Dot Matrix

The first dot matrix printer was marketed in 1957 by IBM. This type of printer is capable of graphics and text. The type of output on the printer was a low resolution and black and white. Later, as technology advances, the matrix needles become smaller and a higher resolution was achieved, but only up to 300 dpi or so.

Color was also incorporated by using a ribbon saturated with four primary color dyes: Black, blue, red, and yellow. An example ribbon is displayed to your left. As you know, the dot matrix printer transfers ink from ribbon to paper by direct contact. This method has certain drawbacks

As the printer used primary colors of the ribbons to mix other colors, there is direct contact between the ink and the ribbon to the paper. It contaminates the ribbons colors. This will eventually yield a poorer quality of print as usage of the ribbon continues.