Printers
Printers are categorized into two main types: impact and
non-impact. Impact printers create an image by physically striking an
inked ribbon against the paper, while non-impact printers use various methods
like ink sprays, lasers, or heat to transfer the image without direct
contact. 
Impact Printers:
·        
Mechanism: Impact printers use a
print head that strikes an inked ribbon, pressing the ribbon against the paper
to create the desired characters or images. 
·        
Examples: Dot matrix
printers are a common type of impact printer. 
·        
Pros: Can create
carbon copies, relatively inexpensive. 
·        
Cons: Noisier,
lower print quality, limited graphics capabilities. 
Non-Impact Printers:
·        
Mechanism: Non-impact
printers do not use a striking mechanism. They utilize technologies like
inkjet (spraying ink droplets), laser (using a laser beam and toner), or
thermal (using heat) to transfer the image.
·        
Examples: Inkjet
printers, laser printers, thermal printers.
·        
Pros: Quieter,
faster, higher print quality, can handle complex graphics.
·        
Cons: More
expensive than impact printers.
Difference Between Impact and
Non-Impact Printers
| Parameters | Impact
  Printer | Non-Impact
  Printer | 
| Definition | Impact printers create
  pictures and figures by hitting a device such as a wheel or a print hammer
  against an inked ribbon. | Non-impact printers
  create figures and pictures without any connection between the printing
  device and the paper. | 
| Printing Execution or
  Mechanism | In impact printers,
  printing is executed by hammering a character dye or metal pin. | In non-impact printers,
  printing is executed by dropping ink on paper in any manner. | 
| Speed Of Printers | Impact printers are low
  in terms of speed. | Non-impact printers are
  comparatively fast in speed. They can print several pages in one minute. | 
| Noise Of Printers | They produce high-level
  noise as they have many moving parts. | They have a low level of
  noise. | 
| Printing Process | Impact printers generally
  utilize hammers, pins, or wheels to hit against an inked ribbon to print on
  paper. | Non-impact printers use a
  spray of ink, laser, or heat and pressure to execute their printing
  operation. | 
| Print Quality | The print quality of
  impact printers is lower. | The print quality of
  non-impact printers is higher. | 
| Printing Ink | When print head strikes,
  then they prefer special inked ribbons to produce print on paper. | They prefer cartridges or
  toner for printing on paper. | 
| Technology | They utilize traditional
  printing technologies. | They utilize contemporary
  printing technologies. | 
| Value | They are pretty
  affordable. | They are quite expensive
  as compared to impact printers. | 
| Paper Sheet Used | They prefer continuous
  paper sheets. | They prefer individual
  paper sheets. | 
| Graphic Images | Except Dot matrix
  printers, no other impact printers can print graphics images. | Printing graphical illustrations
  are possible in non-impact printers. | 
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