Difference Between Impact Printers and Non-Impact Printers

 Printer: This output device prints information on a sheet of paper. Printers are broadly categorized into two main types based on their printing mechanism: Impact Printers and Non-Impact Printers. The fundamental difference lies in how they create an image on paper.

Difference Between Impact and Non-Impact Printers

I. Impact Printers

Definition: Impact printers create an image by physically striking a print mechanism (like a hammer, pins, or characters) against an inked ribbon, which in turn presses the ink onto the paper. This process is similar to how a typewriter works.

Characteristics:

• Printing Mechanism: Involves direct physical contact between the printing element and the paper.
• Noise Level: Generally much noisier due to the mechanical striking action.
• Print Quality: Typically offers lower print quality and resolution (e.g., around 60 to 240 DPI), often producing character-based output rather than high-resolution graphics.
• Speed: Slower in comparison to non-impact printers, usually measured in characters per second (CPS) or lines per minute (LPM).
• Ink/Consumables: Use inked ribbons, which are generally less expensive than toner cartridges or liquid ink.
• Multipart Forms: Excellent at printing multipart forms (carbon copies) because the impact can transfer ink through multiple layers of paper simultaneously.
• Durability: Often more robust and durable, designed for heavy-duty printing in harsh environments.
• Cost: Generally have a lower initial purchase cost but can have higher per-page costs in the long run.
• Graphics Capability: Limited or no graphic printing capabilities, with dot matrix printers being an exception for basic graphics.
• Paper Type: Often use continuous feed paper (fan-fold).

• Technology: Utilize older, more traditional printing technologies.

Examples of Impact Printers:

• Dot Matrix Printers
• Daisy Wheel Printers
• Line Printers (e.g., Drum Printers, Chain Printers, Band Printers)

II. Non-Impact Printers

Definition: Non-impact printers produce an image on paper without any direct physical contact between the printing mechanism and the paper. They use various technologies like spraying ink, laser beams, or heat to transfer images.

Characteristics:

• Printing Mechanism: No physical contact. Instead, they use methods like spraying ink, heat, or electrostatic charges.
• Noise Level: Significantly quieter in operation as there are no mechanical striking parts.
• Print Quality: Offers much higher print quality and resolution (e.g., 600 DPI to 2400 DPI or higher), capable of producing sharp text, detailed graphics, and vibrant colors.
• Speed: Faster, especially for high-volume printing, measured in pages per minute (PPM).
• Ink/Consumables: Use ink cartridges (liquid ink) or toner cartridges (powdered ink), which can be more expensive than ribbons but often yield more pages.
• Multipart Forms: Cannot print multipart forms directly as there's no impact to transfer ink through layers.
• Durability: Generally less robust than impact printers due to more sensitive electronic components.
• Cost: Typically have a higher initial purchase cost but can have lower per-page costs, especially for laser printers.
• Graphics Capability: Excellent for printing high-resolution graphics, images, and various fonts and styles.
• Paper Type: Primarily use individual sheets of paper, offering more flexibility in media types.
• Technology: Utilize modern and advanced printing technologies.

Examples of Non-Impact Printers:

• Inkjet Printers
• Laser Printers
• Thermal Printers
• Dye-Sublimation Printers

Impact Printers vs Non-Impact Printers

Impact Printer	Non-Impact Printer
Physical striking of print element/ribbon	No physical contact (ink spray, laser, heat)
Noise Level: Loud	Noise Level: Quiet
Print Quality: Lower (dot-matrix, character-based)	Print Quality: Higher (sharp text, detailed graphics, vibrant colors)
Speed: Slower (CPS, LPM)	Speed: Faster (PPM)
Consumables: Inked Ribbons	Consumables: Ink Cartridges, Toner Cartridges
Multipart Forms: Yes, excellent for carbon copies	Multipart Forms: No (cannot print directly on multipart forms)
Durability: More robust, built for heavy use	Durability: Less robust, more sensitive components
Initial Cost: Generally lower	Initial Cost: Generally higher
Per-Page Cost: Can be higher in the long run	Per-Page Cost: Can be lower (especially laser)
Graphics: Limited/Poor (except basic dot matrix)	Graphics: Excellent for high-resolution graphics and photos
Paper Type: Often continuous feed (fan-fold)	Paper Type: Individual sheets (wider media flexibility)
Technology: Older, traditional	Technology: Modern, advanced
Common Use: Receipts, invoices, data logs, carbon copies	Common Use: Office documents, photos, high-quality graphics