Thread: Impact versus Non-impact

Dot matrix, daisy wheel, and line printers are classified as impact printers because they make contact with the paper when they print. These printers use a striking mechanism to bang an inked ribbon into the paper to create a character or graphics. Impact printers are typically slower and make noises, but they are better for continuous and multipart forms. Ink jet, thermal, and laser printers are non-impact printers. These printers do not make contact with the paper and use non-impact methods to produce a document.