Impact Printer vs. Non Impact Printer — What's the Difference?

Impact printers, as the name suggests, function by making direct physical contact with the paper to produce an imprint. This category of printers, akin to traditional typewriters, employs mechanisms like pins or hammers to strike against a ribbon, transferring ink onto the paper. Dot matrix printers, which utilize a matrix of pins to create characters and images, are popular examples of impact printers.

Conversely, non-impact printers do not require direct mechanical contact with the paper. Instead, they deploy various technologies to deposit ink or another medium onto the paper's surface. These printers can often render high-resolution output, providing crisp and clear print quality suitable for a wide range of applications, from office documents to high-quality photos.

One notable advantage of impact printers is their ability to produce carbon copies by pressing through multi-layer forms. This feature is particularly useful in settings like billing, where multiple copies of a document are needed simultaneously. On the other hand, non-impact printers, like laser and inkjet printers, stand out for their ability to produce high-definition, detailed prints, often with vibrant color fidelity.

Noise is another distinguishing factor. Impact printers tend to be noisier due to their mechanical nature, generating a distinct sound when the pins or hammers strike the paper. Non-impact printers, however, operate much more quietly, making them preferable in quiet environments such as libraries or offices emphasizing a noise-free atmosphere.

The choice between impact and non-impact printers is largely contingent upon specific needs. For instance, a business requiring multi-part forms might opt for an impact printer, while a graphic design studio aiming for high-resolution color prints would likely gravitate towards a non-impact printer.