# CBM 4022 > serial matrix printer by Commodore International **Wikidata**: [Q1022982](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1022982) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cbm-4022 ## Summary The CBM 4022 is a serial matrix printer manufactured by Commodore International. It is classified as a printer model and a specific instance of the broader dot matrix printer class, which was a dominant impact printing technology from the 1970s through the 1990s. ## Key Facts - **Manufacturer:** Commodore International - **Instance Of:** printer model - **Subclass Of:** dot matrix printer - **Wikidata Description:** "serial matrix printer by Commodore International" - **Wikipedia Language:** German (de) - **Sitelink Count:** 1 - **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/122n5pwf - **Image:** Available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Cbm4022p-2.jpg ## FAQs **What type of printer is the CBM 4022?** The CBM 4022 is a serial matrix printer, a subtype of impact printer that forms characters and images by striking pins against an ink ribbon to create a matrix of dots on paper. **Who manufactured the CBM 4022?** It was produced by Commodore International, a company prominent in the personal computer and peripheral market during the 1980s. **How is the CBM 4022 classified in knowledge systems?** In structured data, it is an instance of a "printer model" and a subclass of the "dot matrix printer" class, which has a WordNet synset ID of 03230480-n and a UNSPSC code of 43212102. **Does the CBM 4022 have a dedicated encyclopedia entry?** Yes, it has a Wikipedia page in German, as indicated by its sitelink count and language metadata, and it is listed in the Google Knowledge Graph with ID /g/122n5pwf. ## Why It Matters As a member of the dot matrix printer class, the CBM 4022 represents a pivotal technology that enabled the democratization of business automation and personal computing in the late 20th century. Dot matrix printers were uniquely capable of producing multi-part forms on continuous-feed paper, a critical function for invoices, receipts, and logistics documentation that modern non-impact printers cannot replicate without specialized hardware. Their mechanical simplicity and robustness made them indispensable in warehouses, banks, and retail environments where reliability under harsh conditions was paramount. Although largely superseded by inkjet and laser printers for general use, the design principles of models like the CBM 4022 continue to influence niche printing applications requiring durability and low cost per page. ## Notable For - Being a product of Commodore International, a key innovator in the 1980s home computing revolution. - Its classification as a specific "printer model" within the historically significant dot matrix printer category. - Having documented presence in the German-language Wikipedia, suggesting regional market relevance or user base. - Its inclusion in the Google Knowledge Graph, indicating recognition as a distinct entity in structured knowledge systems. - Representing the "serial matrix" interface variant, which was a common connectivity method for early computer peripherals. ## Body ### Technical Classification and Identity The CBM 4022 is formally defined as an **instance of a printer model** and a **subclass of dot matrix printers**. This places it within a well-defined technological class characterized by impact printing. The dot matrix printer class operates by moving a print head horizontally across the page; inside the head, a series of pins strike an ink-soaked ribbon pressed against the paper, creating individual dots that combine to form text and graphics. This class was especially popular from the late 1970s through the early 1990s due to its reliability, low operating cost, and unique ability to print on multi-part forms. ### Manufacturer Context: Commodore International Commodore International, the manufacturer of the CBM 4022, was a dominant force in the personal computer industry during the 1980s, best known for the Commodore 64. The company produced a range of peripherals for its computer systems, and the CBM 4022 fits within this ecosystem as a dedicated output device. Commodore's involvement in the dot matrix market placed it alongside other major players like Epson and Apple, who also released models tailored for their respective computer platforms. ### Documentation and Knowledge Graph Presence The CBM 4022 has a measurable presence in structured knowledge bases. It has a **sitelink count of 1**, specifically pointing to a **German-language Wikipedia article**. Its Wikidata entry provides a concise description: "serial matrix printer by Commodore International." Furthermore, it is assigned a **Google Knowledge Graph ID of /g/122n5pwf**, which integrates it into Google's entity database for search and information retrieval. A photographic record of the device exists on Wikimedia Commons at the specified image path, providing visual documentation. ### Historical and Technological Context While the specific release date of the CBM 4022 is not provided in the source material, its classification as a "serial matrix printer" situates it firmly within the era of dot matrix dominance. The technology became commercially viable in the mid-1970s, with landmark models like the Epson MX-80 (introduced 1980) setting industry standards. Serial interface printers like the CBM 4022 used RS-232 connectivity, which was a common serial communication standard for early personal computers and business equipment, distinguishing them from parallel-port variants. ### Relationship to Other Dot Matrix Models The CBM 4022 is part of a family of dot matrix printers that includes several notable models from different manufacturers. The **Commodore MPS-801** (incepted 1984) and **MPS-1500C** were other Commodore-branded dot matrix printers. The **Epson MX-80** (1980) was a particularly influential model that helped popularize the technology. The **Apple Dot Matrix Printer**, manufactured by C. Itoh, was designed for Apple II systems. These models collectively represent the competitive landscape of the 1980s, each with variations in print head pin count (typically 9-pin for consumer models, up to 24-pin for higher resolution), character sets, and interface options. ### Legacy and Niche Persistence The dot matrix printer class, which includes the CBM 4022, has a lasting legacy due to its unmatched capability for multi-part form printing. This function relies on the physical impact of the print head, which transfers enough force through multiple layers of paper and carbon copies. This made the class irreplaceable for decades in sectors like banking (for passbook printing), logistics (for shipping manifests), and retail (for receipts). Although inkjet and laser printers offer superior text quality and quiet operation, dot matrix printers remain in use today in these niche applications because of their durability, tolerance for dusty environments, and low maintenance requirements. The CBM 4022, as a representative model, embodies these enduring mechanical strengths.