1. Dot-matrix printer:
Dot-matrix printer is an impact printer that prints text and graphics on the paper by using tiny dots to form the shapes. It uses a set of metal pins known as print head to strike an inked printer ribbon and produce dots on the paper. These combinations of dots give the desired shape on the paper. Generally, they print with a speed of 50 to 500 characters per second as per the quality of the printing is desired. The quality of the print is determined by the number of pins used (varying from 9 to 24).
2. Line printers:
It is a high-speed printer capable of printing an entire line at one time. A fast line printer can print as many as 3,000 lines per minute. The disadvantages of line printers are that they cannot print graphics, the print quality is low, and they are very noisy.
3. Inkjet printers:
Ink-jet printers are non-impact line printers. The ink is stored in disposable ink cartridges, often a separate cartridge is used for each of the major colors. It prints by spraying small, electrically charged droplets of ink from nozzles through holes in a matrix at high speed onto paper. Ink-jet printers can print in and are noiseless and cheaper than a laser printer. However, they are slower and the print resolution is between 300 and -1200 dpi.
4. Laser printers:
The laser printer uses a laser to draw the image onto the printer’* drum, which carries an electric charge. The parts of the drum hold the electrical charge are able to pick up the dry powder type of ink, also called toner, from within the printer. This ink is then fused to the paper, using heat, as the paper rolls over the drum. After the document is printed, the electrical charge is removed from the drum and the excess toner is collected. Laser printers produce good quality prints with resolutions ranging from 300 dpi to 1200 dpi.
5. Thermal printers:
A thermal printer is a printer which uses heated elements to print. Direct thermal and thermal wax transfer are the two types of thermal printers. These printers are relatively efficient and quiet, and they come in a number of sizes and styles for different printing needs. A thermal printer has a print head containing many small resistive heating pins that on contact, melt wax-based ink onto ordinary paper or **** dots onto a specially coated paper.
