Printers are considered one of the computer system’s most extensively used output devices. There are mainly two types of printers impact and non-impact.
Thermal printers fall in the category of non-impact, whereas Dot Matrix printer falls into the impact printers.
There are quite similarities and differences between thermal printers and Dot matrix printers.
What are Thermal Printers in Computer Systems
Thermal printers are the type of non-impact printers.
They use heat and pressure on the thermal paper for printing.
This thermal paper is coated with chemicals; when this chemical comes in contact with heat and pressure, it changes its color to form an image or text.
The majority of the thermal paper can print in black, which is the default color used.
The heat and pressure are applied to the paper with the help of a print head, which is pre-installed on the thermal printer.
This printer is extensively used and utilized in Small Shops, Shopping Malls, and ATMs.
These printers are inexpensive compared to dot matrix printers and comparatively faster in processing and delivering outputs.
They are compact in size and can easily be transported from one location to another and fit in our palm.
What are Dot Matrix Printers
The Dot Matrix printers are also called "Impact Printers."
The dot matrix printer can be attached to computers and laptops using a serial and USB cable.
The speed of the dot matrix printer is measured in CPS [Character Per Second].
It is capable of printing 50 to 500 characters per second.
Dot Matrix Printers use wire pins on the print head, and the instrument strikes the ink ribbon; the ink in the cartridge or toner is transferred onto paper in a series of dots or matrix forms.
They are slow in printing compared to other printers.
The quality of dot matrix printers depends upon the pin they manufacture; a low PIN indicates low-quality output, whereas a higher number of pins indicates good-quality of outputs.
These printers are extensively used where large numbers of printouts are needed regularly, for example, at Banks, Railway Ticket counters, etc.
The Dot Matrix printers use cartridges and toner for printing that can be replaced or refilled whenever needed.
They are also character printers as they print according to character-to-character fashion.
The memory used and utilized in the printer sends or transfers one character simultaneously in the form of dots to create an image.
Differences Between Thermal Printers and Dot Matrix Printers With Examples in Tabular Form
| # | Thermal Printers | Dot Matrix Printers |
| 1 | Thermal Printers are a non-impact type of printer. | The Dot Matrix printers are impact type of printers |
| 2 | Thermal Printers are inexpensive. | Dot Matrix printers are expensive compared to thermal printers. |
| 3 | Thermal Printers are noiseless. | Dot Matrix printers make noise while printing. |
| 4 | They do not require maintenance. | They require maintenance periodically. |
| 5 | Thermal Printers are compact in shape and size. | Dot Matrix printers are bigger than thermal printers. |
| 6 | They produce high-quality printouts. | They produce low-quality printouts compared to thermal printers. |
| 7 | They are designed and developed with new and updated technology. | They are old fashion printers built with old technology. |
| 8 | They have a fast printing speed. | They are slow to operate and print. |
| 9 | They have minimum moving parts. | They have more moving parts compared to thermal printers. |
| 10 | They are simple to use and operate. | Somewhat challenging to use and operate. |
| 11 | Thermal Paper is used. | Cartridges or Toners are used for printing. |
Differences Between Thermal Printers and Dot Matrix Printers With Image
Examples of Thermal Printers
- Brother VC-500W Label Maker.
- Munbyn Desktop Thermal Label Printer.
- Epson TM-T20II Direct Thermal Printer.
- Brother QL-1100 Wide Format.
- Zebra GK420d Direct Thermal Desktop Printer.
- Dymo LabelWriter 4XL.
- Dymo LabelWriter 450.
- Brother PT-P710BT.
Examples of Dot Matrix Printers
- EPSON LX-310 Single Function
- TVS MSP 250 STAR Single Function
- EPSON LQ-1310 Single Function
- TVS HD 250 Gold Single Function
- TVS MSP 345 Single Function
- TVS MSP 245 Single Function
7 Uses of Thermal Printers
- Small Shops.
- Shopping Malls.
- Departmental Stores.
- Buses.
- Restaurants.
- Medical Stores.
- ATMs.
7 Uses of Dot Matrix Printers
- Railways
- Banks
- Electricity Bills
- Regional Transport Office [R.T.O]
- Schools
- Colleges
- Universities
Is a Printer an Input or Output Device
Different Types of Printers
Different Printers With Their Uses in Tabular Form
| Sr.No | Printer Name | Uses |
| #1 | Laser | Laser printers are used in printing stationery, brochures, labels, leaflets |
| #2 | Dot-Matrix | The dot matrix printers are capable of printing multiple sheets at once. They are used in the billing section of offices and businesses. |
| #3 | Thermal Printers | They are used in railways reservations, restaurants, ATMs, credit card swipes, malls, etc. |
| #4 | Photo Printers | Photo Printers are used for printing photos and images in high quality and are used by professionals. |
| #5 | Inkjet Printers | Inkjet printers are used to produce printouts on a variety of objects such as Envelop, T-shirts, visiting cards, invitation cards, etc. |
Famous Printer Manufacturing Companies
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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] on Thermal Printers VS Dot Matrix Printers.
Which Ink is Used in Thermal Printers?
The thermal printer works with heat and pressure directly on the surface of heat-sensitive thermal paper.
Is Thermal Printing Better Than an Inkjet?
The thermal printer printouts are of high quality and color saturation compared to others.
Which is Better Thermal or Laser Printer?
Thermal printers are faster than a laser printers.
What are the 5 Types of Printing?
Surface Printing.
Screen Printing.
Rotary Screen.
Gravure Printing.
Digital Printing.
Who Invented the Printer?
Johannes Gutenberg
Which is the First Computer Printer?
The first electronic printer was the EP-101, designed and developed by EPSON.
Which Country Invented Printing?
Germany around 1440.
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