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A dot matrix printer is an impact printer that creates text and images by striking tiny pins against an inked ribbon, which transfers dots of ink onto the paper to form characters and graphics. The print head, containing a vertical array of pins (commonly 9 to 24), moves horizontally across the page, with the pins selectively firing to create a pattern of dots that forms each line of the output.

Key Components and How They Work

Print Head: This is the central component, featuring a set of wires or pins arranged in one or more vertical rows.

Ink Ribbon: A ribbon soaked in ink is placed between the print head and the paper.

Pins/Wires: Driven by electromagnets or solenoids, these pins are propelled forward to strike the ink ribbon.

Mechanism for Movement: The print head moves horizontally across the paper, while the paper feeds forward line by line.

Paper Feed: Sprockets that engage with holes in the paper advance the continuous paper to the next line of printing.

Logic and Control: Older printers used dedicated logic chips to control pin firing and character formatting, while more modern versions rely on microprocessors to interpret data and manage the printing process.