Dot Matrix Printers

Dot matrix printers are impact printers: pins strike a ribbon against the paper. That mechanism is obsolete for ordinary documents and irreplaceable for one job — printing multi-part forms where the impact transfers through to carbon or carbonless copies underneath.

Why businesses still buy them

Laser and inkjet printers cannot produce a carbon copy, because nothing strikes the page. Delivery notes, despatch paperwork, weighbridge tickets, garage job cards and statutory forms that need a duplicate at the point of issue all still run on impact printers. They also handle continuous fanfold stationery and print on labels and thin card that would jam a laser.

Choosing between LQ, LX and FX

Epson's LX series is the entry point — 9-pin, fast, adequate for forms. The LQ series is 24-pin, giving noticeably better character quality where the document is read by a customer. The FX series is built for heavy continuous duty in industrial settings. Star Micronics models in this range are aimed at point of sale.

Carriage width and connection

Narrow carriage handles A4 and most forms; wide carriage takes 136-column continuous stationery and is what you need for landscape despatch notes. Check the interface before ordering — these printers are long-lived and the range spans USB, parallel and network-connected models.

Ribbons are consumable and model-specific. Budget for them, and buy them at the same time as the printer.

Trade pricing and business accounts are available for UK organisations, and bulk orders are welcome — request a quote.