Dot matrix may refer to any of the following:

  1. The term dot matrix refers to the use of dots to form an image. In a dot matrix image, the quality is determined by the number of dots per inch.

  2. Alternatively called a pin printer, dot matrix printers were first introduced by IBM in 1957. However, the first dot matrix impact printer was created by Centronics in 1970. Dot matrix printers use print heads to shoot ink or strike an ink ribbon to place hundreds to thousands of little dots to form text and images. Today, dot matrix printers are utilized far less than they used to be due to their low quality images and slow print speed compared to inkjet printers and laser printers. However, they still see a lot of use in certain sectors such as auto part stores and package delivery companies.

DPI, Fanfold paper, ImageWriter, Pin feed, Printer, Printer terms, Sheet feeder, Sound hood

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