We all know that the dot matrix printer is today viewed as old, slow and noisy. However, these printers still find many applications, particularly where accuracy of financial records and transactions is paramount, such as printing multipart forms (e.g. invoices) so that there can be no electronic tampering with recorded data.

The modern dot matrix is fast, noisy (but not as bad as the older models), and expensive. A good dot matrix printer will cost many times that of an inkjet printer, and if you are serious, it could cost you four or five times that of an entry level laser printer.

Apart from the noise aspect, and the initial capital outlay, the dot matrix printer offers the cheapest form of printing on a per page basis.

With such an investment, it would be wise to care for it by ensuring that the following points are considered.

1.    Keep your printer clean, inside in particular, and outside as well.  Ordinary window cleaner is a good agent for cleaning the case of your machine, but if you are a busy person and don't find time to put your biro or felt tipped pen down before you remove paper from the machine, you will need methylated spirit or isopropyl alcohol to remove the pen marks (other solvents may damage the plastic). Never use furniture cleaning cloths or preparations for cleaning the case of the machine.  Tractor feed paper invariably leaves a lot of rubbish in your printer so be prepared to use a small vacuum cleaner to remove the paper fragments. Be careful not to damage any of the components of the machine as you do this.  In preparing for this operation, turn the printer off and remove the ribbon cassette. Next, remove any of the covers which can be taken off the machine. This will give you clearer access and allow you to move the printhead across the machine at will.  Use a lint free cloth to clean the metal slide on which the printhead is running. A couple of drops of light, non-gumming oil applied to the rod will ensure smooth running.

2.    Change the ribbon more often rather than less. Ribbons are very cheap when  compared to the cost of replacing the printhead.  WHY DO THIS?  The ink in the ribbon fabric is not just there to put black stuff on the paper.  It also provides lubrication for the writing pins (wires) which run in nylon guides. Ribbon fabric is very tough stuff but when it is dry, the action of the writing pins damages the fabric, releasing nylon dust and small pieces of the fibres. These collect in the guides and accelerate the wear on the guide and the writing pins and in worst cases, may cause a pin to jam. If it jams in the rest position there is no problem other than a missing line of dots in the printing.  If it should jam in the actuated position ( sticking out), it will snag in the ribbon fabric tearing it, and may also bend the pin, rendering it useless. The only solution then is to replace the printhead.

3.    Continuing with the ribbon saga - a ribbon with a good ink load will leave a distinctly dark print. A dry ribbon may still give a legible print, but it will be grey rather than black. (pale for other colours)  To check you ribbon, remove the cassette from the printer, hold the winding knob with one hand to prevent the ribbon feeding, and with the other hand grasp the ribbon fabric between thumb and forefinger and run it along the ribbon. It should leave a distinct ink mark on your fingers - if it does not - change it.  We too often see printers with ribbons actually shredded - very much false economy.  Look after your printer and it will serve you well for many years

4.     If you need advice on these printers, or their consumables, please call us on 03 6229 8511 or email us at lloyd@printertech.com.au or lorraine@printertech.com.au.

This page last updated on 14 June, 2006