor feed that grips sprocket holes along the edges of continuous forms.
Suitable tasks and limitations
They suit multipart forms (invoices, delivery notes), continuous-form printing, and harsh environments where durability matters. Carbonless copies in one pass are their signature strength.
Limitations are noise, lower resolution, and slower graphics; they are made for forms and text, not photos.
Setup and connection choices
Connections are often USB, serial, parallel, or network depending on the model and its age. Load continuous forms onto the tractor feed and set the paper thickness lever for the number of copies.
Set the correct form length and alignment so printing lands in the right place on pre-printed forms.
Paper, media, and consumable considerations
Use continuous tractor-feed forms or the media the model supports, including multipart carbonless sets within the rated number of parts. The ribbon is the main consumable.
Set the paper-thickness lever to match the form thickness so impact is firm enough for all copies without jamming.
Common problems and practical checks
Common issues are faint print (worn ribbon or wrong thickness setting), misalignment on forms, and tractor-feed jams. Replace the ribbon when print fades and set the thickness lever correctly.
For alignment, set the form length and top-of-form position; for feed jams, confirm the sprocket holes are seated and the forms are not binding.
Safe routine maintenance
Replace ribbons when faint, keep the platen and tractor feed clean, and let the printhead cool during very long runs, as heavy use heats it.
Follow the manual for printhead care and alignment. Avoid forcing jammed continuous forms; release the tractor feed and clear them gently.