Citizen Printer

what does the ribbon do on a printer?

it's for a computer class and I can't articulate it's definition.

Public Comments

1. dot matrix printer uses ribbon to print inkjet printer uses ink to print
2. Dot matrix printers have gone into the history books, like the typewriter. Another thing the have in common is they slammed type through a ribbon onto paper in order to make their mark. Your computer class is outdated.
3. ON a modern printer or an impact printer? On an impact printer (DOT martrx) the ribbon is the ink source. A hammer strikes the ribbon against the page creating your printer. On a modern printer the ribbon simply guides and provides connection to the cartridge cradle.