dot matrix printer

hardware, printer A kind of printer with a vertical column

of up to 48 small closely packed needles or "pins" each of

which can be individually forced forward to press an ink

ribbon against the paper. The print head is repeatedly

scanned across the page and different combinations of needles

activated at each point.

Dot matrix printers are noisy compared to non-impactprinters.

[Other pin arrangements?]

(1995-03-14)