Dot-Matrix Printers
The dot-matrix printer is so named because it creates the appearance of fully formed characters from dots placed on the page.
The print mechanism of the dot-matrix printer is almost always an impact mechanism: A printhead containing 9–24 fine wires (called pins) arranged in one, two, or three columns is used along with a fabric ribbon, similar to typewriter technology. The wires are moved by an electromagnet at high speed against the ribbon to form dot patterns that form words, special characters, or graphics.
Dot-Matrix Printhead Types
The two major types of dot-matrix printheads are
A third type of dot-matrix printhead uses 18 pins and basically acts like a faster version of a 9-pin printhead.
To create a character, ...
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