Citizen Printer

what is the difference between a laser jet Vs a dot matrix printer?

Public Comments

1. dot matrix is an impact printer that will print through 3 layers of paper like the original and 2 carbon copies at the same time you see them in pharmacies all the time laser jet makes the original and no copies
2. A laser printer uses a laser to electrostatically draw the "image" of what you are printing onto the drum. This is called "Rastering". Then toner, which is a black powder, is fed onto the drum and where there is an electrostatic charge, the powder sticks, and where there isn't, it falls off. Then the paper goes through a fixer which heats the powder and makes it permanent. A dot-matrix printer uses a print head with usually 9 or 24 pins which strike through an ink-ribbon to make a dot on the paper a bit like how an old typewriter did it. These printers are limited in the detail they can print and they are very noisy, but they can print through carbon paper to make multiple copies for receipts and invoices etc. Dot matrix printers used to be the only option for home users until inkjets became affordable. Now you'll only find them in certain specialized businesses.