Explain the difference between an impact printer and a non-impact printer, giving an example of each.

### Why this is right The distinction is whether the printer makes a physical strike against the paper to transfer ink. A dot-matrix printer uses pins to strike an inked ribbon, while inkjet and laser printers create the image without striking the paper. ### The concept An **impact printer** makes marks by pressing or striking an inked ribbon against paper. In a **dot-matrix printer**, tiny pins strike the ribbon in selected patterns to build letters and images from dots. A **non-impact printer** creates marks without that physical striking action: an inkjet printer sprays small drops of ink onto the paper, while a laser printer uses toner to form the image. Both types can print text and images, but their printing mechanisms differ. | Type | How it prints | Example | |---|---|---| | Impact | Strikes an inked ribbon against paper | Dot-matrix printer | | Non-impact | Produces the image without striking the paper | Inkjet or laser printer | ### What a good answer covers - State that impact printing uses physical contact to transfer ink. - State that non-impact printing does not strike the paper. - Give a dot-matrix printer as an impact example. - Give an inkjet or laser printer as a non-impact example. ### Terms - **Impact printer**: A printer that makes marks by striking an inked ribbon against paper. - **Non-impact printer**: A printer that makes marks without striking the paper. - **Inked ribbon**: A strip carrying ink that transfers it to paper when struck. - **Dot-matrix printer**: An impact printer whose pins strike a ribbon to form characters and images from dots. - **Inkjet printer**: A non-impact printer that sprays tiny drops of ink onto paper. - **Laser printer**: A non-impact printer that uses a laser-created image and toner, a fine printing powder, to produce output. ### Remember Impact means the printer strikes a ribbon against the paper; non-impact means it prints without that strike.