Line matrix printer
Encyclopedia
A line matrix printer is a computer printer
that is a compromise between a line printer and a dot matrix printer
. Basically, it prints a page-wide line of dots. It builds up a line of text by printing lines of dots.
line matrix printers can print text, bar codes and graphics. Line matrix printers were originally popularized by the mini-computer craze and continued its growth as a bar code printer
. Today they are sold in virtually every corner of the world and while they print as rapidly as lineprinters, they can print bar codes and other graphics as well. When implemented as impact printers, they can be the least expensive to operate per page.
They envisioned a new type of printer that would be faster, more reliable and less costly than the cumbersome character printers on the market at the time. The line matrix printing incorporated a unique shuttle-based technology that laid down a matrix of dots and print bar codes and graphics as well as the usual characters. Working out of a garage in Playa Del Ray, Calif., the Printronix team developed a revolutionary 300-line-per-minute (LPM) prototype line matrix printer in just 90 days. Printronix introduced this line matrix printer, called the P300 series, in 1974.
Speeds increased over the years with products from manufacturers Tally
, Genicom
who went on to become TallyGenicom
, and Printronix, Inc.
. In 1978 Printronix doubled line speed with the introduction of the P600. By 1998 Printronix pushed the speed to 1000 LPM. Tally introduced a 1800 LPM printer which used a newly invented dual hammerbank system where odd and even lines were printed by separate hammerbanks. Dual hammerbank machines however suffer from uneven performance and print quality, and the design was abandoned, replaced by a single hammerbank 1800 LPM model, the T6218. Ultimately In 2003, Printronix introduced a single hammerbank 2000 LPM printer which continues to be the fastest available.
In addition to speed enhancements, TallyGenicom
was also known for other important innovations, adding unique features to line matrix technology. The 'Stay Black' or 'Smart Ribbon' is one. TallyGenicom was a pioneer of cartridge ribbons, which offer longer life and are easier for users to manage than conventional spool ribbons. By adding a unique ink replenishment system based on a peristaltic pump mechanism, TallyGenicom
produced the first impact printers to offer consistent print quality.
The increasing importance of user productivity resulted in innovations such as 'Auto-Gap' where for the first time the print mechanism would measure paper thickness (as with dot matrix printers) and, rather than the user, set the gap. This maximized print quality for multi-part forms, eliminating user error. Improvements in reliability, resulted in the introduction of a shuttle mechanism with no wear parts, with 'Life Time' warranty.
In 2009, Printronix acquired the TallyGenicom brand and their line matrix technology. Printronix now owns the intellectual property and worldwide sales distribution rights for TallyGenicom line matrix and laser technologies, including printers, supplies and consumables. TallyGenicom AG retained all intellectual property and worldwide distribution rights for the TallyGenicom serial matrix, inkjet and thermal technologies, including printers and options, supplies and consumables. DASCOM will continue to resell TallyGenicom-branded line matrix and laser products purchased from Printronix, and Printronix will resell serial matrix products purchased from DASCOM.
Another example of one of these is the IBM 6400
Line Matrix Printer that uses continuous forms
.
A serial dot matrix printer is a type of computer printer with a print head that runs back and forth, or in an up and down motion, on the page and prints by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper, much like the print mechanism on a typewriter. However, unlike a typewriter or daisy wheel printer, letters are drawn out of a dot matrix, and thus, varied fonts and arbitrary graphics can be produced. Because the printing involves mechanical pressure, these printers can create carbon copies and carbonless copies.
Both line matrix and serial dot matrix printers, use pins to strike against the inked ribbon, making dots on the paper and forming the desired characters. The differences are that line matrix printers use a hammer bank (or print-shuttle) instead of print head, this print-shuttle has hammers instead of print wires, and these hammers are arranged in a horizontal row instead in vertical column. The hammer bank uses the same technology as the permanent magnet print head with the small difference that instead of print wires the print-shuttle has hammers.
The permanent magnetic field holds the hammer spring in stressed, ready to strike position. The driver sends electrical current to hammer coil, which then creates electromagnetic field opposite to the permanent magnetic field. When both fields equalize, the energy stored in the spring is released to strike the hammer against the ribbon and prints a dot on the paper.
During the printing process the print-shuttle vibrates in horizontal direction with high speed while the print hammers are fired selectively. Each hammer prints a series of dots in horizontal direction for one pass of the shuttle, then paper advances at one step and the shuttle prints the following row of dots
Line matrix printers are the preferred solutions for high-reliability, lowest total cost of ownership and environmental benefits. As price-performance leaders, line printers cost less to service and less to use. The fastest line matrix printers available on the market are the TallyGenicom 6600 and Printronix P7000 Cartridge Series with a claimed print speed of 2,000 lines per minute (LPM).
have been the popular choice, however line matrix printers have improved technological aspects and now claim to hold significant benefits over laser printers in terms of energy savings, cost per page, reliability in industrial environments and media flexibility (multipart forms, oversize media, peel off labels, cloth, or card stock). Every aspect of the line matrix printer is designed to deliver higher reliability, fast throughput, and greater resistance to rough handling and hazardous environmental conditions. The result is a product that provides a substantially lower cost over the life of the product. Industry today continues to use line matrix in the print production of mission critical business document production. These documents are critical to keeping the enterprise operation functioning. If these documents don’t print the business workflow stops.
Computer printer
In computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a text or graphics of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable or, in most new printers, a...
that is a compromise between a line printer and a dot matrix printer
Dot matrix printer
A dot matrix printer or impact matrix printer is a type of computer printer with a print head that runs back and forth, or in an up and down motion, on the page and prints by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper, much like the print mechanism on a typewriter...
. Basically, it prints a page-wide line of dots. It builds up a line of text by printing lines of dots.
Applications
Line matrix printers are used for high-speed printing applications in industries such as manufacturing, banking, supply chain and back office environments. In these high-volume printing industries, line matrix printers are used to produce invoices, bank statements, product shipment and transportation documentation as well as product compliance labels.line matrix printers can print text, bar codes and graphics. Line matrix printers were originally popularized by the mini-computer craze and continued its growth as a bar code printer
Barcode printer
A barcode printer is a computer peripheral for printing barcode labels or tags that can be attached to physical objects. Barcode printers are commonly used to label cartons before shipment, or to label retail items with UPCs or EANs....
. Today they are sold in virtually every corner of the world and while they print as rapidly as lineprinters, they can print bar codes and other graphics as well. When implemented as impact printers, they can be the least expensive to operate per page.
History
Robert A. Kleist and business partner Gordon Barrus created the line matrix printer in 1974, and founded Printronix Inc.Printronix
Printronix is an independent supplier of line matrix, Thermal Bar Code printer, radio frequency identification and mobility solutions. Printronix printers are typically used for bar code labeling of products, as well as high-volume printing of reports...
They envisioned a new type of printer that would be faster, more reliable and less costly than the cumbersome character printers on the market at the time. The line matrix printing incorporated a unique shuttle-based technology that laid down a matrix of dots and print bar codes and graphics as well as the usual characters. Working out of a garage in Playa Del Ray, Calif., the Printronix team developed a revolutionary 300-line-per-minute (LPM) prototype line matrix printer in just 90 days. Printronix introduced this line matrix printer, called the P300 series, in 1974.
Speeds increased over the years with products from manufacturers Tally
Tally
-Last name:* Lura S. Tally; a retired legislator from North Carolina* Thomas Lincoln Tally; operated the Electric Theater in Los Angeles* William Tally; an American engineer and former CTO of Saleen, Inc...
, Genicom
GENICOM
From 1982 to 2003, GENICOM was a leading American manufacturer of computer printers, based in Chantilly, Virginia.-The GE years:In 1954, General Electric decided to decentralize the company into separate business units...
who went on to become TallyGenicom
TallyGenicom
The TallyGenicom brand, acquired by Printronix in 2009, includes laser and line matrix printers, parts, consumables and service. Printronix now owns the intellectual property and worldwide sales distribution rights for TallyGenicom line matrix and laser technologies, including printers, supplies...
, and Printronix, Inc.
Printronix
Printronix is an independent supplier of line matrix, Thermal Bar Code printer, radio frequency identification and mobility solutions. Printronix printers are typically used for bar code labeling of products, as well as high-volume printing of reports...
. In 1978 Printronix doubled line speed with the introduction of the P600. By 1998 Printronix pushed the speed to 1000 LPM. Tally introduced a 1800 LPM printer which used a newly invented dual hammerbank system where odd and even lines were printed by separate hammerbanks. Dual hammerbank machines however suffer from uneven performance and print quality, and the design was abandoned, replaced by a single hammerbank 1800 LPM model, the T6218. Ultimately In 2003, Printronix introduced a single hammerbank 2000 LPM printer which continues to be the fastest available.
In addition to speed enhancements, TallyGenicom
TallyGenicom
The TallyGenicom brand, acquired by Printronix in 2009, includes laser and line matrix printers, parts, consumables and service. Printronix now owns the intellectual property and worldwide sales distribution rights for TallyGenicom line matrix and laser technologies, including printers, supplies...
was also known for other important innovations, adding unique features to line matrix technology. The 'Stay Black' or 'Smart Ribbon' is one. TallyGenicom was a pioneer of cartridge ribbons, which offer longer life and are easier for users to manage than conventional spool ribbons. By adding a unique ink replenishment system based on a peristaltic pump mechanism, TallyGenicom
TallyGenicom
The TallyGenicom brand, acquired by Printronix in 2009, includes laser and line matrix printers, parts, consumables and service. Printronix now owns the intellectual property and worldwide sales distribution rights for TallyGenicom line matrix and laser technologies, including printers, supplies...
produced the first impact printers to offer consistent print quality.
The increasing importance of user productivity resulted in innovations such as 'Auto-Gap' where for the first time the print mechanism would measure paper thickness (as with dot matrix printers) and, rather than the user, set the gap. This maximized print quality for multi-part forms, eliminating user error. Improvements in reliability, resulted in the introduction of a shuttle mechanism with no wear parts, with 'Life Time' warranty.
In 2009, Printronix acquired the TallyGenicom brand and their line matrix technology. Printronix now owns the intellectual property and worldwide sales distribution rights for TallyGenicom line matrix and laser technologies, including printers, supplies and consumables. TallyGenicom AG retained all intellectual property and worldwide distribution rights for the TallyGenicom serial matrix, inkjet and thermal technologies, including printers and options, supplies and consumables. DASCOM will continue to resell TallyGenicom-branded line matrix and laser products purchased from Printronix, and Printronix will resell serial matrix products purchased from DASCOM.
Another example of one of these is the IBM 6400
IBM 6400
The IBM 6400 family of line matrix printers are modern highspeed business computer printers introduced by IBM in 1995. These printers are designed for use on a variety IBM systems including mainframes, servers, and PCs....
Line Matrix Printer that uses continuous forms
Continuous stationery
Continuous stationery or Continuous form paper is paper which is designed for use with dot-matrix printers and line printers. Other names for continuous stationery include fan-fold paper, sprocket feed paper, burst paper, tractor-feed paper, and pin feed paper...
.
How It Works
Often considered the “backbone” of many industrial and back-office systems, there are several types of line matrix printers used today across diverse enterprise production environments including: manufacturing, supply chain, distribution & logistics, transportation, finance and banking. Dot matrix printers, also known also as impact printers, represent the oldest printing technology, are still widely used today, due to its lowest 'cost per page' ratio. Dot matrix printers are divided on two main groups: serial dot matrix printers and line matrix printers.A serial dot matrix printer is a type of computer printer with a print head that runs back and forth, or in an up and down motion, on the page and prints by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper, much like the print mechanism on a typewriter. However, unlike a typewriter or daisy wheel printer, letters are drawn out of a dot matrix, and thus, varied fonts and arbitrary graphics can be produced. Because the printing involves mechanical pressure, these printers can create carbon copies and carbonless copies.
Both line matrix and serial dot matrix printers, use pins to strike against the inked ribbon, making dots on the paper and forming the desired characters. The differences are that line matrix printers use a hammer bank (or print-shuttle) instead of print head, this print-shuttle has hammers instead of print wires, and these hammers are arranged in a horizontal row instead in vertical column. The hammer bank uses the same technology as the permanent magnet print head with the small difference that instead of print wires the print-shuttle has hammers.
The permanent magnetic field holds the hammer spring in stressed, ready to strike position. The driver sends electrical current to hammer coil, which then creates electromagnetic field opposite to the permanent magnetic field. When both fields equalize, the energy stored in the spring is released to strike the hammer against the ribbon and prints a dot on the paper.
During the printing process the print-shuttle vibrates in horizontal direction with high speed while the print hammers are fired selectively. Each hammer prints a series of dots in horizontal direction for one pass of the shuttle, then paper advances at one step and the shuttle prints the following row of dots
Line matrix printers are the preferred solutions for high-reliability, lowest total cost of ownership and environmental benefits. As price-performance leaders, line printers cost less to service and less to use. The fastest line matrix printers available on the market are the TallyGenicom 6600 and Printronix P7000 Cartridge Series with a claimed print speed of 2,000 lines per minute (LPM).
Line Matrix Printers versus Laser Printers
For years laserprintersLaser printer
A laser printer is a common type of computer printer that rapidly produces high quality text and graphics on plain paper. As with digital photocopiers and multifunction printers , laser printers employ a xerographic printing process, but differ from analog photocopiers in that the image is produced...
have been the popular choice, however line matrix printers have improved technological aspects and now claim to hold significant benefits over laser printers in terms of energy savings, cost per page, reliability in industrial environments and media flexibility (multipart forms, oversize media, peel off labels, cloth, or card stock). Every aspect of the line matrix printer is designed to deliver higher reliability, fast throughput, and greater resistance to rough handling and hazardous environmental conditions. The result is a product that provides a substantially lower cost over the life of the product. Industry today continues to use line matrix in the print production of mission critical business document production. These documents are critical to keeping the enterprise operation functioning. If these documents don’t print the business workflow stops.
Environmental Advantages
Many of the line matrix printers on the market today claim to have a more positive environmental impact than standard printers in the past. Several lines of printers, such as the Printronix P7000 cartridge series of line matrix printers are ENERGY STAR® qualified and provide 40 percent operational energy savings compared to laser printers. Line matrix printers can handle highly recycled paper stock, use cartridge ribbons which yield 30,000 printed pages before replacement and have printer hardware with much longer life cycles. Unlike laser printers which have been criticized for their environmental emissions, line matrix printers don’t emit harmful particulates into the workplace.Emerging Technology
Line matrix technology continues to advance based on the need to support modern IT environments. Examples of emerging technologies include:- Developing longer lasting ink cartridges.
- Integrating a “Plug and Print” solution.
- Adding new language support, expanded bar code symbologies and system interface enhancements
- Adding remote printing management systems.