# impact printer

> printer that places the printing to via the use of a ribbon to the paper

**Wikidata**: [Q1660218](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1660218)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/impact-printer

## Summary
An impact printer is a type of printer that transfers ink from a ribbon to paper using mechanical impact. Unlike non-impact printers, it physically strikes the ribbon against the paper to create marks, making it durable and reliable for high-volume printing tasks.

## Key Facts
- A subclass of the broader category of printers, specifically using a ribbon to transfer ink to paper via mechanical impact.
- Includes specialized types such as line printers and dot matrix impact printers.
- Known by the German alias "Anschlagdrucker."
- Categorized under impact printers in Wikimedia Commons and Wikipedia.
- Available in multiple language Wikipedia entries (e.g., German, Spanish, French).
- Recognized in knowledge graphs like Google’s and encyclopedic databases like Britannica.
- Used in museum cataloging under the nomenclature "10522."
- First documented in academic sources as "ComputerImpactPrinter" (KBpedia, 2020).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main difference between impact printers and non-impact printers?
A: Impact printers use a ribbon and mechanical force to transfer ink to paper, while non-impact printers (e.g., inkjet or laser) use heat, light, or nozzles to deposit ink without physical contact.

### Q: What types of impact printers exist?
A: Impact printers include line printers (printing full lines at once) and dot matrix impact printers (using a matrix of pins to form characters).

### Q: Are impact printers still used today?
A: While less common than modern printers, impact printers remain in use for specific applications requiring durability, such as industrial labeling or receipt printing.

### Q: How does an impact printer work?
A: An impact printer strikes a ribbon against paper, transferring ink through mechanical impact. For dot matrix printers, pins form characters by selectively striking the ribbon.

### Q: What materials are used in impact printers?
A: Impact printers typically use a ribbon (often thermal or wax-based) and paper, with some models supporting continuous or fanfold paper.

## Why It Matters
Impact printers were pivotal in early computing and office automation, offering reliability and durability for high-volume printing tasks. Their mechanical design made them resistant to power fluctuations and capable of printing on thick or carbon paper. While largely replaced by non-impact technologies, they remain relevant in niche applications where robustness is critical. Their historical significance lies in bridging the gap between manual typewriters and modern digital printing, demonstrating the evolution of printing technology.

## Notable For
- Pioneering high-volume printing in early computing environments.
- Supporting specialized paper types (e.g., carbon paper, receipt paper).
- Serving as a precursor to modern dot matrix printers.
- Used in early personal computers like the Apple ImageWriter.
- Recognized in museum cataloging and archival terminology databases.

## Body
### Design and Function
Impact printers operate by mechanically striking a ribbon against paper, transferring ink through physical contact. This method ensures durability and works reliably in environments with power fluctuations.

### Types and Variants
- **Line Printers**: Print entire lines of text at once, optimized for high-speed output.
- **Dot Matrix Impact Printers**: Use a matrix of pins to form characters, offering flexibility in print quality and paper types.

### Historical Context
Impact printers emerged in the mid-20th century, evolving from typewriter technology. They were integral to early computing systems, providing reliable printing for data processing and office use.

### Applications
- **Industrial Labeling**: Used for durable, high-volume printing on thick materials.
- **Receipt Printing**: Common in retail and banking due to their ability to print on continuous paper.
- **Early Computing**: Essential for early personal computers and mainframe systems.

### Legacy
While obsolete in consumer markets, impact printers remain in specialized roles, such as industrial and receipt printing. Their mechanical design ensures longevity in environments where reliability is paramount.

## References

1. KBpedia